Follow the science

 "Follow the science" is a loaded phrase.

People use that to justify just about everything. "Science" used to say smoking wasn't harmful and DDT didn't cause problems. There are scientific studies that "prove" fats are bad, and that high-cholesterol foods are bad.

The phrase is used for pushing climate change, LGBTQ+, and other agendas. And it's used by the opposing side to show how much the one side doesn't follow science.

The point is science changes. It evolves. But it's evolution is often slow and tedious, unless there's something that's discovered to be so blatantly false that the evidence can't be ignored any more (like smoking being bad for health).

It's not hard to find new and/or unexpected discoveries in various scientific fields on a weekly basis. 

The truth is most "proven" science is still just theory, which only means they have only found proof that supports the theory. It doesn't mean there isn't proof to the contrary. 

In many cases that contrary proof may be discovered and cause a new theory to be formed. In some cases the proof may just not be observed because the observers are seeing it because they're focused on something else.

Science, like so much in our world, follows the money. Studies are rarely made unless money can be obtained to perform the study. 

Most of those who push for a study are hoping to make money from the results, such as a successful drug or vaccine.

Science knows that people are inherently lazy. We want the easy way. We want to keep doing what we're doing but not have health problems.

We want the magic pill, the "easy" button, that will give us great health without any more effort than popping something into our mouth.

We want the vaccine that will put our mind at ease and relieve us of the fear of an illness.

In short, we want to continue our unhealthy lifestyles without the fear or effects of it. We not only want our piece of the cake, and to eat it, but we want the whole cake as well.

And if we happen to get some medical condition, we want to just take a pill (or some other easy solution) so we can just keep on living the way we want to.

And the health and wellness industry is worth billions. Supplements. Vaccines. Pharmaceuticals.

And a big problem is most of the "science" backing up the studies is primarily short term. Just enough "proof" to show something is effective so it can be marketed and money can be made. And if there happens to be any long-term effects (which can't be traced back because there isn't a long term study or control group) then more products can be sold to treat the symptoms.

And that is the key: treat the symptoms.

Because of the money involved there is little real interest in treating actual causes.

When I was little I remember a lot more public service announcements about getting more exercise. But there was also only 5 or so TV stations.

I hear the rare token PSA for eating better or to get moving, but not like when I was younger. 

And with more sources for entertainment that come to us through more instruments (TV, computers, phones, tablets, cable, internet, etc.) there is also more marketing of food that isn't healthy (even if some is claimed to be) and all the magic pills that claim to make you smarter, stronger, healthier, etc.

But there is very little to promote what really works, what will really change your life for the better. The reason is there isn't the same money in it and most people want the easy way.

It takes discipline to go for a daily walk, to have daily physical activity, and to drink more water. Water doesn't tantalize the taste buds like soda. Wholesome foods often take more time to prepare than processed food (if it can be called food).

Likewise it requires discipline to get adequate sleep. The fear of missing out wants and/or the dopamine rush we get from entertaining stimuli keeps us wanting to stay up just a little longer.

If the government was really interested in what is best for the health of the nation there would be increased awareness of what it truly good for us. Not regulations against the various industries just heightened awareness of the health traps. Maybe incentives for evidence of increased health and wellness.

But don't expect that. The various industries lobby against these types of efforts. There's lots of money that moves to grease political wheels.

So, you'll continue to see "science" behind various pushes. 

And when something changes and the previous "science" is shown to be inaccurate or false, the proponents of "follow the science" just change their tune to "well, science changes".