License to ?

The Advice Doctor is "In"

Clients ask for all kinds of advice on exercise and health issues. And, although I'm a certified personal trainer (through courses valid in my country and province) I remind clients that my certification covers exercise mechanics and programs--it does not qualify me to diagnose injuries or give anything more than elementary advice on diet--I'm not a doctor or a dietitian. Few personal trainers are! 


Personally, I am keenly interested in all things related to health including food, supplements, natural remedies, sports injuries, etc. and so read as much as possible and take workshops on these subjects as time allows. Still, I would not profess to be an expert in any of these areas and am somewhat disturbed when I hear of people offering advice on subjects outside their expertise such as personal trainers who peddle diet plans, promote pharmaceutical (even natural product) cleanses and supplements even though those things seem complementary. 


I recently read this story: (North Carolina Tells Blogger That Providing Dietary Advice Is Illegal, Blogger Tells NC To Read The 1st Amendment). And it's a reminder that there are all kinds of people with all manner of qualifications or lack thereof... handing out advice about all manner of things. 


Don't get me wrong, I don't believe in the regulation of everything--there is currently much debate over the regulation of natural remedies and supplements for instance--but people seem fairly ignorant about the effects some of the ingredients in these can have on their bodies and how they may react with medications they may be taking or conditions they may have. Also, just because a product is labelled "natural", doesn't mean it is good for you. There are many poisons that are found in common plants. 

Nightshade berries

My advice ;0 to you is this: 

1. Before you take anyone's advice about anything regarding your health go to the most reputable source you can find on the subject or product. If you have an injury or health issue--ask a doctor and let them direct you to possible alternate care providers such as chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists or physiotherapists; if wondering about diet and food issues--consult a licensed nutritionist or ask your doctor--especially before diving into a radical cleanse or starting supplements that may be contra-indicated to your medications.
2. As when you start an exercise program when you have not been previously exercising, introduce new things into your diet slowly. They may or may not work for you--I, for instance, have had unpleasant reactions to hemp hearts. I have tried introducing them slowly a number of times but, as much as I would like to experience their body-altering goodness, they do not agree with me. Some things will work for you; others won't.

Most importantly though, there is not yet a silver bullet to any fitness, health or weight loss issue. Slow and steady still wins the race and tends to be the healthier path.

Feel free to comment ;0