I have been reading various magazines and watching news shows that feature supposed experts on back pain or strengthening abdominals. Each time a new expert appears with a cute work out outfit and a new exercise routine, I wonder where they came from. What are the credentials of that expert and how long have they been giving advice?
It is true that a pretty face may be more fun to look at on the Today show or on Oprah but when you see that pretty face inflicting pain and potential damage to that person’s back or shoulder, you know that the pretty face can more damaging than doing nothing at all.
An expert on the body should be someone who has an advanced degree and many years of experience working with patients. A novice should not be giving advice about back pain in a magazine or on the screen if they don’t have the training to do so. Are they a physical therapist? Have they had special training on back pain or shoulder pain? How many years of experience have they had? A good body and a pretty face are great if they come with the above qualifications as well.
An expert on television needs to have the credentials to support what is being told to the public. The show that chooses poorly may be responsible for causing pain or injury to its readers. Readers need to be ware and ask for credentials before following bad advice. An expert may or may not be the most beautiful but the information given must be well documented and evidenced based.
