I see two sides of the coin with the health influencers. On one hand they give an unrealistic expectation that if you exercise and eat healthy you can prevent nearly every malady and disease. Which is unfair and misleading. I also see the opposite and in many cases both of these messages are communicated at the same time. The institutions are manipulating us and keeping us sick and there is almost nothing we can do (except, of course, subscribe to their plan, buy their (the influencers) book, or whatever else they are selling). The latter gives a sense of hopelessness. So two conflicting messages that play on people’s emotions, and contribute to bad decision-making.
I hadn't thought of the healthy lifestyle people as a cult but they have really taken on many of the characteristics of one. Throughout many years of practice in Internal Medicine/Cardiology I pointed out to patients that health and the way they feel are two different things (although obviously related). Lifestyle factors such as exercise, sensible diet, maintaining weight, and pursuing interests and hobbies all contribute to a sense of well being but have no real effect on health which is simply the absence of disease. This makes them worthwhile even though they will do nothing to prevent actual disease. On the other hand, becoming fanatical about any of it is probably destructive of happiness and a sense of well being.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this interview. I'm a senior woman in my mid-70s and would love to find a doctor like Dr. Cifu here where I live. Unfortunately, It's very, very hard to find a good internist and from what I've seen on Sensitive Medicine, I do believe that Dr. Cifu is indeed a very good internist. I have been following Sensitive Medicine since its inception and always enjoy his talks, writings, podcasts, etc. It's not only his knowledge and common sense, but his compassion for his patients that always comes through. I wish so much there were more doctors like him. Keep up the good work, Dr. Cifu!
I see two sides of the coin with the health influencers. On one hand they give an unrealistic expectation that if you exercise and eat healthy you can prevent nearly every malady and disease. Which is unfair and misleading. I also see the opposite and in many cases both of these messages are communicated at the same time. The institutions are manipulating us and keeping us sick and there is almost nothing we can do (except, of course, subscribe to their plan, buy their (the influencers) book, or whatever else they are selling). The latter gives a sense of hopelessness. So two conflicting messages that play on people’s emotions, and contribute to bad decision-making.
Very pleasant interview with many basic practices that should be, but aren't contemplated more consistently by each person making medical decisions.
I hadn't thought of the healthy lifestyle people as a cult but they have really taken on many of the characteristics of one. Throughout many years of practice in Internal Medicine/Cardiology I pointed out to patients that health and the way they feel are two different things (although obviously related). Lifestyle factors such as exercise, sensible diet, maintaining weight, and pursuing interests and hobbies all contribute to a sense of well being but have no real effect on health which is simply the absence of disease. This makes them worthwhile even though they will do nothing to prevent actual disease. On the other hand, becoming fanatical about any of it is probably destructive of happiness and a sense of well being.
Good interview!
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this interview. I'm a senior woman in my mid-70s and would love to find a doctor like Dr. Cifu here where I live. Unfortunately, It's very, very hard to find a good internist and from what I've seen on Sensitive Medicine, I do believe that Dr. Cifu is indeed a very good internist. I have been following Sensitive Medicine since its inception and always enjoy his talks, writings, podcasts, etc. It's not only his knowledge and common sense, but his compassion for his patients that always comes through. I wish so much there were more doctors like him. Keep up the good work, Dr. Cifu!
Thank you!