Acknowledgments

This book sprang out of a combination of an obsession with facts (a trait I inherited from my mother), a personal interest in health and fitness, and two decades of involvement with science policy. I have been blessed with a job that I enjoy so much that it seems entirely inappropriate to call it a job. And the reason that I love my work is that it provides an excuse to interact with interesting people, learn about fascinating new research, and work on challenging issues. This book was opportunity to do all those things on a singularly important topic: health.

I have so many people to thank for making this book happen. But my first big thanks must go to my good friend and writing mentor, Curtis Gillespie. Without his support and nagging nudges, this book would not have happened. His valuable input and editorial advice had an impact on every page of the manuscript. He sets a high standard as both a writer and a friend. I am also deeply indebted to my whole research team at the University of Alberta, including Nina Hawkins, Amy Zarzeczny, Nola Ries, Jacob Shelley, Ubaka Ogbogu, Christen Rachul, and Zubin Master. A special thanks to my colleague Robyn Hyde-Lay, who read early drafts and provided a constant stream of useful research material. All of the incredible students are a constant source of inspiration, and many—including Lindsey Jo Erhman, who worked on the naturopathic website project; and the Murdoch brothers, C. J. and Blake, who did loads of background research—helped with specific projects that were relevant to the book.

Books of this nature require access to and the cooperation of innumerable interviewees. Without exception, all put up with my clumsy questions and enthusiastically guided me through their areas of expertise. It was a true privilege to get to know so many brilliant researchers and health experts. I can’t thank them enough for taking the time to help me with this project. You will note that I attempted to interview both well-known senior scholars and new emerging talent (fresh perspectives are key!). But regardless of the stage of the career, all interviewees were kind, patient, and helpful. This includes the alternative practitioners I visited for the remedies chapter. Though we may not agree about the value of alternative medicine, I found these individuals to be tremendously professional and conscientious.

Many of those I interviewed did not make it into the text of the book, but their insights still played an important role. These individuals include some close friends and, I hope, some new ones, such as Heather Boon (University of Toronto), Matthew Nisbet (American University), Wylie Burke (University of Washington), Michael McDonald (University of British Columbia), John Spence (University of Alberta), Mildred Cho (Stanford), Scott Roberts (University of Michigan), Daryl Pullman (Memorial University), Neal Cohen (University of California, San Francisco), Barbara Koenig (Mayo Clinic), Eric Meslin (Indiana University), Trudo Lemmens (University of Toronto), Dana Olstad (University of Alberta), Ross Upshur (University of Toronto), Amy McGuire (Baylor), Ron Ackerman (Indiana University), George Church (Harvard), Bartha Knoppers (McGill), Stephen Minger (King’s College, London), and Jeff Woods (a personal trainer). Numerous individuals also provided resources and e-mail assistance, including Jennifer Smith Maguire (University of Leicester) on the nature of the fitness industry; David Colquhoun (University College London) on alternative medicine; Judy Chepeha (University of Alberta) on therapeutic message and the Graston technique; and Steven N. Blair (University of South Carolina), Bruce Reeder (University of Saskatchewan), and Antero Kesäniemi (University of Oulu) on stretching and flexibility.

I am also indebted to my many wonderful colleagues at the University of Alberta, especially those who suffered through my frequent and annoyingly animated hallway lectures on the latest findings in the field of health science. Many of these individuals, such as Tania Bubela, Ted DeCoste, Wayne Renke, Erin Nelson, and Camilla Knight, sent me useful literature. I have the good fortune to work with countless other amazing colleagues throughout the world. They are too numerous to mention but know that I value the inspiring collaborations and constant support.

I am thankful to the many funding agencies that have supported my research, including the Canada Research Chair program, the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, the Stem Cell Network (National Centres of Excellence), AllerGen (National Centres of Excellence), Genome Alberta, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Alberta Policy Coalition for Cancer Prevention, and Alberta Law Foundation.

My wonderful agents, Anne McDermid and Chris Bucci, have provided unflagging encouragement. Their always practical advice helped me to focus my work. I am also greatly indebted to Diane Turbide at Penguin Canada and Helene Atwan at Beacon Press for taking a chance on this book and on me. And to Jonathan Webb for his exceptional editorial work. Jonathan was firm when he needed to be and always kind, even though I deserved less. I know he had to endure many cringe-worthy typos, unintended logic loops, and mangled phrases. The editorial team at Beacon Press was also outstanding. It was a true pleasure working with them all.

My entire family—specifically the Caulfield and Otto clans—were an important part of this book. They participated in many of my ridiculous “experiments” and allowed me to record their reactions to various stages of my research. They are a remarkable collection of individuals, good sports all. My brothers, Case and Sean, provided both specific advice on early drafts and, more important, a lifetime of intellectual inspiration.

But my deepest thanks must go to my amazing kids, Adam, Alison, Jane, and Michael, for putting up with their crazy dad, and to my wife, Joanne. Joanne’s constant support, insightful (and always correct) advice, and remarkable patience made this book a reality.