Extreme Custom Harley, originally uploaded by twoblueday. Continuing the motorcycle theme. This is in the “Port of Entry” area of Universal Studios Orlando Islands of Adventure.
I was thinking today about cholesterol. Yup, that’s right, cholesterol. A number of years ago, none of us had ever heard of cholesterol, in the sense of something to worry about relative to our health. Heart health. A number of years have elapsed since this cholesterol demon started getting lots of press, and lots (billions) of dollars of expenditures by the public for testing, medications, and whatnot. Here’s what I wonder: Has it all been a scam? Are there any reliable statistics that reducing cholesterol (and/or the push to reduce cholesterol) has improved the heart health of the public? Has the healthy longevity of Americans increased in a way that scientifically can be linked to the cholesterol-reducing-push? Do people even know that when this cholesterol juggernaut got going there were doctors who thought it was a load of hooey? Have they seen the disclaimers on all the TV cholesterol-drug adverts which flash by their eyes saying there is no proof that taking the medicine will reduce heart disease or the incidence of heart attacks? I note that some of the ads now don’t have that disclaimer–is that because new evidence came in, or because the regulatory bodies gave them a pass? I don’t know.
Those who read my blog will recall I posted a similar screed or two about the sunscreen scam (i.e., no link between sun exposure and malignant melanoma; no public discussion of the potential harm caused by suncreen chemicals; not much discussion about Vitamin D deficiency due to reduced sun exposure).
As one of my least favorite television personalities said, more or less: “Nobody is looking out for you.” The drug industry is looking to its own self-interest (profit); the medical industry is looking to its own self-interest (high incomes, profits, practicing medicine as a path to wealth); the government is looking to help those industries attain those goals. Oh, that television personality is Bill O’Reilly. Of course, he never says anything antithetical to commercial interests–they might not advertise on Fox if he did.
Oh, here’s my version of reporting/programming on Fox news: “Democrats and other liberals are scum. Now the weather.” “Democrats and liberals are scum. Now, there are massive fires in California.” “Democrats and liberals are scum. Astronomers report new moons found circling Neptune.” You get the idea.
Have I ranted enough for one post?
