Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy

Surveys Show Doctors, Patients with Opposing Views on Medical Misinformation

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
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KENILWORTH, N.J., Nov. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Two recent surveys from Merck Manuals offer competing views of the presence of medical misinformation online. In one recent poll conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of Merck Manuals among 2,044 U.S. adults, 44% of Americans believe there is more medical misinformation online and in social media now than in previous years. But in an opposing survey – a poll conducted by Merck Manuals of 263 physicians at the recent 2022 Family Medicine Experience (FMX) hosted by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) – nearly 98% of physicians said there was somewhat or significantly more medical misinformation online and in social media today than in previous years.

Key Points: 
  • KENILWORTH, N.J., Nov. 9, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Two recent surveys from Merck Manuals offer competing views of the presence of medical misinformation online.
  • The Merck Manuals is committed to giving physicians and the general public access to trustworthy medical information."
  • Nearly seven in 10 doctors (69%) surveyed at FMX said the availability of medical information means patients come in more frequently because they read about symptoms and/or treatments online.
  • In order to help patients, evaluate medical resources online, MerckManuals.com is now detailing one method known as STANDS:
    Source: Does the resource cite recognized authorities and provide their credentials?

Merck Manuals Shares Insights on Mental Health Challenges

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
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KENILWORTH, N.J., Sept. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly half of all adults will experience mental illness at some point during their lives. In a new editorial on MerckManuals.com, Michael B. First, MD, a psychiatrist at Columbia University, shares some of the signs, symptoms – but also phrases and thought processes – that may indicate a person is dealing with a mental health condition.

Key Points: 
  • First, MD, a psychiatrist at Columbia University, shares some of the signs, symptoms but also phrases and thought processes that may indicate a person is dealing with a mental health condition.
  • But doctors may diagnose mental health challenges based on factors including severity of symptoms, duration of symptoms and how much they affect the person's ability to function in daily life.
  • Individuals often do themselves a disservice by keeping mental health challenges to themselves and hoping they'll go away, says First.
  • First points out this is another phrase that could suggest an individual is attempting to live with a mental health problem, rather than seeking help.

Merck Manuals Shares Three Signs to Identify Appendicitis

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
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KENILWORTH, N.J., Aug. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Appendicitis is the most common cause of sudden, severe abdominal pain in the United States. It's most common in adolescents and individuals in their 20s, but overall, more than 5% of the population will develop the condition at some point in their lives. If left untreated, appendicitis can lead to a ruptured appendix, which is a life-threatening emergency.

Key Points: 
  • Ansari also shares three signs that he says patients and parents should watch for in differentiating appendicitis from other causes of stomach pain, such as food poisoning or indigestion.
  • Unlike other kinds of stomach pain, the intense discomfort caused by appendicitis almost always comes before nausea or vomiting.
  • If the pain lasts more than five or six hours, it's worth visiting a healthcare professional to rule out appendicitis.
  • The Manuals achieved that goal, and today its medical information is available in more than 241 countries and in 13 languages.

Season Four of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths Podcast Available Now

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
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KENILWORTH, N.J., July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck Manuals, one of the world's most widely used medical resources since 1899, today announced the release of the fourth season of Merck Manuals Medical Myths Podcast. Season four sets the record straight on a new batch of common medical myths and misconceptions through revealing conversations with leading physicians in their respective fields. The Medical Myths Podcast published 23 episodes in its previous three seasons and will add six more episodes in season four. These new episodes address a number of topics that are top of mind for today's medical consumers, from how best to prevent heat stroke to myths about how to best get a good night's sleep. The podcast is the latest offering in support of the Manuals' ongoing commitment to make the best current medical information accessible globally and in relevant formats.

Key Points: 
  • First episodes of new season separate fact from fiction on topics including sleep and dreams, heat stroke, hair loss, mental health and more
    KENILWORTH, N.J., July 13, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck Manuals, one of the world's most widely used medical resources since 1899, today announced the release of the fourth season of Merck Manuals Medical Myths Podcast.
  • The Medical Myths Podcast published 23 episodes in its previous three seasons and will add six more episodes in season four.
  • The podcast is the latest offering in support of the Manuals' ongoing commitment to make the best current medical information accessible globally and in relevant formats.
  • "Today's patients need access to trusted, reliable medical information more than ever," said Sandy Falk, MD, Merck Manuals Editor-in-Chief.

