In light of the recent (near) hysteria over Dr.Oz’s claim that apple juice contains arsenic (yes, really!) it reminded me of this story I read online a few years ago, so I had to google it to ensure I got it in it’s full context.
The story goes like this:
H2O: Dangerous Chemical!
A student at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls Science Fair, April 26. He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become to alarmists practicing junk science and spreading fear of everything in our environment. In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of the chemical “dihydrogen monoxide.”
And for plenty of good reasons, since:
- it can cause excessive sweating and vomiting
- it is a major component in acid rain
- it can cause severe burns in its gaseous state
- accidental inhalation can kill you
- it contributes to erosion
- it decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes
- it has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients
He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical.
- Forty-three (43) said yes,
- six (6) were undecided,
- and only one (1) knew that the chemical was water.
The title of his prize winning project was, “How Gullible Are We?”
He feels the conclusion is obvious.
I originally got this in an email years ago, and as I always do when I hear things like this, I turn to snopes.com so I can disprove my silly emailing friends…but in this case I was impressed that this story is actually true!
I thought it was relevant to share today, in light of the online discussion happening. I love Dr.Oz, I think he has a lot of valuable information to offer and he’s opened the door to health discussions in households that may not have otherwise happened.
I don’t claim to have the apple juice answers, but I thought I’d use this story to illustrate that as moms, as parents, it’s important to do your research anytime you hear a story like this and draw your own, educated, conclusions.
Thoughts?
Yup. Just today I read about the dangers of toxins in car seats. Yes, really. Why do we always have to worry about something?
I had heard about the arsenic/apple juice thing but I didn’t realize it was from Dr. Oz. I rarely watch his show, but whenever I do turn it on, he seems to be educating his viewers on how to live in a bubble. I thought *patients* were supposed to be the hypochondriacs who worry over every little thing… not doctors!! Unfortunately, he might have some very good information to pass on, but based on the amount of fear-mongering I have seen on his show, I don’t trust a word out of his mouth.
I agree with you totally and I myself do research a lot online. The problem and a Big problem is how the hell do you ever know what is true and what is not. Does not matter if the show or organization has a great reputation. Misleading can mean misleading across many forms, sites. reviews, surveys and what not. Unfortunately with every test or study done these days there is another Quote Unquote Study from someone else with exactly the opposite results. Drives me nuts. I say use your own inner common sense and if it seems to make sense to you.. then it is the best opinion. Tapping into our inner answers isn’t easy but I think we always have the right answers if we can tap into it. OK OK i know some will think ok hes nuts… but answer this.. who has ever led you down the right path in life. Noone but yourself. You are the one who has made the path you live and I bet all in all most of it is the right way.
Instinct to me is the best answer based on your own life and noone elses.
Kevin from http://linkiescontestlinkies.blogspot.com
This is what happens when people start getting medical advice from a television show instead of seeking council with their own family doctor. The US is addicted to hysteria. I’m amazed at how many people seem to be actively LOOKING for things to fear.
ack interesting. I just bought apple juice for kids today. Geez
It is a wonder how any of us have survived sleeping on our tummies, riding without car seats, getting a jillion immunizations, eating eggs and peanut butter as babies, drinking gallons of apple juice…. I mean really. *rolling eyes* Come on Doctor Oz- focus on something important… like cancer… not apple juice.
Ouch, that’s a bold statement for him to make. I think people need to become educated and read up on things before they automatically accept everything that’s handed to them. That project that kid did on water is incredible. You have a very good point here!