Don't Swallow Your Gum!: Myths, Half-Truths, and Outright Lies About Your Body and Health
Adult/High School–Two doctors have written a breezy and entertaining, yet relevant and scientific, book full of facts with which to prove our mothers wrong. Divided into six sections, each comprising approximately 10 myths in two pages each, the book covers issues about disease, sex and pregnancy, babies and children, what we eat, and controversial topics. No, it is not necessary to drink eight glasses of water a day. Eating turkey does not make you sleepy. The authors also set the record straight on the five-second rule, the connection between dog hair and allergies, and the dangers of waking a sleepwalker. The final controversial section includes the causes of autism and the connection between the Superbowl and the abuse of women. It is easy to imagine teens browsing through and sharing fun tidbits with one another. In fact, with its offhand tone, liberal use of expressions like sucks and BS, the occasional gratuitous gross-out story, short chapters, and compact paperback format, the book reads as if it were written with teen appeal in mind. At the same time, the authors demonstrate clear research and documentation, including more than 40 pages of references. The introduction explains the difference between association and causation, the trials needed to prove the truth, and why so many misperceptions exist.Angela Carstensen, Convent of the Sacred Heart, New York City