$Unique_ID{BRK01476}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Recommendations For Healthful Behavior}
$Subject{health news validity social problems healthful behavior valid medical
report reports healthy community problem behaviors }
$Volume{Q-23}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Recommendations For Healthful Behavior


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QUESTION:  Hardly a day goes by when there isn't some break through reported
on the news, and new recommendations for healthful behavior are offered.  Yet
if you try to follow along, the advice gets pretty confusing, and though I
want to do the best for my family and myself I certainly become more confused
as time goes on.  Can you tell me what I should be doing, and help straighten
me out?

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ANSWER:  In one form or another your question appears many times in each bag
of mail, so I think it is time I addressed the problem.  There is no question
that the results of some new research are astounding and exciting and make
great topics for discussion on the health segment that almost every news
program contains.  However a wise consumer of health information (and that
means all of us) must pay close attention to the report, and decide if the new
advice is based upon enough evidence to carry a convincing message for us.
Frequently the reports deal with investigations where there are but small
samples tested, perhaps only 10 to 15 people involved in the program.  While
such research may result in discovering important clues to health, much larger
studies are required before any conclusive decisions can be made.  Next,
consider if the research reveals conclusions important to you and your family.
If for example, it reports on new medications for diabetes, but there is no
history of that disease in your family, and the chances of anyone developing
the disease is slim, file that report away as "for information only" and don't
be concerned about making any changes in your present life style.  In most
cases, you will hear a lot of numbers, "percentages" used to highlight the new
conclusions.  Remember that medical care is only effective when it deals with
the uniqueness of the individual, and that even these new numbers may not
apply to you and your family.  Medical news is interesting, but should be
taken with a "grain of salt" (unless of course, you have a salt sensitive high
blood pressure!)

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.