A recent study published in the April Fool’s issue of JAMA reports some results that are not so funny for apple eaters: Researchers found no statistical significance linking daily apple eaters to less frequent visits to the physician’s office or other healthcare services.
Researchers examined more than 8,300 people, among which 753 regularly ate at least one small apple each day. They found apple eaters tended to be more educated, less likely to smoke and more likely to be of a racial or ethnic minority, but no less likely to see the physician, according to the study.
Apple eaters were slightly more successful in avoiding prescription medications as well, suggesting the proverb should say, “An apple a day keeps the pharmacist away.”
More articles on integration and physician issues:
USC, ApolloMed to launch hospitalist leadership fellowship
Physicians: Share your daily rituals
Avera Medical Group to become department of Spencer Hospital
