February 13, 2004

They come in all shapes and sizes

I might have mentioned previously that I have been and still am a volunteer "expert" on http://www.allexperts.com/ on diet and nutrition. You might be surprised at some of the questions I get. Consider this one:

Hi.

My name is Julian and I am currently slightly overweigh, by twenty pounds. I'm 5'10" and weigh about 205 lbs. I have been exercising for a couple of weeks, but my diet has been poor somewhat. I don't eat meat or chicken that much because I'm not a fan of them. However, I eat foods that are loaded in carbs. I also love eating all kinds of fish. I'm 30 years old and of south american descent. I would like to know how long I will live if I start getting fit now. I want to live a very long time and I would like to know if it's not to late to change my ways. How long am I expected to live if I do this?

regards,

Julian

Now, you have a serious of radio buttons you can pick so as to handle the questions you get:

  • Answer this question or request more information.
  • Sorry, this is outside my expertise OR I simply can't help with that.
  • This question is too long and involved for me to help with.
  • This is a rude, non-serious question.
  • This is one followup too many.
  • I don't do homework questions.
  • Send me an e-mail of this question so I can consider this further.
  • Send questioner a "you're welcome" note.
  • This is a duplicate question. Use this option to deal with duplicate questions.
  • There is no question here.
  • I can't answer this with custom rejection message.

Now the first selection is if you actually want to field the question, and the remainder are ways to blow the questioner off in some way or another without a personalized response. I have rarely ever used any of the selections other than the first (and the one dealing with duplicate questions when applicable), because even if one of the other options actually fits, I feel the questioner, at the very least, unless it is obvious they were just being an ass, deserves a personalized response. I guess I do assist with homework questions, because I have been known to supply a few URLs and search terms to some people who seem to be lookin' for homework assistance. So, you have seen Julian's question. How do you think I answered him?

Hi Julian,

There is no way anyone can answer that question. Access to and advancement in medical technology makes such impossible, but I will give you this answer from what I have learned from my wife's death from complications due to her being anorexic for 15 to 16 years at the end of her life. No matter what you eat, you will live longer than if you don't eat.

Good luck,

Terence A. Russell

I suspect that is about as truthful as anyone could answer that question.

Posted by notGeorge at February 13, 2004 11:36 AM | TrackBack
Comments

Wow! Can't get anymore real than that answer!

Posted by: squishybear at February 14, 2004 08:43 AM

about Julian:Terrance you never had trouble losing weight as 80% of us.Julian has tried to give you his diet background in cultural shorthand.Most dietians hate this kind of question because there is no specific answers they can give.So the dietian gives you the dumb down version of the Americian food pyramid guide...small amount of meat at the top...breads...fruits and vegetables...what julian wants to know is what to cut out of his south american diet so he can lose the pounds.Julian doesn't tell you what carbs he enjoys but its my guess that is what is adding the fat. 20 pounds overweight or underweight wouldn't concern me heathwise.American junk food puts on the pounds for asians,native americans,south americans etc because we are not yet genetically able to burn off all that calories.Most local meals have over the centuries have balanced the pounds with the nutrition that we require living and working.People who have chosen poor diets have died off ever since we have come off the trees. So Julian,who seems well educated,has posed a serious question according his cultural background.It's at the same level as a young girl asking about true love

Posted by: gordon chow at February 16, 2004 08:25 AM

hi,
First of all i would like to you to know that what a wonderful website you have made! my question is that some people can tell about looking at person's lips that what kind of person is that! believe me it's true..... for ex.. if a person's lips hang a very little and under the lips there is a little dark region! if that person drink something and give to a woman! If that woman drinks that juice or water ..... and that person look in that woman's eyes by the intension of having sex! then, in the heart of that woman there will be a tickle! means to say that she will be willing to have sex with you! what can you tell me about this please? Email me... I am looking forward to receive your response!!!

Posted by: John at July 12, 2004 07:42 AM