Merck Manuals Debunks Kidney Stone Myths

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, April 7, 2022
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KENILWORTH, N.J., April 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Kidney stones are becoming more common in recent decades. Today, one in 10 Americans will suffer from one at some point in their lives. Kidney stones are hard masses that form in the urinary tract and may cause pain, bleeding, infection, or block of the flow of urine. Given the extreme pain that often accompanies kidney stones, many people are worried about getting them. That's led to a lot of myths and misconceptions around kidney stones, what causes them, and how best to prevent them.

Key Points: 
  • That's led to a lot of myths and misconceptions around kidney stones, what causes them, and how best to prevent them.
  • In a new editorial on MerckManuals.com , Glenn M. Preminger, MD, Duke University Medical Center, identifies some of the most common myths surrounding kidney stones.
  • Size is only one factor in how painful and potentially dangerous a kidney stone can be.
  • Myth #5 Iced tea causes kidney stones, and cranberry juice prevents them
    Many people believe certain beverages increase the chances of developing kidney stones.

Merck Manuals Shares Advice to Overcome Trouble Sleeping

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
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He also shares five strategies to overcome trouble sleeping.

Key Points: 
  • He also shares five strategies to overcome trouble sleeping.
  • Here's a good rule of thumb: If you're consistently using an alarm to wake up, you're probably not getting enough sleep.
  • Read more in Dr. Schwab's editorial, Combatting Sleeplessness: Five Ways to Overcome Trouble Sleeping, on MerckManuals.com .
  • The Manuals achieved that goal, and today its medical information is available in more than 241 counties and in nearly a dozen languages.

5 Key Facts About Ringing in the Ears that People Should Know

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
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While the ringing is commonly temporary and resolves itself, there are forms of tinnitus that can be long-lasting and signal underlying health conditions that require treatment.

Key Points: 
  • While the ringing is commonly temporary and resolves itself, there are forms of tinnitus that can be long-lasting and signal underlying health conditions that require treatment.
  • It can originate from multiple places in the body including the ear or brain itself and along the pathway between the ear and brain.
  • The noise doesn't have to be ringing or buzzing; it can also be a roaring, whistling or hissing sound.
  • Temporary tinnitus that is equal in both ears and dissipates after a few seconds is no cause for concern.

Merck Manuals Shares What Patients and Loved Ones Need to Know About Eating Disorders

Retrieved on: 
Monday, December 13, 2021
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Individuals who will struggle with eating disorders can be any age and any gender.

Key Points: 
  • Individuals who will struggle with eating disorders can be any age and any gender.
  • In a new editorial on MerckManuals.com , Evelyn Attia, MD, Columbia University Medical Center, shares what people should know about eating disorders, including where to turn for help and how family can lend support.
  • There's an old misconception that parents and families somehow play a role in children developing eating disorders.
  • People must understand that eating disorders are serious conditions that need to be addressed and treated.

Merck Manuals Survey: More Than Two Thirds of Americans Often Hear Conflicting Medical Information from Family and Friends

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 7, 2021
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More than two-thirds of Americans (68%) say they often hear conflicting medical information from family and friends.

Key Points: 
  • More than two-thirds of Americans (68%) say they often hear conflicting medical information from family and friends.
  • Over three in five Americans (64%) get confused because medical information is constantly changing.
  • 58% of Americans say they get more medical information online than from their doctors.
  • 58% of Americans say they are overwhelmed by the amount of medical information out there currently.

MerckManuals.com Offers Key Takeaways on What We Have Learned about Telemedicine from the Pandemic

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 20, 2021
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A recurring point made in the expanded essay is that with all healthcare visits, preparation is critical to making them productive.

Key Points: 
  • A recurring point made in the expanded essay is that with all healthcare visits, preparation is critical to making them productive.
  • "The rise of telehealth has transformed the healthcare arena," said Michael R. Wasserman, M.D., Merck Manuals editorial board member and contributor of the new content related to telemedicine.
  • "While there may be no substitute for an in-person office visit with a clinician, telemedicine clearly serves as a beneficial supplement to traditional patient care."
  • Takeaways about what the pandemic has taught us about telemedicine follow.