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.

Frank Fray reflects on the range of healthy living messages we seem to be bombarded with every day, on the radio, TV, internet and in magazines.

With his alternative health advice he urges us to use common sense, discretion and selective advice from professional medical practitioners.

Good wholesome food, plenty of water and physical exercise also go a long way. And here on Anglesey we have plenty of coastal paths and attractions to get you into the walking mood.

TRUST ME, I’M NOT A DOCTOR!

Do you remember a time when life was simpler? When we trusted experts and, as children, we believed in those our parents told us to believe in?

Of course it wasn’t all true or indeed trustworthy. Even so, we tended to believe and a hot water bottle, bread and milk, or even a cuddle seemed to make most things better.

Now life is so much more complicated. We are bombarded with information whether we like it or not. If we are greedy, we can always dive into the profound depths of the internet.

But now we have new heroes to trust. Watch television programmes on health and diet, read books by the pundits, explore offshore websites proclaiming wonder herbs and compounds.

Where would all the sick people be? Have you ever wondered why “miracle” cures tend to be based in deepest Mexico rather than mid Birmingham?

Every week I am presented at work with wonder devices that for just a few pounds will massively cut car fuel consumption or unclog arteries.

I am never expected to question why the petrol companies and heart foundations are not more interested in these tokens.

We are offered wonder foods and advice by a well-known non-doctor whose nutrition qualification was apparently also purchased by a journalist’s dead cat for $60. She practices the western equivalent of voodoo by a ritual of public smelling of poo!

Another doctor (not of medicine) advises on diet from the strength of his having a qualification awarded by his own institute.

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

They know we yearn to trust and believe. They also know that whatever we do, or don’t do, a proportion of us will get thinner, fatter, taller, healthier, stronger or whatever else we desire.

That is all they need: one person in ten, in a hundred, in a thousand who by luck, accident or unknown factors achieves their desired outcome, in spite of their alternative health advice.

These hapless success” stories are all the pundits need to promote their gloriously glossy careers and empty our wallets in the process regardless of what happens to the rest of us.

Now trust me, I am not a doctor, but when it comes to flying, I prefer to be carried by a qualified pilot. When it comes to dentistry I think I prefer the dentist over the sweet salesman.

When it comes to neurology, which is a little close to my heart at the moment, I cast my lot in with the consultants thank you very much. I quite like to deal with one who understands my wiring.

That it not to say the pundits have it all wrong. Wholesome unadulterated food ingredients are good for you and they do promote those. So are home-cooked and non-preserved foods which they so promote.

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

But beware obsession and even more beware being seduced by those who would lead you into obsession.

Use a little common-sense, use a little professional advice from real medical doctors and use a lot of discretion!

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

Frank Fray, The Whole Thing, Llangefni, Anglesey

	Web www.anglesey-today.com

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