Data Today, Better Tomorrow

Some of us are suckers for studies: clinical trials, focus groups, surveys -- whatever promises to shed a little light on the human condition, or possibly make that condition a little better. This writer is a hopeless volunteer. I have had my knees examined by MRIs, perhaps studying why I still have the originals despite a long history of abuse. I have had blood drawn for a study of celiac disease by someone who came to the house as part of the deal but unfortunately was not trained to find veins without causing excruciating pain. I have filled out lengthy surveys about addictive behavior -- which may include addiction to study-participation (though that was not among the category choices.) Currently, I am proudest of being an original part of the Women's Health Initiative, which launched in 1993 with more than 160,000 postmenopausal women including this writer. In 1993 this was a Very Big Deal: studies had been made for all sorts of things with all sorts of participants, but finally there was a study of WOMEN. It sought to discover links between cancer (Imagine! Studying women and cancer!) medical protocols, diet and other factors. Being a congenital wimp, and knowing I wouldn't change my diet or stick to other proscribed regimens, I just signed up for the control group... but still. Even we control groupies are useful. Over the years, WHI has developed a huge amount of useful data, probably the most beneficial being the finding that (imagine! Studying women!) hormone re...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news