Mathematics

Posted: August 7th, 2013

Vitamin E and Sunscreen

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Vitamin E and Sunscreen

Introduction

Including vitamin E in one’s diet is considered healthy especially in strengthening the immune system. According to recent discoveries, vitamin E plays a vital role in the fight against heart disease and cancer. Ambiguity is seen in the statement that Vitamin E may help in fighting cancer and heart disease since it is not definitive. Using sunscreen especially during hot seasons helps to prevent skin cancer caused by the sun’s rays. Providing information about the percentage of adults using sunscreen requires facts and appropriate methodologies. It is therefore misleading to say that 71 percent of adults do not use sunscreen without solid proof of how the information was obtained.

Discussion

Question one

Vitamin E is a strong antioxidant that is beneficial to brain health. According to Stansbury (2009), “antioxidants are protective compounds that neutralize free radicals in the body” (68). Its antioxidant properties are responsible for its numerous benefits in the human body. Research has shown that vitamin E helps in preventing coronary heart diseases by restraining the oxidation of unhealthy cholesterol, which leads to blockage of arteries. Vitamin also boosts the immune system and fights cancer-causing agents. The statement that vitamin E may help in fighting cancer and heart disease is considered ambiguous because of the word “may”. Based on this word, there is no certainty as to whether vitamin E helps in fighting heart disease and cancer or not. That vitamin E is an antioxidant is a proven fact because antioxidants play important roles in the fight against cancer and lung diseases. However, the application of “May” it also implies that vitamin E “may not”.

Question two

Sunscreen is used to protect the skin against harsh ultra violet rays from the sun. It is sometimes referred to as sun block or sun cream. Sunscreen also helps in preventing skin cancer and early skin aging. The statement that 71 percent of adults do not use sunscreen is misleading because; there is no indication as to whether the article’s author used a mathematical formula to reach his or her conclusion. It does not also provide information on the representative sample of adults used in the research and the questions asked. Did the author interview adult males or females and in which country or sports? There lacks specificity in the percentage of the adults since there are unanswered questions about the validity of the source of information. There is no margin of error, how or where the sampling was conducted. In addition, it does not specify whether those adults using sunscreen bought by others qualify as non-users. The author does not mention why he or she focused on the article, does not explain when the adults do not use sunscreen and where the sunscreen is not used.

Conclusion

Ambiguity and providing misleading information is against what is considered right by many. Informative statements should be definitive and unambiguous meaning that words like “may” ought to be avoided. Information is considered misleading when there is no evidence behind it. I have learnt to use the right words in powerful statements to carry out extensive research before providing information. These two lessons have taught me to be careful about the words I use in my speech and writing, as it reflects on my personality and credibility standards. In addition, I have gathered that research is necessary before making conclusions about sensitive matters.

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