A new health report says “doubles your risk,” “proves that …,””significant finding.” What’s your real risk?
That depends. If your risk was one in a million, then “double the risk” is still very low, at one in 500,000. But if your risk was one in 100, then “double” truly is a big increase! With terms like “proves,” take caution. A small handful of studies rarely proves anything. And “significant” may or may not mean “important.” Instead “statistically significant” means a mathematical association.
Not sure how to interpret what you hear on today’s health news?
- Listen to actual numbers. Real incidence, not just relative incidence, is important to know if you’re at risk.
- Check with a credible expert. To find a local nutrition professional, contact your local Extension office or hospital or click onto www.eatright.org.
Post Views: 156