General rant about misinformation

[psulifter]

Ok, so for the past 5 months i have been doing an internship to become eligible to become an R.D. On monday, I started my two week rotation in the dialysis unit doing renal nutrition.
The dialysis nurse (who is severely overweight) who was showing me around the unit asked me what I wanted to do once i become a dietitian. I said that I wanted to get into sports nutrition. She says "oh, then you can tell people not to take that creatine. We have had several people end up in here for taking that stuff."
At the time, I kind of smiled, shrugged it off, and forgot about it. I really didn't want to create controversy my first day there and have her give me a hard time for the next two weeks.
Now I'm pretty pissed. I did a pubmed search for 5 minutes and found 20+ articles stating the safety of creatine related to renal function. I have come to realize that the docs and nurses who should know this stuff are just as misinformed and ignorant as most of the general public.
Yes, I do take creatine and have done so for years. Should I put a pile of scientific abstracts on her desk this week, or keep my mouth shut and let it slide?

 

[Travis]

Ok, so for the past 5 months i have been doing an internship to become eligible to become an R.D. On monday, I started my two week rotation in the dialysis unit doing renal nutrition.
The dialysis nurse (who is severely overweight) who was showing me around the unit asked me what I wanted to do once i become a dietitian. I said that I wanted to get into sports nutrition. She says "oh, then you can tell people not to take that creatine. We have had several people end up in here for taking that stuff."
At the time, I kind of smiled, shrugged it off, and forgot about it. I really didn't want to create controversy my first day there and have her give me a hard time for the next two weeks.
Now I'm pretty pissed. I did a pubmed search for 5 minutes and found 20+ articles stating the safety of creatine related to renal function. I have come to realize that the docs and nurses who should know this stuff are just as misinformed and ignorant as most of the general public.
Yes, I do take creatine and have done so for years. Should I put a pile of scientific abstracts on her desk this week, or keep my mouth shut and let it slide?

Slap them on her desk. Dont say even hear her out until she has read them...my guess is she wont.

 

[EasyEJL]

Ok, so for the past 5 months i have been doing an internship to become eligible to become an R.D. On monday, I started my two week rotation in the dialysis unit doing renal nutrition.
The dialysis nurse (who is severely overweight) who was showing me around the unit asked me what I wanted to do once i become a dietitian. I said that I wanted to get into sports nutrition. She says "oh, then you can tell people not to take that creatine. We have had several people end up in here for taking that stuff."
At the time, I kind of smiled, shrugged it off, and forgot about it. I really didn't want to create controversy my first day there and have her give me a hard time for the next two weeks.
Now I'm pretty pissed. I did a pubmed search for 5 minutes and found 20+ articles stating the safety of creatine related to renal function. I have come to realize that the docs and nurses who should know this stuff are just as misinformed and ignorant as most of the general public.
Yes, I do take creatine and have done so for years. Should I put a pile of scientific abstracts on her desk this week, or keep my mouth shut and let it slide?

print them out, and then once a day while she's not there leave on on the desk. don't say anything, just leave them there

 

[crader]

I agree with the above posters. Try to educate her.

 

[warnerve]

i wouldn't even bother with it. you are just starting there; my guess is she thinks she knows better than you, even if that is nowhere near reality.

 

[MentalTwitch]

Print them and leaqve 1 a day, i say thats a good idea. Dont argue it or go into a debate but give her that stuff and maybe she'll open her eyes.

It bothers me how Dr.s n what not argue these things but its like arguing with a cop, no power, no degree, no brains apparently. Oh well....

Glad to hear what youre doing, me the same. Not sure if ill go sports nutrition but may try to go private nutritionist & Personal Trainer.

 

[magic8989]

I can relate. I just became an RD about 8 months ago and the community is so misinformed about may things. One example would be protein. It is getting better but I suggest you stick by what you know is true and don't listen to a lot of their silly recomendations.

 

[psulifter]

i wouldn't even bother with it. you are just starting there; my guess is she thinks she knows better than you, even if that is nowhere near reality.

yeah, this is what I was thinking...but it would be so great to shove it in her face...maybe on friday afternoon. But here is the kicker: I am counting on a recommendation from the renal dietitian (who is in charge of the entire clinical program) for my future job. She obviously has a relationship with this nurse as they work very closely. I probably will keep my mouth shut as difficult as it is for another week. It isn't worth the potential hassle of being known as a know-it-all instigator, and compromise an important job recommendation.

 

[stxnas]

What types of problems is she atributing to creatine? I haven't heard anybody claim anything from creatine in a while...just wondering.

