Recently, I was reading Ladies' Home Journal ('cause that's just the kind of 21st-century guy I am), and I came across a mini-article about how high levels of financial stress combined with "poor coping behaviors" can double your risk of gum disease. Of course, there was no mention of any medical journal, research institution, or individual investigator. I can't help but guess how this happened: I imagine a busy bar on Madison Avenue. It's 5:30pm and two guys sit at a table. One says, "You know, Earl, last year all my stocks really tanked. Not only that, but when I brush my teeth, my gums bleed like nobody's business!" Seated at a neighboring table, well within earshot and taking copious notes, is an editor from LHJ, beaming at having found the perfect filler for the next month's issue. Okay, maybe not.
03/22/2012
