Speaking of things medical...

[Enzo]

I went to the local supply store of my hospital group. The place I get my oxygen and oxygen equipment. The knob to set delivery rate on my Oxy tank had fallen off, and I wanted it fixed so I could adjust it. They gave me a new regulator - different model, same function.

As I sat at the little customer service cubicle, I noted next to my arm a stack of slick brochures. They were about:
"Lifestrength, the vitamin you wear"

A quick read horrified me. These are little silicone rubber wrist bands you wear for all manner of benefits. It tells me that because we are surrounded by electromagnetic fields, we need more negative ions to balance out the "high frequency of positive ions we are exposed to every day." They have combined seven specific gemstones and minerals charged with negative ions, and infused them into the silicone of the wristband. Yeah right. Oh yes, they crush the minerals first, then they charge them to even higher levels of negative ions. These ions are supposed to restore your body back to its natural state.

The crushed stuff is charged through far-infrared waves similar to natural sunlight. I guess they sit them in a warm room.

SO what does it do? Well, listen up...
Neutralized free radicals
Increases the flow of oxygen throughout the body. (not just the wrist, apparently)
Increases seratonin levels to alleviate stress, boost energy, and provide pain relief.

It seems these good ions are called "anions." I think the "cations" are the ones that curl up on top of the TV set and sleep

They make these claims:
reduces emotional stress - 25 of 25 people tested for SAD found these bands as effective as antidepressants. How could they afford such a huge study? 25 entire people?

boosts immine system - sickness and headaches reduced 78%

Anti-aging - A Japanese doctor found skin cells were replaced at 2.5 times the normal speed when exposed, due to the increaseed oxygen flow. SKin cells grow 2.5 times faster? Isn;t that a description of skin cancer?

Resoiratiry - a Swiss Textile Mill re3ports 66% fewer sick days

Better sleep

Mental performance - anions increase oxygen flow, so the brain response is higher alertness, less drowsiness, and more mental energy.

They included endorsements

Michael sleeps better

Amputee Steve claims to be free of pain after suffering for years

Rusty reports improving an inner ear imbalance so he no longer trips or falls. PLus he was able to stop taking prescription pain medacation for his knees.

Now they do say in the fine print that the product has not been evaluated by the FDA, "and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease." Just a formality, I am sure.

And they come in a selection of groovy colors.

But don't take my work for it:
http://stander.com/index.php/?option=co ... amp;id=186

It does appear they also make actual mobility aids, like railings and canes and handles.

But what got me is the hospital - of which this place is a part - is actually selling this snake oil right over the counter. If it were the health food store, I'd expect it. I told the customer service rep there that I found this frighteneing. Her response, "We sell a lot of them." Why am I not surprised.

The hospital administration will be hearing from me.

[Мастер]

But what got me is the hospital - of which this place is a part - is actually selling this snake oil right over the counter. If it were the health food store, I'd expect it. I told the customer service rep there that I found this frighteneing. Her response, "We sell a lot of them." Why am I not surprised.

It's research on placebos :P

[Enzo]

I don't doubt the placebo effect is alive and well, but seems to me they are shortchanging the customer by not including some magnets and some copper, I mean after all...

[Arneb]

Tja, capitalism. If you want it, I'll sell it to you.

"But, but, medical ethics? Scientific standards?"

"Fuck you, communist asshole!"

[KLA2]

Even though he could prove it worked.

And there's the difference.

[tubeswell]

So after all that, did you get one Enzo?

[Enzo]

I got three, one for each wrist.

[tubeswell]

Ankles?

[Enzo]

No, thanks, already have some.





Nah, I was implying that I must have three arms. And perhaps power crystal dust was the least of my personal issues.

[tubeswell]

Three arms. uh huh. I see... Just how much of the crystal dust have you had?

[KLA2]

Three arms. uh huh. I see... Just how much of the crystal dust have you had?

Not cool, tubes. IMHO.

However, Enzo is a big {!} boy. I will let him kick you in the nuts himself. :wink:

[tubeswell]

Enzo is a big {!} boy. I will let him kick you in the nuts himself. :wink:

I was asking out of concern, as a true friend. Never having tried the stuff, I can only imagine how it messes with your mind if it makes you see three arms attached to your body.

[Enzo]

Well I DID spend a lot of my time in the 1960s. And all the concommittant activities. It was bound to have an effect.

[Мастер]

Well I DID spend a lot of my time in the 1960s.

Just guessing, but ten years of your time?

[KLA2]

Well I DID spend a lot of my time in the 1960s.

Just guessing, but ten years of your time?