Ever gotten the flu shot, then caught the flu? Know someone who refused to vaccinate her kids, fearing it causes autism? Heard accusations of doctors of over-prescribing to get pharmaceutical kick-backs? Are any of these concerns valid? How can you know whose advice to listen to when it comes to your family’s health?

 Recently, a friend sent me a link to an online Jewish publication that vilified the use of statin medications in lowering cholesterol, advocating replacing them with exercise and alternative treatments. The author told the story of a patient who became paralyzed after taking a statin, concluding that the medication caused the condition. He argued his point using misinformation, partial truths, conspiracy theories, and misunderstood physiology.