Things that do further damage to my already severely wounded viewpoint of the direction in which society is headed come more frequently all the time.
That viewpoint recently suffered another major blow when I read an article that was big and bold on the front page of a regional news publication. The basic premise of the piece was that data from a recent “study” showed that high-interest “payday loans” can be bad for your health. The article even had quotes and warnings from two women who were labeled “victims” of the vicious payday loan “cycle” and had developed health issues because of their predicaments.
The article stated that the study was done by a group calling itself “Human Impact partners and Missouri Faith Voices,” which believes the payday loan business preys on poor people and that there should be a cap of 36-percent interest on the loans.
OK, here’s the way I view the matter, which is thoroughly disappointing, but not surprising.
So apparently people now need the results from an official study to comprehend that loans with 900-percent interest can cause stress, which can lead to more complicated maladies. It’s not enough to be simply told that the payback total could be nine times what the original loan was, we need an organized group to show statistical evidence that such a deal might lead to trouble.
I’d say this is another clear example of how we’re getting closer and closer to an almost total disappearance of common sense and a day is coming when only if we’re told by an “official” source will we recognize what used to be obvious.
Sadly, I guess we can no longer be trusted to separate life’s bad from the good and require hand-holding and coddling to be assured our health isn’t endangered by decisions we make.
For a long time I was under the impression that certain bad things could be identified by their very existence. But obviously I was wrong, and we’re apparently in need of constant assistance to avoid the pitfalls that come with being alive.
Alas, we’re approaching a point where we can no longer do it on our own. It’s just too much to be a responsible steward of our own affairs. We need someone to show us the way.
With that in mind, I feel led to point out some other things that could be hazardous to your health. These tips don’t come from an official study, but based on my experience are nonetheless true (and are offered strictly as a public service, of course).
•Getting out of a car to feed a bear on a mountain highway.
As strange as it may seem, bears are wild animals and sometimes can’t discern where a piece of bread ends and a human’s hand and wrist begin. A good way to avoid losing an appendage or entire limb is to heed the “don’t feed the bears” signs that are typically placed in highly conspicuous locations and stay in your vehicle whenever a 600-pound carnivorous quadruped is nearby.
I know, I know, the photo album won’t be as complete, but at least your body will.
•Stepping out of a speeding train.
It’s kind of a scientific thing: The speed at which your body will make contact with the surface below will cause it to continue moving in the direction the train is going for a while. And said movement will be accompanied by multiple hard impacts with said surface.
A study done by a group of concerned biologists reveals that this is generally considered not good for things like skin and bones.
•Taking a selfie while leaning out over the edge of a 500-foot cliff.
The risk-reward factor must be considered in this case. While there is certainly a chance for nothing bad to occur, the possibility also exists for a body to meet with a very hard landing after a lengthy and stressful fall.
Subsequently, the photographer must ask himself or herself, “is the photo worth the fall?” In a recent study, a group of concerned photography experts concluded that the answer to that question is, “maybe, but perhaps not.”
•Betting every dollar you own on a horse.
Sure, there’s a chance that Seabiscuit will deliver, but if he places fourth, you’re screwed, and your chances of a heart attack will likely be increased.
Once again, the risk-reward factor must be given some thought.
•Using a steel brush to clean your teeth.
The average steel brush is just a bit too abrasive.
The result of using one in your mouth could well be a higher gum line than is generally accepted as practical (although any teeth that survive would likely be whitened to a significant extent).
•Using arsenic or cyanide in a spaghetti sauce recipe.
While these might be ingredients that add some serious life to your dish, there’s also a strong chance they’ll subtract some life from you or your guests.
A study done by concerned culinary experts recommends staying with more standard ingredients, even if that might be considered dull and boring.
Those are a scant few of the recommendations I could make, as space prevents a comprehensive list. But I sincerely wish to help, so please contact me if a circumstance arises that you believe might be bad for your health – preferably before it’s negatively affected.
The Chinese philosopher Confucius said, “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.”
I feel like we don’t.
Doug Davison is a writer, photographer and newsroom assistant for the Houston Herald.
Email: ddavison@houstonherald.com.