 

[psulifter]

Print them and leaqve 1 a day, i say thats a good idea. Dont argue it or go into a debate but give her that stuff and maybe she'll open her eyes.

It bothers me how Dr.s n what not argue these things but its like arguing with a cop, no power, no degree, no brains apparently. Oh well....

Glad to hear what youre doing, me the same. Not sure if ill go sports nutrition but may try to go private nutritionist & Personal Trainer.

Cool stuff. Are you in a DI? If so, where are you doing it and how is it going?

 

[MentalTwitch]

Cool stuff. Are you in a DI? If so, where are you doing it and how is it going?

No. I actually am gett gen eds out of the way still. HAvent picked a school to transfer too. Im in illinois so i have 2 options in state and a few others in general.
I take it youre at Penn state?

 

[psulifter]

What types of problems is she atributing to creatine? I haven't heard anybody claim anything from creatine in a while...just wondering.

I didn't really get into it with her. She just mentioned that "several" people ended up in their dialysis unit because of using creatine. I just bit my tongue and wandered away...

 

[stxnas]

I don't blame you. My mother works in the medical field and it's really hard to bite my tongue sometimes, but I don't want to incriminate myself, lol...

 

[EasyEJL]

I didn't really get into it with her. She just mentioned that "several" people ended up in their dialysis unit because of using creatine. I just bit my tongue and wandered away...

reminds me of another conversation i'm having where "everybody knows" american cars aren't as reliable as japanese or european cars. But the american cars often are on top of the initial quality charts, and even outside of the US american cars are frequently used as taxis and police vehicles (canada) so its not a case of nationalism. Why would a taxi company use a car thats less reliable unless even with factoring in downtime and cost of repairs it wasn't still more economical. But "everybody knows" american cars aren't as good... sigh sorry about the rant

 

[psulifter]

No. I actually am gett gen eds out of the way still. HAvent picked a school to transfer too. Im in illinois so i have 2 options in state and a few others in general.
I take it youre at Penn state?

Yeah, I graduated with a BS in nutrition in May. Now i am in a 9-month dietetic internship (required by CADE) to become RD eligable. I am actually in Penn State's DI. It is 5 months of clinical at Hershey Med Center, and 4 months of research based practice in State College. If you choose pursue dietetics, you almost have to do a DI to really do anything career wise. But it seems like there are a lot of jobs in the field, especially in sports nutrition. And males are definitely the minority in the field, which can work in our favor in sports nutrition...

 

[MentalTwitch]

reminds me of another conversation i'm having where "everybody knows" american cars aren't as reliable as japanese or european cars. But the american cars often are on top of the initial quality charts, and even outside of the US american cars are frequently used as taxis and police vehicles (canada) so its not a case of nationalism. Why would a taxi company use a car thats less reliable unless even with factoring in downtime and cost of repairs it wasn't still more economical. But "everybody knows" american cars aren't as good... sigh sorry about the rant

agreed. My Grand Prix(amongst other American Vehicles) Lost so much value once it leaves the lot. Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru etc will always be the strongest and most reliable. Not the fastest but oh well i guess.

 

[MentalTwitch]

Yeah, I graduated with a BS in nutrition in May. Now i am in a 9-month dietetic internship (required by CADE) to become RD eligable. I am actually in Penn State's DI. It is 5 months of clinical at Hershey Med Center, and 4 months of research based practice in State College. If you choose pursue dietetics, you almost have to do a DI to really do anything career wise. But it seems like there are a lot of jobs in the field, especially in sports nutrition. And males are definitely the minority in the field, which can work in our favor in sports nutrition...

Nice. Yea ive read over all the requirements a few times. I know ill be doing an internship.

 

[EasyEJL]

agreed. My Grand Prix(amongst other American Vehicles) Lost so much value once it leaves the lot. Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Subaru etc will always be the strongest and most reliable. Not the fastest but oh well i guess.

But it only lost the value because "everybody knows" american cars aren't worth it. It doesn't mean its actually true. If everyone believed creatine caused kidney problems, creatine companies would go out of business whether it was true or not. Price is dictated by market demand and what people are willing to pay, not real value. Hence the price of diamonds and jewelery.

