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To: SheLion
A book I just read and loved, "The Rise and Fall of Modern Medicine," by James Le Fanu, touches on some of this.

Second hand smoke is hardly the only myth. Also mythical are almost all claims linking diet and health.

The original proof that smoking causes lung cancer was impressive. The decline in smoking has saved millions of lives. But subsequent efforts to find other ways people could get healthier by changing their behavior have largely failed.

5 posted on 08/23/2002 5:54:56 PM PDT by Steve Eisenberg
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To: Steve Eisenberg
Second hand smoke is hardly the only myth. Also mythical are almost all claims linking diet and health.

Right! And look at the war on obesity today. They have to keep the fur flying, I am afraid.

8 posted on 08/23/2002 5:58:23 PM PDT by SheLion
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To: Steve Eisenberg
The original proof that smoking causes lung cancer was impressive. The decline in smoking has saved millions of lives. But subsequent efforts to find other ways people could get healthier by changing their behavior have largely failed.

This is parallel to the Polio success/HIV failure story.

11 posted on 08/23/2002 6:01:11 PM PDT by AdamSelene235
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To: Steve Eisenberg
**** Also mythical are almost all claims linking diet and health. ****

Well that's quite a statement. Could you give us some details. I really want to know. I promise not to flame you.
129 posted on 08/23/2002 8:28:21 PM PDT by mercy
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To: Steve Eisenberg
The decline in smoking has saved millions of lives. But subsequent efforts to find other ways people could get healthier by changing their behavior have largely failed.

Although probably true, the subject is second hand smoke.

And on the related topic, if genetically I am not predisposed to lung cancer what entitles you (or anyone else) to meddle in my private affairs?
Actually, even if I were predisposed the same question is appropriate; Are you ready to outlaw all high risk recreation and life choices because you are neurotic or have a need to control others?

Is your need to moralize so great as to be unable to remain on topic?

On the other hand, lifestyle choices of all kinds could save many more lives. The question is is that the government's concern in a "free" society?
Heart disease, as I understand is a greater killer than smoking.
AIDS kills more than smoking (or we're throwing billions down a rathole).

Does that justify the acceptance of a nanny government?

224 posted on 08/24/2002 10:23:57 AM PDT by Publius6961
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