Can Dirt Help Kids Keep Clean Bill Of Health?

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Can exposure to dirt be good for us?

Over the past twenty years, there has been an intense effort to avoid exposure to dirt and grime and so-called dangerous bacteria for our kids. Certainly we don't want to unnecessarily put our kids at risk, but several studies say that children build immunity by exposure to viruses and bacteria and we should not be overly concerned with preventing all exposure.

The truth is our microbes help shape our immune and metabolic development in ways that can drive long-term health or chronic disease.

Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that children shouldn't bathe or wash their hands on a regular basis and there is no need for unnecessary risk taking, but we build our defenses through exposure — we essentially build our immune systems and this is not a bad thing.