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	• Never Shower in a Thunderstorm: Surprising Facts and Misleading Myths About Our Health and the World We Live ... Anahad O'Connor Times Books, 2007 - 256 pages average customer review:based on 7 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Never shower in a Thunderstorm;

Lots and lots of good tips. It was so interesting that I read the whole thing in one sitting then passed it along to my kids.

Fun stuff you can share with friends and family

"Wait half and hour after eating before swimming."

"Cover your head in the winter so you don't catch a cold."

"Cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis."

We've all heard the old wives tales, but which ones are really true? Based on his New York Times column, "Really?," Anahad O'Connor sets out to tell us just that.

In an easy-to-read question and answer format, Never Shower in a Thunderstorm analyzes dozens of commonly held beliefs about health. Some are verified and some are debunked, though which is which may really surprise you. Fully supported by current research and interviews with field experts, O'Connor takes a neutral middle ground, being neither too liberal and "new age-y" nor conservative and cynical in his assessments. His conversational writing style is clever and engaging, as if talking with a witty friend over a coffee or beer. References to current pop culture keep the tone light and entertaining. Several of his answers actually caused me to laugh out loud and read sections to friends.

My only wish would be to have included a bibliography or footnotes for those interested a bit more in the science behind the answers. So many of the research articles O'Connor refers to sounded interesting enough to have warranted reading them firsthand.

Overall, Never Shower in a Thunderstorm is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative read for all folks, not just those with a scientific bent.

Armchair Interviews says: True or false? This book will tell you.

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Great Fun and Most Informative

This book was great fun to read. Many myths, legends, sayings, old wives' tales, etc., all related in some way to health and life, are either debunked or confirmed - and rationales are provided. The author appears to have researched each topic quite exhaustively - not only through reviewing published papers in the scientific and medical literature but also through interviewing acknowledged experts in each field. The book's writing style is friendly, authoritative and very engaging. But what stands out the most is the author's clever wit and humor; on several occasions I found myself laughing out loud. This is a wonderful book that could be enjoyed by anyone, especially those who have ever pondered the veracity of what may or may not be a bit of misinformation.

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Lacks Sources

About: Facts and myths about health explained. Includes such topics as "Is too much sleep bad for you?" (yes) and "Can you swim right after eating?" (also, yes)

Pros: Quick read, interesting.

Cons: Sources are not cited, a large downside when debunking myths or providing facts.

Grade: B

reviews: page 1, 2

The New York Times?s intrepid health reporter investigates the truth about sex, eating, exercise, and other health conundrums For more than two years, the New York Times?s science and health columnist Anahad O?Connor has tracked down the facts, fictions, and occasional fuzziness of old wives? tales, conventional-wisdom cures, and other medical mysteries. Now in this lively and fun book, he opens up his case files to disclose the experts? answers on everything, from which of your bad habits you can indulge (yo-yo dieting does not mess up your metabolism and sitting too close to the television does not hurt your eyes) to what foods actually pack the punch advertised (you can lay off the beet juice!).
A compendium of answers to the curious and nagging questions of how to keep healthy, Never Shower in a Thunderstorm will provide guidance and amusement to anyone who has ever wondered if the mosquitoes really are attacking her more than everyone else. (Yes, they are.)

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