In this episode, I answer a listener question about generalizability. I provide helpful tips for determining if the results of the study apply to you or the population of interest. I define population and explain why researchers generally rely on samples when carrying out research studies.

What's the difference between news articles and journal articles? Who writes these articles? Are the authors qualified to write and interpret health and medical data? Are there checks and balances in place to prevent researchers from publishing "bad science?" Listen to this brief episode to learn the answers to these questions.

In this episode, I interview Dr. Fritz Siegert to discuss two articles recently published on the topic of chocolate and coronary artery disease. Dr. Siegert helps to break down the article and provides helpful tips for preventing coronary artery disease. I explain some basic statistical terms and provides tips for evaluating information sources on the web.

References

LaMotte, S. (2020). Dark chocolate's benefits: A heart-healthy option in moderation. CNN. 22 July. https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/22/health/dark-chocolate-benefits-wellness/index.html.

This article linked to a press release rather than to the actual study,

https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/Chocolate-is-good-for-the-heart

Krittanawong, C., Narasimhan, B., Wang, Z., Hahn, J., Virk, H., Farrell, A. M., Zhang, H., & Tang, W. W. (2020). Association between chocolate consumption and risk of coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European journal of preventive cardiology, 2047487320936787. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487320936787

On this episode, I provide my top three picks for finding reliable health information. I also share six tips for evaluating and digesting health information from sources such as message boards, friends, and mainstream news outlets. 

When consuming health news and information, you should consume it from someone you trust. In this bonus episode, I give an overview of my background and qualifications so you can get a sense of who I am and decide for yourself if I'm someone you should trust.

Welcome to Dissected: Cutting to the Heart of Health News. This podcast is focused on helping you to understand and interpret health news and information. Episode 1 drops September 1st. Music is by Scott Holmes: “Storybook” by scottholmesmusic.com