Conversations

quality of life, if carefully-managed therapy is undertaken.

David Pennington, NSW

Nuts about nuts

On reading “Believe it or nut“ (Making headlines, February 18), with attribution to UniSA, my instinct was [to respond] “nut“. UniSA is adjacent to one of Australia's almond growing regions. A little further investigation justified my instinct.

The article was a cut and paste from a UniSA media release which, at best, leaves out some important findings of the study; at worst, is deliberately misleading. The conclusion of the published study is that “More favourable appetite regulating hormone responses to almonds did not translate into better self-reported appetite or reduced shortterm energy consumption.“ Although there was a decrease in the number of kilojoules, it was so small that it was not statistically significant.

So what could prompt UniSA to frame the media release around the weight loss benefits of almonds? If you scroll past the 56 references you’ll discover the study was funded by the Almond Board of California. It is well documented that industry funded studies are more likely to have favourable results for the industry. And even when they don’t, there are ways to make the results sound more favourable.

The bias of Record also needs acknowledging. We have a long, proud history promoting health that predis- poses us to readily accept reinforcing research. Before drawing attention to research, Record would be best served by reviewing the original study.

Roger Meany, via email

Worldly pleasures

It saddens me when I read that our young people—some in leading positions and influence—are attending cinemas and other places of worldly pleasure. “The true Christian will not desire to enter any place of amusement or engage in any diversion upon which he cannot ask the blessing of God. He will not be found at the theatre, the billiard hall or the bowling saloon. . . No Christian would wish to meet death in such a place. No one would wish to be found there when Christ shall come” (MYP 308).

It seems to me, most of the young generation have never read the wonderful instruction contained in Messages to Young People, which has been such a great guide to me and many of my generation. It’s disappointing to read in the editorial (February 18) of the writer attending such a place and publishing the fact.

Has she considered the far-reaching influence of such actions? What has happened to the high standards God has set for us? I pray God will open the eyes of our leaders and call our people to repentance and a higher standard of holiness.

Rodney Lewis, via email