Media's Claims To Health Benefits/Detriments (598 hits)
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Submitted by miss berry (View user info) at 2007-05-31 14:18:19 EDT
You have to love the media. You have no other option. No, seriously. You might as well laugh about some of the stuff they come up with. Don't you love it how they're always telling us what to do? I'm a highly reactant person, so really, it just makes me more defiant. I digress.
You've all seen the newspaper articles and the news reports on TV that try and tell you that consuming a large quantity of a certain mineral will make you live longer, be smarter, and have a bigger dick. Whatever. Then there's the flip side of the coin: "Don't eat beef because you will get mad cow disease," or "Studies show that carrots will make your whole body turn to cancer."
When you read things like this, do you act accordingly if you like the beneficial outcome? Ya fuckin' sheep. (I'm kidding, but really I want to know if people bother to do additional research before they follow the media's advice - what do other studies say besides the one you've heard of?)
Ok so here is some of the top news stories reported this week:
"Natural compound in grapes, tea and cocoa helps boost memory"
"The Panic Over Power Lines: Are they cancer causing?" - The first few lines read: "A recent study out of Switzerland indicates there might be an increased risk of certain blood cancers in people with prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields, like those generated from high-voltage power lines. If you live in a house near one of these high-voltage power lines, a study like this one might make you wonder whether you should move."
"Pregnancy Hormone Helps Brain Injuries" - So we're all supposed to go get knocked up to settle our "brain injuries"?
"TV can be bad for diabetic children"
"Surgery for women born without vaginas: Italian doctor builds new, more natural vagina"
This last one isn't related, but I thought some of you Fleshlight Hounds might enjoy it. I'm providing a link for this last one because I know you think I'm making that up.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Health/Cosmetic/wireStory?id=3227107
Some of these stories will invariably attract attention from those to whom they apply most. For example, if you have a diabetic child, you might be inclined to read that article above and do subsequent research.
And then come the people that delve completely into unsubstantiated claims head first, cannot stop themselves, find information that only suits their needs and create a shitty web page on Geocities to let the whole. world. know.
Here's a little background info: My Aunt was diagnosed with MS several years ago at a very young age. I am a dork and thoroughly enjoy doing research. So I was looking into the topic.
As I think we can all agree, there are some things on the internet that you can find that are, shall we say, "less than scholarly." I don't think I need to supply examples here (but really, if you're a researcher, you know what I'm talking about). Needless to say, I came across one such page that directly relates to the news media topic covered above (you have to wait for me for awhile to circle back to the topic).
Now, Uber...Do we need to have a discussion before I throw out the link? Please behave yourselves and don't berate the people at this site. We don't need another GrowingFamily disaster.
http://www.aspartamekills.com
It is a hilarious site. Hilarious. You will see what I mean when you read the first line on this page (at the bottom of the post is a banner Aspartamekills (AK) has on their site). But let's be honest, ok? There are plenty of unscholarly websites out there; but I'd say that about 70% of them at least attempt to look like they're scholarly. AK is not one of those sites.
The authors of this site believe that aspartame (used as an artificial sweetener - in NutraSweet, diet sodas and the like) is killing millions of people world wide every year. I'm not saying they're wrong. I'm saying there is no substantiated evidence to back up their claims.
They go as far as to say that those who "run" the NutraSweet Company should be charged with murder, and compare such higher-ups of this company to Hitler. They have a link advertising "President Clinton enjoying his favorite mind-destroying drink" (presumably drinking a diet soda).
They question "Does Michael J. Fox really have Parkinson's or is his nerve damage from many years of consuming diet soda and other aspartame laced products?" Below this, they beg Michael J. Fox to email them.
When does all the hype about consumer goods stop? It seems like if you create a food or beverage, many people may enjoy it. Then people do "studies" on it and tear it to shreds. Some may say the product is good for you - that it makes your vision better, while others will insist that their study showed that you will have cancer in four days if you don't pass it onto at least 20 people within the next hour.
Do you ignore it? Do you listen to it?
Pretty soon they will be saying "consuming cum can result in adverse side effects - women should never swallow!" But that, my friends, is a risk I'm willing to take.
