3 ms·
This is mentioned in the article as well, but I believe the real issue is the automatic credibility given to people that possess credentials. Many people seem
by bequanna 12y ago
This is mentioned in the article as well, but I believe the real issue is the automatic credibility given to people that possess credentials.
Many people seem perfectly happy to put their health and life in the hands of a medical professional and do a minimal amount of work/research for themselves.
For example, given the popularity of the below drugs, few seem to ask:
'Do I really need to kill my liver cells to lower my cholesterol?' (statins)
'If we don't know how these antidepressants work, and some studies show they don't work, why am I taking them?'
- meepmorp 12y ago> 'Do I really need to kill my liver cells to lower my cholesterol?' (statins) A small number of people taking statin drugs (<1% for atorvastatin, the most popular drug in the class) experience abnormal liver enzyme levels, and the drugs are contraindicated in the case that a patient has existing liver disease. But that's hardly destroying one's liver cells in the majority of people.
- bequanna 12y agoMaybe I should have been more general: 'Why am I taking {drug} for {condition} with [serious possible side effects] when I could simply change my diet and activity level?' MOST of the health issues we are prescribing drugs for are treatable/curable with lifestyle changes.