The Catskill Chronicle

Twice Divorced – By Grayce Goin

Dear T.D.,

Number one New Year’s promise list is to lose weight – my kids said I have to! All those ads for get-rid-of-fat pills and get-bigger-muscles pills are confusing me to pieces. What do you think I should take?

Tipping the scales

Dear Tipping

Professionals throughout the wellness field will tell you that the best and sometimes only healthy way to lose weight and maintain that loss is to change your habits – eat fewer calories and increase activity.
One product may cause you lose several pounds rapidly, with unwanted and sometimes hazardous consequences.

Thirty-seven percent of Americans mistake thirst for hunger – suggesting that water should be the first thing you reach for when desiring a snack. Some studies indicate that the percentage of Americans who are dehydrated may be as high as 75 percent.
You must take into consideration any health issues you might have, and you should speak with a physician before starting an exercise routine.

I found a website that debunks the most common weight loss ads you are likely to come across. My research indicates that there is no such thing as a pill that makes you lose fat; spot reduction is a myth; and Americans waste billions of dollars a year on placebos. While I was doing this research, I came across other sites that debunk medical myths: http://www.healthhound.org/

Researches and rates health products advertised online and in TV commercials – most having to do with diets and weight loss supplements. http://www.aarp.org/applications/search/search.action?q=medical%20myths

A wealth of information on health myths. http://www.springerlink.com/

For the more scientifically minded – medical explanations of internist issues – registration, which is free, simplifies access to information and does not result in a deluge of spam.

I hope you will review these sites, maybe even find a few new ones, and come up with a plan that works for you.

Be Well 

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