In episode 229, Mike and James start a short podcast series based on the CMAJ article “Prevention and Treatment of the Common Cold: making sense of the evidence”. The article was written by Mike and Bruce Arroll and in this first episode we briefly discuss the basics of the common cold and then delve into the evidence for cold prevention. At the end, we realize there is very little that works and therefore we fall back on common sense recommendations and suggest hand washing and avoiding people with colds.

Show notes

1) Prevention and Treatment of the Common Cold: making sense of the evidence

CMAJ January 27, 2014cmaj.121442 

In episode 228, Mike and James deconstruct the most recent JNC 8 high blood pressure guidelines. We discuss what is good and bad and we debate the issues and what the changes might mean for practice. At the end we decide that it really isn’t a guideline but really a useful synopsis of the evidence around a number of key issues and questions that surround the management of elevated blood pressure.

Show notes

1) 2014 Evidence-Based Guideline for the Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults
Report From the Panel Members Appointed 
to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8)

JAMA December 18, 2013. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.284427

In episode 227, James and the Mikes finish off vaccines. We discuss why people do or don’t take vaccines, the evidence around the pneumococcal vaccine, the zoster vaccine and pertussis vaccine. Ironically, one of the Mike’s got the flu a few days after this podcast – life is amazing.

Show notes

1) Pneumococcal Vaccine

Cochrane 2013 – CD000422

CMAJ 2009;180:48-58

Lancet 1998;351:399–403

Cochrane 2010 – CD001390

2) Confusing Confidence intervals

3) Alberta medication costs

In episode 226, James and the Mikes continue on their merry way down influenza vaccine lane. We finish up by talking about its use in healthy adults and then look to the most recent information on its impact on cardiovascular disease. We give you all the numbers, now you go and make up your mind. 

Show notes

1) Meta-analysis of the influenza vaccine in healthy adults

Cochrane CD001269

2) Best RCT on influenza vaccine in Healthy Adults

JAMA 2000;284:1655-63

3) Does the influenza vaccine decrease cardiovascular events

JAMA 2013;310:1711-20