Bad Idea #1: Giving Raw Cow's Milk to Infants

Dr. Paul Saladino, known for advocating an all-meat diet, has recently turned his attention to raw milk. Despite his past misguidance, he continues to promote a predominantly meat-based diet while endorsing raw milk for babies. Although raw milk isn't typically contaminated, the CDC warns that infants are particularly vulnerable to severe illness or even death from it.

Between 1993 and 2012, the CDC reported 127 disease outbreaks linked to raw milk in the U.S., resulting in 1,909 illnesses and 144 hospitalizations. Pathogens such as Campylobacter, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella were involved. Louis Pasteur recognized in the 1860s that pasteurization kills harmful microorganisms. Yet, 160 years later, influencers like Saladino claim that pasteurized milk is "dead" and devoid of benefits—which is simply untrue.

Additionally, with bird flu currently affecting cattle herds, raw milk from infected cows poses an increased risk. Pasteurization effectively eliminates this threat.

Learning Points:

1. Avoid taking health advice from social media influencers, regardless of their appearance or credentials.
2. Refer to trusted organizations like the CDC and the FDA for scientifically-backed information on food safety.

Bad Idea #2: Engaging in Psychic Services by Mail

For two decades, a Canadian named Patrice Runner exploited vulnerable individuals by sending mass mailings that appeared to be personalized messages from a renowned psychic. However, these claims were fabricated. The U.S. Department of Justice found that recipients were coerced into sending money for an "astral-clairvoyant forecast," only to be bombarded with further solicitations for personal items and cheap trinkets marketed as magical.

Ultimately, Runner amassed $175 million before being apprehended in April. He was sentenced to ten years in prison, with officials stating that his extravagant lifestyle was built on the exploitation of vulnerable Americans.

Learning Points:

1. If you know someone at risk, contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1–833–372–8311.
2. Be cautious of unsolicited offers from unknown individuals.
3. Skepticism is warranted regarding claims of psychic abilities or astrological predictions, as there is no evidence supporting their validity.

Bad Idea #3: Attempting to Cure Illness with a Juice Diet

Irena Stoynova discovered she had non-Hodgkin lymphoma in her 30s but refused conventional treatment, believing natural methods could heal her. Influenced by a popular author and podcaster, she spent around $2,500 on juicing equipment and $1,200 monthly on organic produce, consuming up to 13 cups of carrot juice daily.

After 60 days on a juice-only regimen, followed by an additional 30 days of raw fruits and vegetables, Stoynova found herself in a severely weakened state. Two and a half years later, she was hospitalized and, despite her critical condition, needed significant persuasion to agree to chemotherapy, which ultimately saved her life.

Today, in remission, Stoynova cautions others that the side effects of chemotherapy were minimal compared to those from her misguided holistic approach.

Learning Points:

1. Don’t take health advice from celebrity authors or social media figures.
2. Personal success stories ("It worked for me!") should not dictate critical health decisions.
3. Rely on a century of scientific medical advancements instead of unproven methods.

Be particularly vigilant when these risky ideas converge—imagine a raw carrot imbued with psychic abilities as the ultimate ineffective remedy.