Say WHAT?

Today's challenge:

Say WHAT?! What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve heard about health or your condition. Was there any context? What did you think at the time you heard it – and what do you think of it now?

So many choices! Not many about arthritis that I can think of, but many about health.

What many may think is not ridiculous but is: the assertion that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. If you read the fine print you will see that the advertisers are quick to say "it is thought that..." rather than outright lie. The scientists have been trying to prove this theory for over 50 years and have not been able to, which suggests strongly that the theory is wrong. There are several books debunking this so-called "common wisdom". One that I especially like is Blaming the Brain by Elliot Valenstein. If you're curious you can read my review of it.

I have heard the "chemical imbalance" theory so often that I cannot pick a certain time. It is ridiculous every time.

Another claim that I have heard often is that vegetarians are weak. Again, this is such a commonly-held belief that I cannot place it together with one specific person. Typically I read this online. People do not say it to my face. I am vegetarian - vegan, in fact. NO animal products. I am strong. But of course don't take just my word for it. There are several world-class athletes who are vegan. Here is just one article on tough vegans.

About arthritis: I clearly had arthritis over 30 years ago but it was no diagnosed. I went to see the doctors in my thirties and while some doctors said it might be arthritis they ruled it out, thinking I was too young. It was only many years later that I was able to see the x-rays that show the extensive damage done to my knee joints through osteoarthritis. Was this ridiculous? That the doctors did not figure it out? I think so.


This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: http://bit.ly/vU0g9J