What do the Studies Show? Chuck Lehman, Any Lab Test Now
One day chocolate is bad for you - the next day it’s beneficial and everyone should include some in the regular diet. One day vitamin E supplements are great for the heart - the next day you see an article that says maybe not so much. You visit your doctor and he suggests you boost your good cholesterol, but later he’s not sure that’s such a good idea anymore. The list goes on and life is confusing. It seems that practically every week there’s another news report about a study contradicting some aspect of healthful living that was previously taken as gospel. It’s easy to get frustrated by these flipflops and it’s time to consider another perspective. Health studies that are conducted by MDs and PhDs are often initially interpreted by the news media that have far less experience and whose business it is to “sell the story”. The unfortunate tendency is to sensationalize things, thus boosting the page views and beating competition to the audience. With these thoughts in mind, it is paramount to not jump to conclusions and not believe everything based on the first report. Single studies seldom change medicine. Following the initial report, doctors and other experts start to interpret the findings and compare them to previous research. Studies involving medicine can often take years before meaningful data can be analyzed. This point is usually not reported in 60 -second news reports and the important facts get buried with the limits of the time line. As technology advances we can examine things in new ways. Planets are no longer planets (Pluto is no more) and bacteria rather than stress causes ulcers. What once took years to determine can sometimes be accomplished in months. Therefore, don’t view the “new science” as evidence of disarray and concern. Rather, welcome it and let it help refine the guidelines of what’s really impacting our health and wellness. In addition to scientific technology, we have access to fresh data via electronic technology with resources being available at the click of the mouse. Again, it can be overwhelming and we should not swallow every bit of information immediately just because it was on the internet. However, there are credible sources that can serve as our data base to reliable information. Numerous hospitals, including the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, Northwestern Memorial in Chicago and many others all have websites with unlimited information. Sites like www.webmd.com and www.pubmed.gov offer reliable data on virtually any health matter. Typically, these sites are loaded with documented studies that may be a bit technical, but have not been tainted with media opinions or converted to news stories. No matter what the concern, there is plenty of help available. Do your research and then consult a trusted physician. If you’re not satisfied with what you hear, you can seek a second opinion. You probably don’t purchase the first electronic device you look at so why do that with your health? It’s all about getting the facts before making a decision. So, what about some of those things that go from good to bad to good again? Butter IS high in saturated fat and WILL affect your cholesterol and is generally, NOT good for you. Even with more research butter probably won’t improve your health. Margarine that is trans fat-free is a better choice and even those are not created equal so check the label.
Personally, I like Vitamin Water. However, with over 32 grams of sugar in a 20 oz bottle it may not make sense to down a bottle right after a workout. I might as well grab a Snickers (only 30 grams of sugar) and 24 oz of cold tap water and enjoy that more. The tap water doesn’t have the added vitamins, but the sugar damage is slightly less with the candy bar. Did you hear about the recent report on coffee? Yep, now they say that drinking lots of coffee can reduce the risk of early death. Coffee drinkers had fewer strokes, less heart disease and were less likely to die from the complications of diabetes and respiratory failure, according to the study. It initially looks all positive for coffee, but again, you might want to dig a little deeper. Research does reveal new information every day and we need to keep up with it and adjust accordingly. Don’t believe everything you hear, read or see. News reports and advertising can be deceiving because marketing trumps it all. Just validate the studies to make sure they’re factual. Chuck Lehman is President and Co-Owner of Any Lab Test Now! Any Lab Test Now! offers a variety of affordable and confidential lab tests to Indiana consumers and businesses including general health and wellness panels, pregnancy, HIV/STD, drug, paternity and many more tests. For more information contact Mr. Lehman at (317) 574-9500.