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Pop culture celebrity health myths debunked

Timothy Caulfield takes on pop culture health myths in UBCO’s distinguished speaker series
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Timothy Caulfield

What: Distinguished Speaker Series: Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything? When Celebrity Culture and Science Clash

Who: Timothy Caulfield, Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, Research Director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta

When: Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m.

Where: Kelowna Community Theatre, 1375 Water St., Kelowna

Pop culture, celebrity scientists and social media trends often make it tricky to determine what’s right and what’s not when it comes to healthy eating, food myths, and basic common sense.

Research shows that popular culture has a profound influence on people’s health and that trending stereotypes of beauty and success are framed by celebrity-dominated opinions and headlines. UBC Okanagan is bringing University of Alberta Law Professor Timothy Caulfield to Kelowna for a special presentation where he will debunk several pop culture health myths.

During this fun and provocative presentation, based on his newest book Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything? When Celebrity Culture and Science Clash, Caulfield will discuss the dangerous trend of celebrity science. He will also expose common health myths and provide practical, evidence-based, recommendations that are relevant to people who want to live a healthy lifestyle. Caulfield debunks myths and assumptions about innovation in the health sector—from research on stem cells to diets to alternative medicine.

Caulfield is a Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, and a professor in the Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. He has been the Research Director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta since 1993.

His visit is part of UBC Okanagan’s Distinguished Speaker Series. Caulfield’s presentation is sponsored by the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, in collaboration with the Faculty of Health and Social Development. This event is free and open to the public, but online pre-registration at Eventbrite.ca is required.

The Distinguished Speaker Series brings to the Okanagan compelling speakers, with unique perspectives on issues that affect our region, our country and our world. The theme of the series is A Civil and Sustainable Society.

To find out more visit UBC distinguished speakers.