...... it can be a source of temper
Lots of information for us to tap into out there – especially via the Internet. And although it’s information, it may not be true knowledge.
Some items are hopeful, more are fear producing – and there are ‘key words’ to help you decide how to interpret more accurately.
The problem (and I’m not sure if that’s really what I want to call it) – the problem is some people, far too many people, take what they read as the gospel truth – even when the information includes the speculative words right up front.
‘Fine print’ refers to information which has to be read ‘carefully’, in order to decipher and interpret the correct, precise meaning. What I’m talking about with not-so-fine print are words which people often skip over. As a result, they believe what they read to be totally ‘true’.
SOME SAMPLES:
How germs may help your heart
People who are more spiritual may be better able to deal with the pain and limitations of chronic disease.
Babies born to women who take antidepressants may be more likely to have health problems, but that doesn't mean stopping medication.
Brain scan may reveal risk for Alzheimer's disease
Could fat babies mean fat toddlers?
Mediterranean Diet May Fight Depression
…Training May Be Tied to Health Risks
Vaccine May Treat Cocaine Addiction
Autism May Be More Common Than Thought
Congress may consider fees, advice issues in retirement accounts
Post-traumatic stress may harm kids' brains
The study suggests…
Finance gap could wreck climate talks
…the arrangement of a mother's genes could impact whether her son is gay
Some children from poor families may be receiving powerful drugs not because they need them, but because…
…suggests that the ice cap may nearly vanish in the summer much sooner than the year 2030
A cup (or more) of coffee or tea a day could keep Type 2 diabetes away
Any activity that requires long periods of close-up work, such as reading, may change the shape of the eye.
New Danish study says looking young apparently means a longer life.
High Leptin Levels May Protect Against Dementia
Psychological Approaches May Have the Potential to Block Fearful Memories
Amyloid Imaging May Identify Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease
Impulsivity Measures May Help Flag Future Pathological Gamblers
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy May Be Effective for Elderly With Depression
Substance Abuse Medications May Offer Effective Treatment Option for Pathological Gamblers
A study suggests…
Let’s look at this one:
…a gradual increase in the gas tax may be inevitable to prop up the state's nearly depleted Transportation Trust Fund.
Lots of folks will take that as: “It IS going to happen – taxes are going to go up – again. Right away. Gas is going to be more expensive. The add: We’re already spending $150.00 per month on fuel for the cars. Where’s that extra money in our budget going to come from?”
My point is – these ‘may’s’ and ‘could’s’, the ‘suggests’ and ‘apparently’s’ – all too often generate a response of fear or anger.
So when you ‘skim over’ an article, and feel ANY bit of temper rising within you – please do check for the may’s and could’s. And if you find them – know that the opposite of what the author ‘said’ is also possible.
That little act will certainly help you stay more At Ease & In Control.
Do it for your mental health!
© 2009 Rose VanSickle ~ All rights reserved
