Worry on the wane
What with Internet stalkers, toxic toothpaste from China and Lindsay Lohan out of rehab, the world is full of scary things. But here’s something you can finally strike off your worry list. A full moon is not hazardous to your health.
For this piece of news and peace of mind, we can thank Austria’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. Curious as to whether there was any validity to the folklorish notion that injuries are more likely during a full moon, Austrian researchers reviewed 500,000 industrial accidents that occurred between 2000 and 2004. Their conclusion: Not only are workplace injuries no more likely during a full moon; the number of workplace accidents actually declined during those periods.
That should eclipse yet one more bit of superstitious nonsense. You needn’t be overly concerned about a greater risk of straining your back and getting a paper cut during a full moon. But, all the same, do keep an eye out for vampires.
So does that mean you’re less likely to wrench your back moving heavy objects if you wait for a certain astronomical phase? That would be quite a lunar leap, but still, if you’re thinking of rearranging the furniture or moving a piano, you might want to wait until Aug. 28. That’s the next full moon.