Thursday, March 20, 2008

Religion - A Health Warning


On Good Friday dozens of very devout Catholics in the Philippines re-enact the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is something that has become a huge tourist attraction .


Health officials in the Philippines have issued a warning to people taking part in Easter crucifixion rituals. They have urged them to get tetanus vaccinations before they flagellate themselves and are nailed to crosses, and to practise good hygiene.


The health department has strongly advised penitents to check the condition of the whips they plan to use to lash their backs . They want people to have what they call "well-maintained" whips. In the hot and dusty atmosphere, officials warn, using unhygienic whips to make deep cuts in the body could lead to tetanus and other infections.


They advise that the nails used to fix people to crosses must be properly disinfected first.

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