Did you know that the superstition around the number 13 is so prevalent that Otis Elevator company reports that 85% of their elevators that are installed in skyscrapers do not include a 13th floor? I grew up in NYC so I can personally attest to the truth behind this. How wild and crazy is it that all of these people involved in the process of constructing and installing an elevator believe in this superstition enough that hundreds of buildings are built without a 13th floor?! We are talking about the owners, architects, building inspectors, and tenants – they all have to go along with it for this to happen. I don’t think there is a grand conspiracy here, but it is important to note the dangers of groupthink and how we all can get carried away.
Let’s think about some other superstitions when it comes to our health… women must give birth laying down…. fats are bad for you… milk is good for your bones… cholesterol is bad for you…
Check out these Time magazine covers from 1984, 1999, and then 2014:
The science and our understanding of it are constantly evolving. It is easy to go with conventional thinking but also remember all the “missing” 13th floors around the world. This is about more than just superstition, it’s about your health and well-being. Ask good questions, do the research, and when you know better, do better!
Yours in good health,
Dr. Jane