 

[psulifter]

reminds me of another conversation i'm having where "everybody knows" american cars aren't as reliable as japanese or european cars. But the american cars often are on top of the initial quality charts, and even outside of the US american cars are frequently used as taxis and police vehicles (canada) so its not a case of nationalism. Why would a taxi company use a car thats less reliable unless even with factoring in downtime and cost of repairs it wasn't still more economical. But "everybody knows" american cars aren't as good... sigh sorry about the rant

its quite welcome. question though...I just bought an Acura. I know acura is owned by honda. Is acura "american" or japanese? I really like it, but I have never been much of a "car nationalist"

 

[EasyEJL]

its quite welcome. question though...I just bought an Acura. I know acura is owned by honda. Is acura "american" or japanese? I really like it, but I have never been much of a "car nationalist"

it would be a japanese car yes. I think at this point, if you are a brand new car every 3-5 year person, the choice doesn't matter, as any make is pretty good in that time, and basically all are covered by warranty as well. if you are buying 5 year old cars and keeping them another5 years, then maybe the japanese cars are slightly better, but you also pay for that. And I guess if you are looking for inexpensive luxury, then buying 10 year old high end benz's or bmws is probably better than 10 year old cadillacs. but the differences once you factor in cost of purchase, maintenance and repairs is almost nothing on similarly equipped cars.

 

[psulifter]

mentaltwitch-

make sure you have all your ducks in a row...I kind of skated thru the first 3 years of college without a plan. I never really took the DI very seriously because I don't stress over things. It is actually quite difficult to get into a decent DI. I believe the national average for match success this year was under 60%. The whole computer matching system is kind of BS in my opinion. there just aren't enough internship spots for all of the applicants. Feel free to PM me with questions bro.

 

[MentalTwitch]

mentaltwitch-

make sure you have all your ducks in a row...I kind of skated thru the first 3 years of college without a plan. I never really took the DI very seriously because I don't stress over things. It is actually quite difficult to get into a decent DI. I believe the national average for match success this year was under 60%. The whole computer matching system is kind of BS in my opinion. there just aren't enough internship spots for all of the applicants. Feel free to PM me with questions bro.

Much Appreciated man. I will for sure if i have any Qs. Take care. Best of luck

 

[psulifter]

it would be a japanese car yes. I think at this point, if you are a brand new car every 3-5 year person, the choice doesn't matter, as any make is pretty good in that time, and basically all are covered by warranty as well. if you are buying 5 year old cars and keeping them another5 years, then maybe the japanese cars are slightly better, but you also pay for that. And I guess if you are looking for inexpensive luxury, then buying 10 year old high end benz's or bmws is probably better than 10 year old cadillacs. but the differences once you factor in cost of purchase, maintenance and repairs is almost nothing on similarly equipped cars.

interesting stuff..i bought an 04 with 25K on it because the price was right. I guess I'll have to hope that the Honda reliability + warranty until 2011 serves me well.

 

[EasyEJL]

interesting stuff..i bought an 04 with 25K on it because the price was right. I guess I'll have to hope that the Honda reliability + warranty until 2011 serves me well.

should be fine thats still inside the "good life" portion of a cars existence, the first 8-10 years, and under 100k miles. Most cars experience little to no serious issues in that time. So its all about the price at that point.

 

[jmh80]

yeah, this is what I was thinking...but it would be so great to shove it in her face...maybe on friday afternoon. But here is the kicker: I am counting on a recommendation from the renal dietitian (who is in charge of the entire clinical program) for my future job. She obviously has a relationship with this nurse as they work very closely. I probably will keep my mouth shut as difficult as it is for another week. It isn't worth the potential hassle of being known as a know-it-all instigator, and compromise an important job recommendation.

You have to learn to pick your battles in the professional world.

This isn't one to pick, IMO. Esp. with just starting there.

Don't ever come into a new job arrogant and think you know more as everyone else. No one likes to see that. Act humble. It will take you a long way.

 

[ReaperX]

You have to learn to pick your battles in the professional world.

This isn't one to pick, IMO. Esp. with just starting there.

Don't ever come into a new job arrogant and think you know more as everyone else. No one likes to see that. Act humble. It will take you a long way.

This is an excellent post.

You shouldn't say anything. No offense to anyone who thinks that he should, but that is poor advice.

The only thing that would come out of something like that is a pissed off co-worker, burned bridges, and people believing whatever they want to believe.

 

[ReaperX]

Here is sorta a different instance that happened with me not too long ago:


My girlfriend was talking to me about how Kyle hits Katie. Katie is her friend and Kyle is her boyfriend. Kyle also is the same person who gave me Superdrol (for anyone who recalls my Superdrol story). Well, Kyle I know took M1T for awhile and he takes other kinds of gear,ph,ps whatever...that stuff.


Anyways, my g/f was telling me how Kyle was having 'roid rage b/c of the stuff he takes and that's why he hits Katie. She also went into graphic detail from what Katie told her about his balls shrinking.....she could have left that out.

