Worried? : science investigates some of life's common concerns
(Adult Book)

Includes bibliographical references and index.

How scientific reasoning explains our most common daily fears from germs to natural disasters and everything in between. Quick--what do you worry about most? Your cell phone giving you cancer? The public bathroom you're using being dirty? GMOs in your food? An asteroid strike? Something else? In this witty and evidenced-based book, Lise Johnson and Eric Chudler get to the root of our worries, all the while using science to help tame the anxiety beast. News media, social media, and every mom blog in the world are continuously flagging new things for you to worry about. From obsessing over Lyme disease-infested ticks to worrying about amusement park safety, no-one is immune to the pervasive effects of anxiety brought on by normal, everyday activity. Each topic in this wide-ranging book is subjected to scientific scrutiny, and assigned a place on the "worry index," with the authors concluding the only things worth worrying about are those that can cause significant harm, are likely to happen, and are (somewhat) preventable. Whether you are a constant worrier or a stick-your-head-in-the-sand-and-hope-for-the best sort of person, you'll find something to love in this witty and informative book.