to buy all of my female relatives copies of "Bad Science" for Christmas?

[AvrilH]

I am sick and tired of them wittering on about the importance of "superfood", omega 3, manuka honey, homeopathy and whatever nonsense is being spouted by charlatans like Gillian McKeith.

So I am pondering Ben Goldacre's book (which I have not read myself) as an antidote. And out of curiosity as to how they take it... From reading his column I am assuming that they might at least learn what evidence means. The worst that can happen is that it will be like when they buy me books by self-styled experts and it will be passed on unread to a charity shop.

AIBU?

I am the OP, I don't know anyone with ME and don't know anything about it. I said "me" not ME, so pull in your horns.

Have you actually read the book? Is there a chapter on ME? Or maybe, you are just confused about that too.

about the third post talked about giving it to someone with ME

Hunlet, depends, are you trying hard to convince our sweet-toothed diabetic Dad to cut artificial sweetners out of his life and that MSG causes all manner of ills?

hi beach hope all is well with you

Actually suggesting that buying anyone a copy of How Clean Is Your House is ever a good idea leaves me to conclude that our disagreement is more to do with taste in presents rather than just how to avoid appearing like a smug twat.

"How to look after your health" is a natty title. I am sure if somone asked me to get it for them I would. Other than that I think I would leave it on the shelf entitled none of my fucking business.

Do people really buy preachy, I know best books as gifts - of any description?

Pagwatch, my family do. My birthday gifts this year included the Food Doctor and Gina Ford I really don't believe that Goldacre is preachy, though I've not read his book myself, his columns don't come across that way.

Dittany, Gillian McKeith is a nasty piece of work. There is no need to make things so complicated, and no need to publicly humiliate the vulnerable participants in her show. She sells a lot of expensive crap.

From personal experience, when DH was diagnosed with a life threatening illness, we embraced every (non-crazy) available treatment/therapy there was around. Crucially this wasn't at the expense of the traditional treatments, but at the very least, it felt like he was doing something. That he had some control over an uncontrollable illness.

Of course he probably didn't, and it was the amazing treatment he received at hospital that improved his prognosis, but being able to feel positive and in control does wonders for your mental state.

For that reason alone, I won't be reading Goldacre's book ... I know what he says makes sense, but sometimes you have to believe in both the science and the magic. Especially when the scientific community are telling you there is no hope.

Dittany, I think this article would interest you

www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/feb/12/advertising.food

wishingchair, I agree that "being able to feel positive and in control does wonders for your mental state" and that mind and body can't be separated, best of luck

Apologies to OP it wasn't you who wanted to give book to someone with ME.

Sorry have got ill toddler on my lap and am not concentrating properly.

Hello to mmrsceptic and pagwatch.

Mmrsceptic things are pretty good with me as I have found some alternative treatment for my daughter's convention medecine induced condition which seems to be working really well.

Thanks Avril

"Do people really buy preachy, I know best books as gifts - of any description?"

Well, I got SIL 'The God Delusion' for Xmas - because she asked for it. Otherwise, I never would.

OTOH, when I was 6 months PG, my Mum gave me 'How to get back in shape after childbirth' for Xmas. Particularly ironic given I was never in shape in the first place..!

Oops conventional even.

Also forgot to say stonkingly good post by pagwatch.

I also have a book recommendation in the science/medical domain; 'Dirty Medicine' by Martine J Walker.

I think the problem with Gillian Mckeith is that she makes it seem really difficult (& expensive) to eat healthily. She has those poor fatties up at 6am blending spirulina, carrot and blueberry smoothies or some such, when a bowl of porridge chucked in the microwave would do just as well. And taste less revolting.

My other problem is that when she lays out the table of Evil Food, I look at it and think, 'F*ck you, McKeith, I'd eat that - and enjoy it too!'
I'm not slim.

Lordy, MARTIN J Walker.

exactly, Heathen, she doesn't stop at more fruit and veg

Dittany, Doctors don't call those individual anecdotes "clinical trials" as McKeith did

why do you think she should be held to such a low standard of truth?

"Do people really buy preachy, I know best books as gifts - of any description?"

My DH bought me Anthea Turner - Perfect Housewife....

He lives in hope!!!

By TheHeathenOfSuburbia on Mon 21-Sep-09 12:48:24
pag, the message of the book is almost the exact opposite of "believe whatever the medical preofession tells you".

It is about how to assess evidence and risk, and apply them to your life, and not be steamrollered by know-it-all doctors or scaremongering journalists... a laudable aim, no?<

Exactly. I don't understand why debate seems to be polarising between CAM vs Arrogant Doctors. The view of science as a nasty boys' tool to oppress women is way off base- we all benefit from having the ability to evaluate information properly and make decisions based on something approximating reality. I don't understand why some posters are finding that offensive.