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I can't believe I am still alive. Here I am nearing three score and ten and yet at my annual physical I was found to be healthy. As a child, in the summer, I roam the fields and woodlands, barefoot and shirtless. I swam in the creek and rode my bicycle on the streets without a helmet. I owned a bb gun and had my own pocket knife. I climbed trees and played softball without a helmet. I rode the exciting rides at the state fair. Everyone knows that such reckless conduct in youth is frought with dire danger.
I lived in a house with asbestos insulation, siding and shingles. It was painted with lead based paint. I drank water from wells. I have eaten my share of bacon even though we have been warned the preservatives were carcinogenic. The same is true with grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. I even used margarine and now butter, both of which I have been told are dangerous for ones health. I have enjoyed tuna and salmon which we are told are bad for consumption. I have consumed a fair portion of wild game. I have eaten beef which I was told would clog my arteries and chicken which I was told is teeming with salmonella. I have lived with carpet treated with formaldehyde and worn clothing that was not treated with fire retardant. I have lived in houses that were treated for termites with those strong smelling pesticides.
I take vitamin supplements. Some even warn that they are dangerous. I have helped folks who were injured and later washed their blood from my hands. I took a course in how to safely use a handgun...which I am told is a great danger to the gun owner. I have driven a car for 54 years, a very hazardous undertaking.
Come to think about it I am lucky to still be alive. But it is downright depressing to listen to and read the daily news. One year coffee is bad for us, the next it is OK. It used to be dangerous to eat butter, now it is good for us. Fish is good for us but it can be dangerous.
I have come to the conclusion that some researchers and media folks love the scary story. If they can lead with a dire warning, folks are more likely to stay to hear the rest of the story. Doom and gloom seem to appeal to those inclined to broadcasting news. Yes, there are some foods and activities that are dangerous for us. I have done and eaten them and survived. We do need to be safety conscious. My point is that if we immediately believe and act upon every dire health warning in the daily news we would be overwhelmed with phobias and paranoid about potential dangers. We would be paralyzed by fear- mongering reporting. There would be no joy left in life. A healthy skepticism will keep you from being constantly manipulated by those who love to frighten others.
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