Believe It or Not

This book examines the history, culture, and science behind health myths. The word “myth” can have two quite different meanings: (1) a shared tradition or story and (2) a belief that can be falsified. Most previous books have focused on “busting” the second type of myth – explaining why the myth is false. In contrast, “Believe It or Not: The History, Culture, and Science Behind Health Beliefs and Practices” explores the cultural and religious origins of each belief or practice and how it varies among countries and, within countries, according to age, education, ethnicity, and urban vs rural location.