Posted on Thu, Feb 10, 2011 : 5:50 a.m.
How winter weather might trigger asthma
By Pam Stout
Parenting a child who has breathing troubles can be a frightening experience.
This week, in our "Ask your local expert" column, Dr. Ali Khan from Dakota Family Practice explains how the cold, dry air can present a challenge for children who suffer from asthma and offers a few suggestions to help.
Read more of Dr. Kahn's response here.
Comments
AlphaAlpha
Thu, Feb 10, 2011 : 5:17 p.m.
Interesting. So, the image of a credible journalist is used to introduce an advertisement? And no clue it's an advertisement until you get there. Seems good for click count, anyway. The appearance of impropriety will accompany this advertising approach. AnnArbor.com well deserves to earn, and to profit, nicely. Hopefully your company will reevaluate this concept of advertising. Your journalist staff, and your company, deserve better than this. Overly 'clever' advertising tactics smacks of questionable practices best avoided by successful media organizations. And the key issue of the questionable medical 'advice'? Another story...
Jen Eyer
Thu, Feb 10, 2011 : 4:40 p.m.
This post by Pam is just an "aggregation," or summary, of the expert's article. When you click on the link to read the actual article by Dr. Khan, it says "Sponsored by Dakota Family Practice." Pam was the one to aggregate it because she is the staff member who leads our Parenting section.
AlphaAlpha
Thu, Feb 10, 2011 : 4:12 p.m.
"Jen Eyer at 9:14 AM on February 10, 2011 [stated:] AlphaAlpha: "Ask the Expert" is a relatively new, sponsored content program on the site. The businesses who participate post articles that are very much like our community contributor content. On the editorial side, when we think there is information that would be of value, we aggregate these articles as Pam did here. As with any article, additional information is welcomed from commenters." Thank you, Ms. Eyer. How is one to know when a 'story' is actually 'sponsored content'? Where is "sponsored content" noted? Also, you state "...The businesses who participate post articles...". This 'article' seems to be posted by Pam Stout. Is Pam Stout associated with Mr. Kahn? Thank you.
AlphaAlpha
Thu, Feb 10, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.
"Ask the Expert"? Is this medical advice? Regrettably, this article is substandard by any measure. The line between article/column/info, and advertisement, is too blurred, and the medical 'advice' is suspect and potentially harmful. Seeing the ad for Mr. Kahn's business is an interesting coincidence. Mr. Kahn's comments can be summarized as: "1. We don't know the cause; 2. Use a scarf to prevent breathing cold air." Can Mr. Kahn cite studies to support scarf use? Unlikely. Many recent studies show an association between asthma and a lack of essential fatty acids (EFA's, omega 3 in particular), as well as deficiencies of oil based vitamins A, D, and E, and particularly vitamin D3. These associations are shown with adult onset asthma as well. Very many asthmatics experienced dramatic improvement in their condition simply by increasing their intake of readily available, cheap, nutrients. Would an 'expert' perform a simple internet search prior to an article like this? Would an 'expert' deny people the latest in medical knowledge? Significant treatment options exist for many, perhaps most, asthmatics. To state otherwise is a disservice, and potentially a liability.
Jen Eyer
Thu, Feb 10, 2011 : 2:14 p.m.
AlphaAlpha: "Ask the Expert" is a relatively new, sponsored content program on the site. The businesses who participate post articles that are very much like our community contributor content. On the editorial side, when we think there is information that would be of value, we aggregate these articles as Pam did here. As with any article, additional information is welcomed from commenters.