Episode 4 - You’re reading it all wrong

Fact Check Your Health

In the fourth episode Katie and Sydney tackle a common pitfall we all stumble upon daily – the misleading and out-of-context health "facts" that flood our social media feeds. Ever read one of those eye-catching headlines claiming something like coffee is the new miracle cure for a serious disease? Our hosts dive into why we should take these sensational claims with a grain of salt. They discuss the crucial differences between causation and correlation in health studies and why understanding these differences can save us from jumping to false conclusions.

This episode isn't just about debunking health myths; it's a practical guide on how to sift through research findings and headlines to find the truth. This episode explains why just because a study is statistically significant doesn't mean it's going to change your life or health in meaningful ways. They also shed light on the tricky business of risk evaluation and how a seemingly scarier "triple risk" might not be as daunting when you look at the actual numbers.

So before you swear off your favorite foods or jump on the next health trend based on a buzzy article, tune in. This episode might just change the way you view health news and help you make better-informed decisions about what's truly beneficial for your well-being.
Episode Outline:
0:20 - Why that headline might not be true!
2:00 - Correlation vs. Causation. What is it and why does it matter?
3:25 - Example of Correlation vs. Causation
4:25 - What is statistical signifcance?
5:50 - What is clinical significance?
7:00 - Example of statistical vs. clinical significance
8:40 - Additional example of statistical vs. clinical significance
9:25 - Importance of risk in health research
10:15 - Medication risk example
13:15 - What is a natural frequency and why should you look at risk in natural frequencies?
For more information and additional resources check out the Fact Check Your Health website at https://factcheckyourhealth.squarespace.com
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes and is not intended as medical advice. For medical advice contact a licensed medical provider.