An acclaimed medical expert and patient advocate presents a revealing examination of widely used medical interventions that often do more harm than good, despite ongoing recommendations from many doctors. While modern medicine has made significant strides, allowing for the effective management of previously fatal illnesses like HIV and certain cancers, we still rely on outdated medical practices that can negatively impact our health. Common beliefs, such as the necessity of completing antibiotic courses, the effectiveness of sunscreens against UV rays, and the life-saving potential of all cancer screenings, are scrutinized for their scientific validity. In this transformative work, Dr. Paul A. Offit challenges 15 entrenched medical interventions, including vitamins, fever-reducing medications, and even more invasive procedures like heart stents and knee surgeries. He explores the origins of these practices, their biological shortcomings, and the medical culture that perpetuates them. By shedding light on these issues, Overkill empowers patients to advocate for their health. Through education, we can ask informed questions about the drugs and surgeries that are often promoted without sufficient evidence of their benefits.
