Vim & Vigor - Spring 2014 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center - (Page 42)
g!
t?i)n
s
uOT
sgN
iR
D(O
BITING YOUR NAILS
WHY SOME GROSS
HABITS ARE ACTUALLY
GOOD FOR YOU
I
have a son who burps, bites
his nails and says he's allergic
to the shower. And he has lots
of company. A number of children (and adults) have these
inclinations. But as it turns out, some
of these socially unacceptable habits
have redeeming health benefits.
So, even if Miss Manners might not
approve, go ahead and be gross. But
not in front of me, please.
42
SPRING 2 014
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THINKSTOCK
BY BARRIE GILLIES
THE UPSIDE: The germs you ingest through nail
bits and grits may boost your immune system.
HOW IT WORKS: The young immune system is
strengthened when exposed to everyday germs,
and what better microbial meet-and-greet than
the grime-harboring space beneath our nails?
"Ninety percent of your cellular makeup is
germs, not human cells," says microbiologist
Philip Tierno, PhD, the author of The Secret Life of
Germs. "In fact, their presence keeps the immune
system strong."
As a child grows, his immune system needs to
come into contact with microorganisms to develop.
"Exposure to germs teaches the immune system to distinguish between harmless and harmful bacteria. Too little exposure can lead to an
immune system that doesn't know how to regulate itself, which in turn can lead to autoimmune
disorders such as allergies. It's possible that biting your nails would expose a person to beneficial germs that, in turn, would boost his or her
immune response."
CAVEAT: According to Tierno, most microorganisms are harmless, but some can make
us sick, so don't dismiss good personal and
household hygiene. Be sensible about cleanliness: Make sure everyone in the family washes
their hands with soap and water (for at least
20 seconds) after being in crowded public areas,
after using the bathroom, and before eating or
preparing food.
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2014 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center
Vim & Vigor - Spring 2014 - Phelps County Regional Medical Center
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Think Well, Stay Well
Small Steps to Good Health
Occupational Hazards
The New Rules of Play
Shopping for Two
Back to Basics
Burn, Baby, Burn
Angelina Jolie
Rock Your Health
Breaking Up with Salt
Disgusting! (or Not?)
Virtual Health
Detective of Medicine
Building Heart-Healthy Lives
Access for All
Auxiliary
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