Parasites are good for you!

In line with other revisionist memes coming out of evolutionary biology, we have this, (via advicegoddess.com, which has lots of other good reading.) And don't read it while eating, since there's discussion of adding worms to the diet of victims of inflammatory bowel diseases. It seems the "progressive" elimination of parasites and bacteria in the environment of children actually does them some harm, since rates of asthma, allergies, and other disorders of the immune system rise dramatically among children who grow up in overly sanitized environments. Which backs up my contention that the 30 second rule for eating stuff that falls on the floor applies, and worrying about catching skin diseases from contact with gym surfaces is pointless (unless you're immune-deficient.) As I was telling our last visitor, I live as one with the community of microorganisms around me. Their tiny screams as you apply disinfectant haunt my psyche.