CrankItUp!
09-23-2005, 03:22 PM
This is some (actual true) crazy shit that I want to share with you guys that appeared in todays newspaper :
Dear Annie - I am a 35-year old woman with four children, an advanced degree and no serious health problems, but I have compulsively and secretly been eating crayons for months. I don't mean chewing on a crayon here and there. I mean eating an entire 64-count box, and doing it several times a week. I can't stop, and I don't know why I'm doing this.
I am too embarrassed to tell my doctor because he'll think I am crazy. The box says that crayons are non-toxic, but I'm really eating alot of them. And this is a really dumb question, but are they fattening ? Why am I doing this ? Am I crazy ? Please help.
-Crayon Freak
Dear Crayon Freak - We have no idea how many calories are in a 64-count box of crayons, but that's the least of you worries. You may have pica; a disease that involves eating non-food substances (dirt is the most common). Pica is usually caused by a nutritional deficiency, often iron or zinc, and it can sometimes occur during pregnancy. There is apparently something about the contents or texture of crayons that you crave.
While crayons are considered non-toxic, they are not intended to be eaten, especially in such large quantities. You are not crazy, but you do need to see your doctor and ask to be tested. Don't wait until you finish the next box.
- Sorry, I just couldn't pass this up. I bet the Crayon Gods made her do it !
Dear Annie - I am a 35-year old woman with four children, an advanced degree and no serious health problems, but I have compulsively and secretly been eating crayons for months. I don't mean chewing on a crayon here and there. I mean eating an entire 64-count box, and doing it several times a week. I can't stop, and I don't know why I'm doing this.
I am too embarrassed to tell my doctor because he'll think I am crazy. The box says that crayons are non-toxic, but I'm really eating alot of them. And this is a really dumb question, but are they fattening ? Why am I doing this ? Am I crazy ? Please help.
-Crayon Freak
Dear Crayon Freak - We have no idea how many calories are in a 64-count box of crayons, but that's the least of you worries. You may have pica; a disease that involves eating non-food substances (dirt is the most common). Pica is usually caused by a nutritional deficiency, often iron or zinc, and it can sometimes occur during pregnancy. There is apparently something about the contents or texture of crayons that you crave.
While crayons are considered non-toxic, they are not intended to be eaten, especially in such large quantities. You are not crazy, but you do need to see your doctor and ask to be tested. Don't wait until you finish the next box.
- Sorry, I just couldn't pass this up. I bet the Crayon Gods made her do it !