Archive for May, 2010

41. shop the perimeter of the supermarket.

i’ve heard that the perimeter of the supermarket is where the healthiest foods are. i suppose most people, whether they’ve got the munchies, need some last minute snacks for a party, or simply don’t care about nutrition, just want to get in and get out. they head straight for the center because it’s the shortest distance from the door. the more i thought about it i realized that the center is filled with starchy carbs, which are mostly processed foods full of salt and sugar. the produce and refrigerated sections are located around the perimeter. even when stores have a special diet section it’s located off towards the side.

since i’ve kept to the perimeter of my local chain grocery store i’ve discovered a previously-overlooked end cap of gluten-free products. i’ve also managed to locate a weekly sale isle in addition to a couple of carts that hold “distressed” merchandise where dented cans/boxes are discounted. recently i stocked up on some expensive organic tomato sauce. additionally, any time a brand changes its packaging the store must quickly get rid of all items with the old design. they’re still good, they just look different so the store has to discount them.

next time you shop start with the fruits and vegetables, then continue along the edges. if necessary, pop into an aisle to grab some quinoa pasta, salad dressing or granola bars. otherwise, don’t even bother browsing the chips and cookies- as the old saying goes: out of sight, out of mind.

2010
05/16
CATEGORY
grocery shopping
nutrition
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40. know which questions to ask about clinical trials.

my previous posts (“fears and facts,” “pros and cons”) have explained the basics of drug trials. once you consider participating it’s important to know which questions to ask. most of these concerns should be addressed by whoever is conducting the survey, but answers to all of these questions must be provided upon request.

what experimental treatment is being tested?

has it been tested on humans before? if so, to what extent?

what is already known from earlier studies?

what is the intended purpose of the treatment?

what are the perceived risks? are there any known side effects or toxicities?

which company developed the treatment?

what is their track record for side effects, FDA approval and recalls?

who is conducting the market trial?

are they approved by the BBB (better business bureau)?

who funded the prior research? Who is funding the current study?

what is the duration of the clinical trial?

how often are study visits? what do they involve- will any invasive procedure be required?

what, if any, long-term follow-up will there be?

who should be contacted in case of problems?

this may all seem overwhelming but just like there are good dentists and bad dentists, trustworthy mechanics and deceptive repair people, effective teachers and lousy ones, there are safe clinical trials as well as dangerous ones. some treatments are helpful while others are harmful. though any study involves certain risks, this form of research isn’t necessarily negative- just be sure you know what you’re getting into.

2010
05/06
CATEGORY
medical treatment
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