“Gout is so 18th century. It’s like, why don’t I get scarlet fever and syphilis as well, while I’m about it?” – Columnist and restaurant critic Giles Coren, The Times, September 13, 2014

That’s just one of hundreds of gout jokes, cartoons and snide jabs that have been spied in the media in the last few years — and that doesn’t take into account a rich tradition of gout lampoonery dating back at least to the 18th century (Google “James Gillray”). Then or now, it’s hard to imagine another disease that gets so little respect. And that’s a problem, according to New Zealand researchers. They say the press perpetuates myths aboutgoutthat downplay its seriousness and prevent sufferers from getting treatment.
Continue readingGout Is No Joke: Misinformation & Shaming May Prevent People from Getting Appropriate Care→