Cynical Activities - V
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VALENTINE'S DAY
A study in the U.K. found that Valentine's Day can cause feelings of insecurity and depression both in single people and in those in relationships. We're not sure who has a better reason to get depressed: the singles sitting at home eating those candy hearts that taste like chalk, or couples trying to look delighted with the two-foot-square 'Love is...' cards they gave each other. |
VEGETABLE OIL
Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, especially if consumed in sweetened baked goods, oils, and condiments, might cause col-orectal neoplasia and adenomas (whatever they are). Next time you buy cookies, take them home and hydrogenate them the rest of the way. |
VETERINARIAN, BEING A
A study in the U.K. found that suicide is three times more common among veterinarians than in the general population. Well, if you spend much of your time with your hand inside a cow, any alternative is going to look good. |
VETERINARY CLINICS
Outbreaks of salmonella have been reported among employees and clients of veterinary clinics. (We thought you only got salmonella from eating contaminated food; what Is the vet doing with your poodle in there?) |
VIDEO GAMES
Sure, they keep the kids quiet for a few hours but not in the long run. Playing video games is likely to be even worse than watching violent movies and television programs in terms of creating aggressive attitudes, values, and behavior, especially in children, as well as desensitizing people toward violence in real life. |
VIRUSES
Some human viruses of the sort that cause colds, diarrhea, or pinkeye may also result in obesity. Oddly, though, nobody claims you can cure pinkeye with exercise and willpower. |
VITAMIN A, TOO LITTLE
And now, our special Vitamin Catch-22 supplement! Let's take a look at what happens to you if you take too much, or too little, of your favorite vitamins (and honestly, what are the odds you're taking the right amount?). To start from the beginning, vitamin A deficiency may lead to cervical neoplasia in women infected with HIV. |
VITAMIN A, TOO MUCH
On the other hand, too much beta carotene, which is used as a vitamin A supplement, can increase the risk of cancer, especially for smokers. (If you quit SMOKING, of course, you wouldn't have to worry about this.) High doses of vitamin A can also injure the liver and—in older women—increase the risk of hip fractures. |
VITAMIN C, TOO LITTLE
Confused yet? Check this out: taking too little vitamin C can increase the risk of high blood pressure, strokes, cardiovascular mortality, age-associated cognitive decline, and cancer. |
VITAMIN C, TOO MUCH
But taking too much vitamin C can cause diarrhea, kidney stones, oxidative damage to DNA in cells, and hardening of the arteries. Pick your problem! |
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