Inconsistency

 There can't be many out there who will be unaware of the fact that our esteemed NHS leader, Matt Hancock, has left office. Resigned or sacked, it doesn't really matter, the end result is the same. But I can't help feeling that he's not been treated fairly. Why? Because of the reason he's been forced out. Marital infidelity is hardly rare. Various studies indicate that, among married males something like 45% have at some time "played away". Among ladies it's lower, about 25%. Still a surprisingly high number. His own boss Boris has a far more interesting record than Matt. And on the continent the public have a far more tolerant and less judgemental, puritanical attitude towards such indiscretions in their politicians. We are all after all flawed human beings. As Henry Kissinger once said "Power is the greatest aphrodisiac".

Add to that the fact that some 5% of relationships in the uk are non monogamous. DZ finds it odd that, as a nation we have made great progress in increasingly accepting those of unconventional sexuality, yet swingers and polyamorists are still very much frowned upon, despite the mutual consent of all  those involved. 

And there is also a considerable number of people not in relationships at all who still have a very active sex life. 

That's not to say that DZ thinks Hancock should not have gone. There are plenty of reasons why he should have been sacked long ago. His predecessor Jeremy Hunt was guilty of much the same corruption and was also never brought to account for it

So DZ is a little concerned that he has been removed in the way that he has. It's clear that he has been pilloried for doing what his boss is renowned for, while his manifest corruption seems to be accepted as par for the course. The whole affair smacks of inconsistency and hypocrisy.

So welcome Mr Javid. Would it be too much to ask for a little integrity and competence during your tenure? Because if you can give us that I wouldn't give a shit about your private life.

 

Revitive scam

 Ads are appearing on TV and other places for a machine that supposedly improves peripheral circulation, specifically to the calves, and thereby alleviating a rather vague list of conditions said to be due to "poor circulation". Interestingly the only circulatory condition actually known to cause serious symptoms, peripheral vascular disease, is not mentioned in their promotional material. But they claim that it is highly effective for "tired legs", whatever that means.

So how does this device supposedly work. It's nothing more than an electrical muscle stimulator. The idea is that stimulating the muscles to ryhthmically contract , stimulating the muscle pump, and thereby increasing blood flow through the calf muscles. A similar effect is achieved during surgery using intermittent inflation of pneumatic boots. (Flowtron)

Revitive quote a number of research papers on their web site, but on inspection these papers are not good quality. None of the studies are blinded. Bearing in mind sham treatment is not felt, while actual treatment entails giving electric shocks it's difficult to see how it could be. Also most of the papers refer to it's use in varicose veins, which are asymptomatic in most patients. 

A good summary of the evidential basis for this device can be found here.

The only condition where the pathophysiology is one of reduced circulation is peripheral vascular disease. The use of a revitive device would increase oxygen usage within the calves, without increasing blood flow, and make symptoms considerably worse. For this reason peripheral vascular disease is considered a contraindication to the use of Flowtron in surgery.

And if you don't have peripheral vascular disease increasing blood flow through you calves is going to have bugger all benefit. You could achieve just the same effect by periodically rocking on your feet, or even just flexing and extending your feet without even leaving your bed.

The Revitive device is a complete scam. An ineffective waste of money. There is a way that you can increase the circulation through your calves for free, and also improve your cardiovascular health, and your general well being.

Go for a nice walk. Every day. Preferably with a dog.