She then brought up the whole Chris Benoit story and told me not to ever take gear b/c it would make me crazy and violent too......not that I'd ever use that stuff anyway.


......I just smiled and told her 'of course I won't......I didn't feel like getting into this whole shin-dig about the 'roid rage stuff. There's no point in getting into a stupid argument.


I'm sure this will probably rub a bunch of people the wrong way...lol....

 

[Dr Packenwood]

I agree. Show her up. You might garner respect that you can do your homework and back things up with information.

Or you'll piss her off and she won't talk to you anymore.

Either way its a win win situation.

Hell, if my 60 year old mom can conceive that steroid use doesn't create the problems the media screams about (she's used prednisone for lung ailments. Her words were 'miracle drug'), then this person might be able to learn a thing or two if she's humble enough.

 

[jmh80]

I agree. Show her up. You might garner respect that you can do your homework and back things up with information.

Or you'll piss her off and she won't talk to you anymore.

Either way its a win win situation.

Now is NOT the time for that.

Sure - you want employees to do their homework and bring facts and logic to work.

In this case - it would be done with malice in mind. NEVER a good idea in a professional environment (which he's in).

Now - if he worked at a McDonald's - sure, go right ahead. This job is basically his career though. You have to treat those differently.

 

[Dr Packenwood]

Now is NOT the time for that.

Sure - you want employees to do their homework and bring facts and logic to work.

In this case - it would be done with malice in mind. NEVER a good idea in a professional environment (which he's in).

Now - if he worked at a McDonald's - sure, go right ahead. This job is basically his career though. You have to treat those differently.

True, but maybe my reply was a bit too sarcasic.

By no means should he take the papers, throw them over hand at her head and scream YOU'RE WRONG *****! but maybe present it in a different light, such as, "Hey remember ..blah blah .. I body build have been using creatine...blah blah...heres what I found...blah blah..." then show her the data he found that would show her what is correct.

And, if it does piss her off, good. It shows she doesn't want to be wrong. If she has any tact and/or decorum at all as she should in her position, she'll read through it and maybe take a second or two to understand what is presented.

It might actually garner some respect for him.

If you question 'authority' the right way you can gain respect. It shows you are willing to do the research, put in the work above and beyond what is required, and also that you don't want a superior to look stupid by spreading wrong information.

I think it might be a great opportunity to kiss some ass.

 

[psulifter]

Now is NOT the time for that.

Sure - you want employees to do their homework and bring facts and logic to work.

In this case - it would be done with malice in mind. NEVER a good idea in a professional environment (which he's in).

Now - if he worked at a McDonald's - sure, go right ahead. This job is basically his career though. You have to treat those differently.

OK, so I've pretty much decided to keep my mouth shut. At best I convince one person and that is it. Worst case, I stir up some trouble that I don't want or need. jmh80 is correct, it would be with malice in mind and I do not want to bring that attitude into the workplace. I have too much to lose by making an arguement of this.

I actually work with another guy (theres only two of us in the program, the rest are women) who lives, eats, and breathes body building. He is also a regular at bb.com. Nevertheless, he is a bright guy, and serious in his diet and training. However, he promotes himself as more of the "sterotypical meathead" persona in the hospital. I am just as serious about diet and training as he is, but at work I try to keep a more even and professional persona to fit in more with my co-workers. I really don't want to create stereotypical musclehead image for myself because I believe that it will likely hurt me instead of help me for now.

It is my goal to get into sports nutrition, where a good physique may add to my credibility in the eyes of clients, but currently my thinking is that my obsession with the iron is something I should keep on the DL.

 

[TheCrownedOne]

Ok, so for the past 5 months i have been doing an internship to become eligible to become an R.D. On monday, I started my two week rotation in the dialysis unit doing renal nutrition.
The dialysis nurse (who is severely overweight) who was showing me around the unit asked me what I wanted to do once i become a dietitian. I said that I wanted to get into sports nutrition. She says "oh, then you can tell people not to take that creatine. We have had several people end up in here for taking that stuff."
At the time, I kind of smiled, shrugged it off, and forgot about it. I really didn't want to create controversy my first day there and have her give me a hard time for the next two weeks.
Now I'm pretty pissed. I did a pubmed search for 5 minutes and found 20+ articles stating the safety of creatine related to renal function. I have come to realize that the docs and nurses who should know this stuff are just as misinformed and ignorant as most of the general public.
Yes, I do take creatine and have done so for years. Should I put a pile of scientific abstracts on her desk this week, or keep my mouth shut and let it slide?

