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Scary health stories
The Washington Times ^ | 2-6-08 | Elizabeth M. Whelan

Posted on 02/07/2008 11:57:03 AM PST by JZelle

If you are a parent (or grandparent) of a young child, you are a target for manipulation by activists (some with scientific degrees) who claim we are surrounded by a sea of chemical "toxins" and "carcinogens." You are easy prey — because you care so deeply about the health and welfare of your babies and children. Purveyors of unfounded health scares know that.

The fearmongers have just about everything going for them. And unless you recognize their manipulative tactics, you will be among their millions of terrified victims.

Here's how they work: They know what psychiatrists have known for many years: human beings are fearful of substances that are unknown, unfamiliar — and invisible. It's just human nature to postulate there are hostile, unseen agents out there that are going to get you — like the boogeyman under the bed at night. What you cannot see can be downright scary. And that is what the "toxic terrorists" count on. You will act to ensure the safety of your child — whether or not there is a real risk.

Take the example of a scare story in the news this week:

An article in the current Pediatrics medical journal claims baby lotions, powders and shampoo contain a chemical known as phthalates, absorbed by babies through their skin, leaving them at risk of disease and disabilities.

Phthalates are chemicals that have been used for more than 50 years in a variety of products — for example, as chemical stabilizers in personal care products or as plastic softeners in rubber duckies, shower curtains and medical devices. Phthalates are invisible, unfamiliar (who can pronounce the word, much less spell it correctly?), and totally unknown to almost every parent. So when parents read that phthalates show up in the urine of babies exposed to...

(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial
KEYWORDS: forthechildren; health; hysteria; phthalates; scaremongering; toxins
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To: 668 - Neighbor of the Beast

My pediatrician doesn’t do that. I go in with both my 14 year old son, and 12 year old daughter. Of course, here in GA, we don’t assume that young and pre-teens are sexually active.


21 posted on 02/07/2008 7:36:17 PM PST by Politicalmom (Don't blame me. I voted for FRED!! I'm a refugee from the GOP.)
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To: metmom

Just wait till we get Hillarycare, it will get much worse.


22 posted on 02/07/2008 7:38:10 PM PST by darkangel82 (If you're not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. (Say no to RINOs))
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To: 668 - Neighbor of the Beast

That doctor needs a visit from some “interesting” men in blue.


23 posted on 02/07/2008 7:39:07 PM PST by darkangel82 (If you're not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. (Say no to RINOs))
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To: darkangel82

Then I’m going to have to lie more... *grits teeth*


24 posted on 02/07/2008 7:39:30 PM PST by metmom (Welfare was never meant to be a career choice.)
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To: 668 - Neighbor of the Beast

What if the child objects?


25 posted on 02/07/2008 7:40:30 PM PST by metmom (Welfare was never meant to be a career choice.)
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To: metmom

That will get you slapped with the felony of “lying to a state official”.


26 posted on 02/07/2008 7:40:41 PM PST by darkangel82 (If you're not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. (Say no to RINOs))
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To: darkangel82

I can try the old clinton tactic.... I don’t remember....


27 posted on 02/07/2008 7:41:52 PM PST by metmom (Welfare was never meant to be a career choice.)
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To: Gabz

Thanks for the ping!


28 posted on 02/07/2008 9:14:36 PM PST by Alamo-Girl
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To: metmom

If the child objects the doctor has cause for concern and is all the more intrusive.


29 posted on 02/08/2008 2:22:20 AM PST by 668 - Neighbor of the Beast ( There is still time........brother.)
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To: 668 - Neighbor of the Beast

Some of these doctors should really be wearing orange jumpsuits instead of white coats.


30 posted on 02/08/2008 6:26:01 AM PST by darkangel82 (If you're not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. (Say no to RINOs))
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