User Reviews
Submitted by BranDo (user info) at 2007-06-01 05:43:37 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
Your period called to say it went to spot Nessie.
Submitted by Kracka (user info) at 2007-05-31 20:22:26 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by JonnyX (user info) at 2007-05-31 18:55:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
bionic vaginas
Submitted by Adamdidit2u (user info) at 2007-05-31 17:44:48 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
It's like the whole flax seed oil / omega-3 fatty acid thing. You can find a dearth of sites with quotes by doctors and professionals telling you how it will cure your cancer add 200 years to your life, fix your vision, make your dick grow 17 inches and make all you lose weight by only eating ice-cream sammiches; but if you try and find a substantiated claim based on peer-reviewed scientific research you'll find that the results are negligable.
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-05-31 16:46:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
It looks like a chink and pikachu got together.
It doesn't look like a happy face.
It looks like a "I'm not happy or sad. I am in in-between mode."
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2007-05-31 16:36:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
The media caters to the LCD.
I don't mean that to sound like a snob, but really.
Submitted by Amontillado (user info) at 2007-05-31 16:29:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
My mom's best friend got pregnant and it gave her a brain tumor.
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2007-05-31 16:23:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You don't like my happy face emoticon? :(
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-05-31 16:15:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I don't like your little man emoticon dude that you put everywhere. It makes me very crabby.
If I was in a crisis situation where I thought I could possibly be pregnant, I wouldn't say so on Uber. So, no, I'm not expecting (or even suspect I am expecting).
And I don't have a girlfriend. It was a joke.
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2007-05-31 16:10:07 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Well I was wondering about pregnant, given your "period" comment. But then it's really not any of my business or anyone else's on here, so don't feel obliged to answer.
Besides, I already know the answer to the first part of your question. ^_^
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-05-31 16:07:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Am I what?
Am I gay or pregnant or what are you asking?
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2007-05-31 16:03:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-05-31 15:45:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Fine.
I apologize.
I need to get my period. Anyone know where it went? I've been looking for it for weeks.
---------------
Apology accepted. :) Accept mine too - it was a pretty tasteless joke.
So are you...? Wow.
Submitted by darko (user info) at 2007-05-31 15:55:06 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-05-31 15:45:47 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Fine.
I apologize.
I need to get my period. Anyone know where it went? I've been looking for it for weeks.
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-05-31 15:44:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Somebody's a giant tool today. So that works, too.
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2007-05-31 15:41:50 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Geez, somebody's touchy today. :(
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-05-31 15:18:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2007-05-31 15:11:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Urbane?
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Fuck off, asshole.
Submitted by Susie_Derkins (user info) at 2007-05-31 15:13:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
I've resigned myself to the fact that I'm going to die from some form of cancer since everything in the world causes it (according to researchers). If people avoided everything that was carcinogenic, they'd have to live like Bubble Boy. So I'll just keep on keeping on, despite the doomsayers.
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2007-05-31 15:11:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Urbane?
Submitted by strwbryfanatic (user info) at 2007-05-31 15:10:05 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
You'll have to ask my girlfriend.
Submitted by CaptainThorns (user info) at 2007-05-31 15:07:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
So, exactly when, where, and how do we sign up for your scientific study on the adverse effects of swallowing cum? ^_^
Submitted by CrazyHorse (user info) at 2007-05-31 14:57:52 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I thought getting pregnant was the sign of severe brain trauma?
I guess it makes sense then!
Submitted by ubetidid (user info) at 2007-05-31 14:48:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
i rely on people like you
at ubersite to keep me informed.
i hate to do my OWN research.
thank you much.
Submitted by Flapjacksupreme (user info) at 2007-05-31 14:40:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I bet your hole smells like pomegranates.
Submitted by EmoJean (user info) at 2007-05-31 14:27:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
so, and I really want to get this right, you're telling me that the media creates headlines for hype...that sometimes the stories are not as exciting/true/detailed as the headline makes them out to be?
GET THE FUCK OUTTA HEAH.....I'M NOT BUYIN THIS FOR A SECOND!