Proverbs 26
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Deal with them as friends - there is no reason to act otherwise. Only then may your wisdom be received.

 

[psulifter]

Proverbs 26
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Deal with them as friends - there is no reason to act otherwise. Only then may your wisdom be received.

good post^

 

[psulifter]

I actually work with another guy (theres only two of us in the program, the rest are women) who lives, eats, and breathes body building. He is also a regular at bb.com. Nevertheless, he is a bright guy, and serious in his diet and training. However, he promotes himself as more of the "sterotypical meathead" persona in the hospital. I am just as serious about diet and training as he is, but at work I try to keep a more even and professional persona to fit in more with my co-workers. I really don't want to create stereotypical musclehead image for myself because I believe that it will likely hurt me instead of help me for now.

It is my goal to get into sports nutrition, where a good physique may add to my credibility in the eyes of clients, but currently my thinking is that my obsession with the iron is something I should keep on the DL.

Any opinions on this? I am all for being proud of your physique, accomplishment, and lifestyle. However I can't help but feel there is a stereotype/perception held by the general public that big, in-shape guys are nothing more than a typical meathead, even though that is usually a mile from the truth.

Is it better to embrace your lifestyle in the workplace, or be a closet bodybuilder/fitness enthusiast during work hours?

I am only working in the hospital until Christmas, and I am banking on some good letters of recommendation for a future job to come out of this internship.

Who has had experience, good or bad, with this type of sterotype at work?

 

[ReaperX]

Any opinions on this? I am all for being proud of your physique, accomplishment, and lifestyle. However I can't help but feel there is a stereotype/perception held by the general public that big, in-shape guys are nothing more than a typical meathead, even though that is usually a mile from the truth.

Is it better to embrace your lifestyle in the workplace, or be a closet bodybuilder/fitness enthusiast during work hours?

I am only working in the hospital until Christmas, and I am banking on some good letters of recommendation for a future job to come out of this internship.

Who has had experience, good or bad, with this type of sterotype at work?

I wear short sleeved polo shirts to work b/c they are comfortable and i hate long sleeves. This in turn has resulted in the whole 'do you work out ?', 'what kind of supplements do you take ?' typical questions.


I just deny that I workout whenever someone keeps probing. I just say I workout like once a month. It is irrelevant to them and does not really have any correlation to what I do at work. The only ones i actually talk about bb'ing are my friends and ppl I know. For everyone else who just happens to ask, I always deny it.

 

[psulifter]

I wear short sleeved polo shirts to work b/c they are comfortable and i hate long sleeves. This in turn has resulted in the whole 'do you work out ?', 'what kind of supplements do you take ?' typical questions.


I just deny that I workout whenever someone keeps probing. I just say I workout like once a month. It is irrelevant to them and does not really have any correlation to what I do at work. The only ones i actually talk about bb'ing are my friends and ppl I know. For everyone else who just happens to ask, I always deny it.

Yeah, I am pretty much the same way. I would rather dismiss most of the questions and comments I get than take the time to try to explain what I do. Sometimes it is just easier to plead ignorance. I really only talk about it with some of my friends who occasionally ask me which protein they should be taking, what I do for chest, etc.

In fact, I have been wearing sweatshirts and long sleeve tees in public lately b/c I've been busting my butt in the gym and have put on about 15lbs (Pheraplex was in the mix...). I actually got tired of the comments, so I just started wearing sleeves to the gym. Work is not much a problem b/c shirt and tie are required, even the button-downs are gettin tight in the shoulders though.

 

[Dr Packenwood]

Any opinions on this? I am all for being proud of your physique, accomplishment, and lifestyle. However I can't help but feel there is a stereotype/perception held by the general public that big, in-shape guys are nothing more than a typical meathead, even though that is usually a mile from the truth.

Is it better to embrace your lifestyle in the workplace, or be a closet bodybuilder/fitness enthusiast during work hours?

I am only working in the hospital until Christmas, and I am banking on some good letters of recommendation for a future job to come out of this internship.

Who has had experience, good or bad, with this type of sterotype at work?

I embrace it. Its a major part of my life and I refuse to hide it. I'm self employed but even when I deal with customers I don't cover it up. I don't stand around and flex either. Every now and again someone will mention the way I look, have a few questions about working out, diet, etc and I take the time to educate them, help them with something exercise related and so on. I think it makes for a better customer relations that way.

 

[warnerve]

yeah, i would say listen to jmh- it's really not worth causing any problems that might hurt a chance at a career