Press Release: Good Housekeeping Institute Fudged Facts On Z-CoiL Footwear To Media

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Had Nothing To Do With Evaluating Springy Shoes




April 11, 2005 - In February, the Good Housekeeping Institute published a video report regarding Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™. Their unfavorable story stated the springy soled shoes were unsafe on sticky surfaces and uneven terrain and could cause back strain.

In the report and the 2005 May issue of Good Housekeeping (Page 90), Dr. Stuart Hirsch was accurately presented as an expert in the medical field and Chair of the Council on Communications for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

But when the Good Housekeeping Institute submitted an article about their Z-CoiL report to King Feature Syndicate, a wire service that daily newspapers nationwide subscribe, Dr. Hirsch was omitted from the story:

"But the elevated heel might strain the back and increase arthritis in the knee, said the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons Communications Council." - Salt Lake Tribune - Business (03/16/2005)

An American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) representative tried unsuccessfully to contact the Good Housekeeping Institute to have the 120-year-old women's magazine issue a "media correction." The AAOS has never communicated with the Good Housekeeping Institute about Z-CoiL pain relief footwear or issued any official statement about the product. (NOTE: This paragraph was edited by Teena T. Purdiman, Manager, Public Relations, AAOS)

In March, using information from the Good Housekeeping Institute, WCBS-TV consumer news reporter Kirstin Cole (photo) stated in her story, "Are Z-Coils Z Answer For FootPain?," that Dr. Hirsch was WITH the "American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons."

This is not true.

Dr. Hirsch is a “member” of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Chair of the Council on Communications for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - a volunteer position. (NOTE: After fact checking this press release, Audrey Pass, Director, Communications, WCBS-TV, sent this one line e-mail from her Blackberry handheld wireless device: "Thank you Jack. We stand behind our story." My reply: Are you interested in contacting the AAOS?)

1) Why would the Good Housekeeping Institute embellish the facts to the media?
2) Why won't Good Housekeeping answer questions regarding their story?

Links, background information, unedited reader comments and interviews with medical professionals regarding the Good Housekeeping Institute Z-CoiL® Pain Relief Footwear™. controversy are available at the Z-Blog Reporter, a syndicated blog maintained by a multi-Z-CoiL shoe owner (6 pair) that is working towards getting several more styles for friends, family and himself.

NOTE: The Z-Blog Reporter is not associated with Z-CoiL or a Z-CoiL independent dealer. The focus of the daily online journal is on customer stories, customer satisfaction, community and adequate, fair media representation.