There has been an interesting confluence of research and ideas. Malcolm Gladwell noted in Outliers of that individuals in one close knit community lived longer than other communities because of very good support systems and not because of other traditional lifestyle changes or risk factors.
An article by from Susan Parry of MinnPost describes the powerful effect of placebos. Sham acupuncture works as well as actual acupuncture. Sugar pills work as well as drugs for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. The individuals were specifically told they were taking placebos and were told of research about the positive effect of placebos.
60 minutes recently reported that placebos worked as well as antidepressant drugs presumably without the long list of side effects which appear to be similar to those the drug purports to cure.
I recall reading other articles that people felt better after taking a drug and being told it was expensive. They did not feel as well when told the drug was inexpensive.
Alternative Medicine can have serious side effects and many of the compounds have not been tested for safey or efficacy according to an article in USA Today.
I am not a pharmacist or doctor and obviously some drugs are much more effective than placebos. For example: over the counter pain relievers work well to reduce fevers.
Bottom line:
While conducting an ergonomic evaluation it is important to engage with the person and not treat the problems as an issue that can be solved only by proper body mechanics. Use the power of caring to assist with improving the condition of the person. Use the opportunity to learn about the person and do a better job of helping them. The placebo effect is another tool to increase the odds that the intervention will be a success.
An article by from Susan Parry of MinnPost describes the powerful effect of placebos. Sham acupuncture works as well as actual acupuncture. Sugar pills work as well as drugs for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. The individuals were specifically told they were taking placebos and were told of research about the positive effect of placebos.
60 minutes recently reported that placebos worked as well as antidepressant drugs presumably without the long list of side effects which appear to be similar to those the drug purports to cure.
I recall reading other articles that people felt better after taking a drug and being told it was expensive. They did not feel as well when told the drug was inexpensive.
Alternative Medicine can have serious side effects and many of the compounds have not been tested for safey or efficacy according to an article in USA Today.
I am not a pharmacist or doctor and obviously some drugs are much more effective than placebos. For example: over the counter pain relievers work well to reduce fevers.
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| Photo - N. Carlson |
While conducting an ergonomic evaluation it is important to engage with the person and not treat the problems as an issue that can be solved only by proper body mechanics. Use the power of caring to assist with improving the condition of the person. Use the opportunity to learn about the person and do a better job of helping them. The placebo effect is another tool to increase the odds that the intervention will be a success.
