Doing my usual trawl through online press yesterday, I came across two very conflicting pieces of data in the world of public health from two different sides of the Atlantic. The first, from my UK newspaper of choice, The Guardian, talked about how certain natural chemicals can boost the body's ability to repair damaged DNA and may prevent cells turning cancerous. The research was undertaken by scientists from Georgetown University in Washington DC.
The second piece of public health news came from The New York Times. It talks of research undertaken by Women's Health Initiative of the National Institutes of Health that suggests that a low fat diet will not reduce the risks of getting cancer or heart disease.
This second piece of news will strike fear into the heart of many public health professionals. It also goes against what has been established thinking for many people in the world of public health, especially in terms of heart disease. The first piece of news, advising the increased consumption of foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and soya beans, is much more in common with modern public health professionals.
I’m no scientist, but I am concerned at the mixed messages here. Surely anyone with any sense would believe that a low fat diet is better for public health. There are also many qualifications to these findings which may get lost in the wake of this publicity. It’s time for some clearer messages in the world of public health. Are there any budding public health professionals who think they can do anything about it?
Home
