By Donald B.
Ardell – April 05, 2009
On March 23, 2009, Jane Brody wrote a column about Vitamin
E. Jane cited controlled clinical trials showing this
supplement to have little value.
Worse, high doses were shown to be hazardous. The conclusion was of
special interest to me: “Simply put, there is no quick fix. The best chance for
leading a long and healthy life comes not from any pill or potion but from
pursuing a wholesome lifestyle. That means following a nutrient-filled but
calorically moderate diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains (many are
good sources of vitamin E); not smoking; exercising regularly; maintaining a
normal body weight; and driving and riding safely.” (Personal Health, Extra
Vitamin E: No Benefit, Maybe Harm, New York Times, 3/23/09.)
Parts of this paragraph are obviously true but, in a REAL
wellness sense, one part is wholly ridiculous.
True enough that there is no quick fix. Everybody knows that, even that half of
the American population that denies evolution, even the 80 percent who believe
in angels, for god's sake.
True enough, as well, that the best chance for leading a
long and healthy life comes not from any pill or potion but from pursuing a
wholesome lifestyle. Sheesh,
everybody knows that, even those who send money to shameless preachers who prey
on the weak-minded faithful with prayers (which should be spelled “preyers”)
for miracle cures mixed with prosperity gospel gibberish (i.e., get rich - send
us your money and God will outdo Madoff in giving back a nice return on your
investment). Don't take my word for this - if you have never seen these western
witch doctors in action - watch the shows they stage daily on Christian TV
stations. Among my favorites are
Richard (son of the infamous Oral, rumored to be the brother of the pitiful
Anal) Roberts. Catch Richard's act and another such performance (different
healer) at these websites, respectively: http://www.orm.cc/?p=1424
and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLV4zjfwQxY
Parts of Ms. Brody's final sentence are surely true
enough. But, there is one part
that just kills me, so to speak, and that's the inclusion of not smoking as an
element for successfully pursuing a wholesome lifestyle.
No it isn't!
Smoking is one of many behaviors or habits that are elements common to
those who are NOT successfully pursuing a wholesome lifestyle. NOT doing something incredibly stupid,
vapid, moronic and self-destructive is NOT NOT NOT an element of REAL wellness
or any kind of positive, sensible lifestyle. This is not about semantics. NOT smoking is but one of countless things you do not do if
you value first-rate human performance.
It is something you surely do NOT want to do even if you simply care
about reducing your chances to become dependent on doctors, drugs and
disease. Other behaviors to avoid
for either of these two motives include shooting yourself in the head, running
with scissors, swallowing Drano or voting Republican.
Until such time as highly regarded, smart and talented
people like Jane Brody and legions of health educators, physicians and other
experts stop confusing people with advice about things they ought NOT to do,
people will be confused. They will
confuse prevention with wellness, and risk reduction with life
enhancement. Of course people
should not engage in dangerous behaviors, especially habits shown by a
bazillion studies to be harmful to lung, limb and life. The same goes for
driving recklessly or riding with those who do so.
Let's not continue to confuse risk reduction and prevention
with REAL wellness. Prevention is good; wellness is great and REAL wellness is
magnificent. Let's highlight what
we can and should do to live lives rich in meaning, exuberance and joy. Plus many other consequential elements
of high quality living.
To do that, I'm confident I don't have to tell you not to
smoke. 