Providing a better message

So many times I read a newspaper or magazine article with warnings that do more harm than good!

For example, a recent article in the National Post by a nutritionist warned people that the acai berry was not as much a super food as it claims, in her opinion. I might also point out that others have a much better opinion of the acai.

There is no question that people need to hear the truth, but the truth is not precise when it comes to many topics. With so many sources claiming and disputing various things, people rightly will get so confused that they stop listening because the message is “don’t do that”, indirectly encouraging people to not eat healthy food.

Too many people in Canada do not do enough to look after their own health so spending a little more than they should and being made healthier by positive thinking is not all bad. There is a balance point somewhere. If they spend a little more, so what? Health is more important.

My suggestion for these journalists is to include in their articles a positive message in stead of scaring people away from a healthy food because they might spend a little too much. Having an extra $1,000 in your investments and being in poor health is not a good or even reasonable trade off.

For example if the article had said: Yes, the acai is good for you and so are cranberries, oranges, pomegranates, and apples so make sure you include, some of these health benefiting products in your diet. You do not have to have only the best of the best, eat all things that are healthy n moderation.

The feeling I got from said article was that anyone talking about helping you be healthier was only interested in your money. That makes me want to avoid those healthy foods for fear of someone taking advantage of me. Instead I will eat less healthy food by such avoidance.

I suggest that articles make comments that encourage people to eat more healthy food than giving them a reason to not eat healthy food.

And it is not only about food. Providing warnings is admirable, but it would be considerably better when there is a “what to do” included in the “what NOT to do” message.