Alternative Health Advice from Anglesey

Below is an interesting article on Alternative Health Advice by Frank Fray of The Whole Thing, an Anglesey Health Food Store and Cafe.

Mr Fray looks at a range of the healthy living messages we seem to be hit with every day in the various media.

With the benefit of his alternative health background, he calls on us to use our common sense, discretion and selective advice from professional medical practitioners.

So drinking plenty of water, fresh nutritious food and physical exercise all help. And remember here on Anglesey we've plenty of coastal paths to get your body into the exercise mood.

TRUST ME, I’M NOT A DOCTOR!

Do you remember a time when life was simpler? When listened to trusted experts and, as children, we followed the views of those our parents told us follow.

It may not all have been true or indeed reliable. Even so, on balance we would believe and a simple hot water bottle, some bread and milk, or even a warm cuddle seemed to make things better.

Now life seems much more complex. We are snowed under with information whether we want it or not.

Today there are new heroes for us to follow. We can follow TV programmes on healthy living diets, read books by the gurus, find online stores offering wonder drugs and herbs.

Every week at work I am offered some amazing device that for just a few pounds can significantly cut car fuel consumption or unclog arteries.

Should I ask why the oil companies and heart foundations are not more keen on these tokens.

Another doctor (not of medicine) gives dietary advise based on a qualification awarded by his own institute.

Do these incredibly commercial people believe we are foolish? Of course they do!

They know we want to believe. They are also sure that whatever we do, or don’t do, a number of us will get fatter, thinner, taller, stronger, healthier or whatever else we desire.

That is all they need: one in ten people, or one in a hundred, in a thousand who by chance achieves their desired goal, in spite of their alternative health advice.

This is all these gurus need to do to promote their amazingly glossy careers and take our money in the process, irrespective of what happens to the rest of us.

Now trust me, I'm no doctor, but when I want to fly, I look for a qualified pilot. When I want my teeth checked, I prefer the dentist to the candy man.

When it comes to neurology, which I'm acquainted with at the moment, I put my faith in the consultants. I quite like to deal with one who understands my wiring.

That it not to say the gurus are all wrong. Nutritious unadulterated foods are good for you and they do promote these. So are home-cooked and non-preserved foods which they also encourage.

So are the rituals of preparing food for others and sharing meals. So is moderate exercise.

But watch out for obsession and more so, beware of seduction by those who would lead you into obsession.

Use some common-sense, some professional advice from real medical doctors and use a large wedge of discretion!

Never has there been so much alternative health advice available. Never has there been such a need for sound judgment in evaluating that advice. Now where did I leave that letter to Santa?

Frank Fray, The Whole Thing, Llangefni, Anglesey

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