Tag: Loretta LaRoche

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Medical Meltdown

 

It seems the medical community is having a meltdown. Not a day goes by without some disclosure on the latest information about what you should omit or include in your health profile. The latest AARP Bulletin cover story screams headlines about what 10 tests to avoid. I can’t go over all of them due to lack of space, but here are a few that most of you are aware of. Over the years I have had some of these tests multiple times at the insistence of my doctors. Now we’re being told a yearly pap test is not necessary, and women of average risk only need them every three years. What exactly is average risk? Bone density tests for women 50 to 65 may be a waste of time. The ultimate irony is that some of the medications for bone loss can create a host of issues including thigh bone fracture, heartburn, muscle pain,  and necrotic jaw. It makes you wonder “who’s on first”? Strength training works on bone density, but unfortunately most people would rather pop a pill then spend time in a gym.

   What really blew my mind was that according to the article “there’s little evidence that having an annual checkup can keep you healthy. Many tests that doctors perform-to diagnose anemia, liver disease, or urinary tract infections, for example-don’t make sense unless there’s a reason to suspect a problem.” They are not suggesting that you never see a doctor, especially if you suspect your ill. Herein lies the conundrum. Blood pressure, and heart disease are often silent until it’s too late.

    The AARP magazine decided to let you do some testing on yourself. See if you can smell peanut butter through your left nostril while your right is closed ten inches from your face. If you can’t you could be on the road to dementia. Try getting up from the floor from a sitting position. HA HA! Can you open a jar, sleep well or recognize famous? Can a thirteen year old recognize Betty Davis? 

     Here’s some of my tests:* Do you laugh often, especially at your self?* Does your life have meaning * Are you altruistic? *Are you having fun? The answers to these question might lengthen your life, but I can assure you they will improve the quality.

   

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Humor can guide you through “Advertrapments”

I would love to be a fly on the wall when advertising moguls get together to brainstorm on what lines they’re going to feed the public in order to get them to purchase their products. So many of the ads coin phrases that encourage one to feel that they have miraculous properties. Many of the skin care creams show women who look reptilian prior to applying the so-called anti-wrinkling elixir. “It only takes one application to see results”. “After a week your friends will remark on how much younger you look”. According to the ad the reason you get such remarkable results is because the cream penetrates the skin and goes down several layers. Are they talking about skin or descending into a mine shaft?

       “New and improved” always gets me. If it’s new isn’t it already improved? This is a particularly seductive statement in a culture that seems to get bored easily with the gadget of the moment. They know there is a contingency of the public that wants the latest greatest. After all if your phone can take pictures, make movies, take you to your destination, and more. Why not keep going and add a small vacuum, dishwasher and microwave for emergencies. You never know when you might be in the mood to vacuum your car or heat up a piece of pizza while your waiting for a light to change. Don’t want to waste any time! 

       Over the counter drugs for a myriad of problems offer “fast relief”. How fast will I be relieved? No one ever tells you. Lots of products now state they are “extra strength”. What does that mean? It means it will cost more money and you would probably get the same effect if you took two of the weaker stuff. But, hey ad men know that faster or stronger sells. We need relief now!

       My favorite ads are the ones on television for cleaning products that can virtually do anything. They not only remove stains but they more than likely could whiten your teeth, repel mosquitoes and be used to remove odors. 

       Unfortunately P.T Barnum was right when he said “There’s a sucker born every day”. I have fallen into the sucker trap over the years but my sense of humor has helped me become more discerning. I hope yours will kick in too.