HEALTHCARE: an explicit decision-making metric—the Smallest Worthwhile Difference (SWD)

Saturday, February 21, 2026

https://www.thefocalpoints.com/p/what-is-the-smallest-worthwhile-difference?publication_id=1119676&post_id=188707056&isFreemail=true&r=3snn7d&triedRedirect=true

What is the Smallest Worthwhile Difference in Cardiovascular Risk?
Novel measure tested for public acceptance of statin therapy
Peter A. McCullough, MD, MPH
Feb 21, 2026

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The investigators applied an explicit decision-making metric—the Smallest Worthwhile Difference (SWD)—defined as the minimum absolute risk reduction in ASCVD events that individuals consider sufficient to justify long-term statin use.

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I’m on a statin and have been for awhile.  Both my GP and cardio doc recommended it, back before the COVID craziness and I, along with a lot of people, lost confidence in Big Pharma and Big Medicine.  Of course, no one should ever have any trust in Gooferment politicians and bureaucrats.  During the interim after I started static, I’ve seen a lot of chatter about statins, side effects, and risks.  Makes me less confident in the therapy.  

BUT, (and there is always a BIG butt), I’ve gotten this far with their advice so I’ll stick with it.  Concerned but befuddled.

YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary!)

As Sharyl says: “Do Your Own Research. Make Up Your Own Mind. Think For Yourself.” — Sharyl Attkisson

If you’re wrong, at least you make your own decision with “informed consent”.

I trust my car to an “expert”; in the absence of evidence to the contrary, I guess I’ll trust my doctors.  For Now!

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HEALTH: Left-Handedness Into a Bad Thing?

Saturday, February 21, 2026

https://www.mentalfloss.com/language/hidden-bias-left-handedness-bad-thing

The Hidden Bias in Language That Turned Left-Handedness Into a Bad Thing: While the days of forcing left-handed children to use their right hands are mostly over, the bias against lefties continues in most languages around the world. The word “sinister” literally means “left.” From Latin roots to modern idioms, language has been quietly slandering lefties for centuries. (Mental Floss)

# – # – # – # – #

I was lefty before Katholick Skrule beat me out of it.

Wonder how that impacted me?

Too long ago to know much and all the folks in my family have long passed.

Time to invoke my “one year rule” —  Less than a year ago, admit mistakes may have been made; more than a year ago, it’s history, immutable, forget about it.

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