You see less kids these days in the parks.  Whether it is fear of germs or creeps who knows?  But if it is the former you could be hurting your kids.

From the New York Times:

In studies of what is called the hygiene hypothesis, researchers are concluding that organisms like the millions of bacteria, viruses and especially worms that enter the body along with “dirt” spur the development of a healthy immune system. Several continuing studies suggest that worms may help to redirect an immune system that has gone awry and resulted in autoimmune disorders, allergies and asthma.