SEARCHING FOR GOOD HEALTH
On the hunt for reliable , unbiased information on food and exercise ? As you have probably experienced , tracking down trustworthy health resources is harder than it looks . To aid with your search , fitness expert Ror Alexander has tips on filtering out the honest and dependable from the misleading and questionable .
An article by USA Today ripped across the internet recently , leading the public ever deeper into the confusing realm of supposed health “ facts .” The story was based on a report by the American Heart Association ( AHA ). Its headline read : “ Coconut oil isn ’ t healthy . It ’ s never been healthy .”
The issue ? The AHA is heavily funded by both vegetable oil and pharmaceutical companies . The study cited in the article was based on archaic research that supported only AHA ’ s stance . Thousands of readers decided to swear off coconut oil for good , while others interpreted the article as a bold push for a biased agenda .
This incident is just one example of the disappointing reality that reliable sources of health and fitness are few and far between . Almost every person and company hold biases ; it is nearly impossible to avoid them . For example , most individuals hold a particular set of beliefs as to what makes for a healthy diet , what makes a good exercise program , and even what constitutes living a “ good life .” Similarly , many companies that publish articles or send out press releases have hidden ( or barely veiled ) agendas , such as those selling health-related products and programs .
A significant number of companies and organizations we lend our ears and eyes to for health knowledge are for-profit businesses . It ’ s easy to forget that businesses can and will broadcast whatever they must to make money .
Take a look at the popular TV program , “ The Dr . Oz Show .” A large portion of the American population looks to the show ’ s host for health and wellness information . It ’ s so popular that the American series has the power to turn companies into huge successes — or bolster entire industries — just with Dr . Oz ’ s publicized nod of approval .
But Dr . Oz was called into the supreme court a few years ago , forced to defend his support of weight loss pills , despite having little to no evidence that they actually worked . His defense ? “ My job is to be a cheerleader for the audience when they don ’ t think they have hope .” The state responded , “ The scientific community is almost monolithically against you in terms of the efficacy of the three products you called ‘ miracles .’”
Then there are the people who seek social media fame by providing health and wellness guidance to their followers . There are many such status-seekers globally , and it ’ s a growing field : There is even a college in China now offering a full diploma in how to become a “ social media celebrity .”
Many educated fitness and nutrition experts have spoken against the so-called social media health gurus who
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