Here’s a story this less-than-fastidious parent is going to choose to believe, whether it’s true or not. And no, I’m not going to tell you how many gummy bears or orange wedges my son, Henry, has picked up off the floor and popped into his mouth.
Researchers at Northwestern University reviewed data from health surveys and concluded that the more pathogens people were exposed to before age two, the lower their levels of a protein called CRP, a marker of chronic inflammation. That, in turn, could mean they have a lower risk of a bushel-basket full of illnesses, including heart disease.
Debora MacKenzie of New Scientist backs into the story, noting that the sanitized world that modern babies grow up in has already been blamed for the rising incidence of asthma and allergies. And the new research suggests that too much cleanliness is a bad idea. She provides few details of the study, but redeems herself with this quote from the lead researcher, Thomas McDade: “If my 2-year-old drops food on the floor,” he tells MacKenzie, “I just let him pick it up and eat it.” Ya gotta love this guy.
Others:
Karin Zeitvogel at AFP: Germ-free kids may risk more adult illnesses: study.
Richard Alleyne of the Telegraph: Keeping youngsters squeaky clean could be bad for their heart.
An interesting example of how a blogger shapes the news for her particular audience: Lenore Skenazy, on parentdish.com leads with, “Hey Mom! Put down that Purell!” In her particular voice, vastly different from anything you’d see in the news section of a newspaper, Skenazy delivers an entertaining take on the study.
Livescience.com: Germs may be good for you.
Grist for the mill: Northwestern University press release.
– Paul Raeburn
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