Living happily ever after and having lots of children may not be the main moral of fairy tales. To round off 2024 on a high note, Sanne van Dijk and her team from the University of Twente (Netherlands) are looking back at the health risks faced by Disney princesses in their adventures. An original way to rediscover children's heroines based on a well-sourced story, published in the Christmas issue of British Medical Journal.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, tell me I'm not alone
Before meeting the seven dwarves, Snow White was exclusively in the service of her wicked stepmother, isolated from any social interaction. An almost banal destiny for a princess, like Jasmine, cloistered within the walls of her sumptuous palace, or Rapunzel, locked in a tower, far from the world. But researchers remind us: " An overview of systematic reviews reveals a link between lack of social interaction and cardiovascular disease, depression, anxiety and all other diseases, all-cause mortality.
Fortunately, whether they are dwarves, wild animals or brave knights, their companions always arrive on time. A downside, however, for Flynn Ryder (real name Eugene Fitzherbert), who could have scalped his beloved. By using her braid as an elevator cable, Rapunzel probably damaged her hair follicles. Excessive and repeated pulling is a condition known as traction alopecia, which in the long term can lead to permanent hair loss., the researchers point out. The thief could also have lost his life there.
Read alsoWhy do movie villains often have a scar on their face?
Pocahontas and her very risky dive
To join her friend John Smith on the other side of the Peace River, Pocahontas takes the big leap. A nine-second dive, an impressive fall time, which must have required a lot of training.
The researchers made calculations to estimate the height of the cliff. "Assuming the average anthropomorphic measurements of a woman (62 kg, 1.62 m height, 0.36 m shoulder width), and standard environmental constants, the height of the cliff has been estimated at 252 metres.Studies of diving dynamics suggest that a first dive from a height greater than 12 meters could already cause fatal clavicular compressions, which could have sent Pocahontas to join Cinderella in the dust., they write.
The researchers also recommend several preventive measures to reduce exposure to dust Cinderella, such as the use of long broom handles and personal protective equipment. The princess is at risk of ear and lung cancer, which can lead to premature death. "Much more than a prince, Cinderella needs continuous respiratory therapy to live happily", the study concludes.
Making science more fun
Although supported by solid studies, this publication should not be taken too seriously. "The main goal of our article is to provide readers interested in Disney and health with a good laugh as we head into the end of 2024.", jokes Michael Bui, co-author of the study.
However, the researchers would like to develop a more playful approach to science through this article. "For example, our analysis of Pocahontas's dive touches on topics taught in the physics curriculum. A more playful representation of science through Disney princesses could potentially make these topics more fun.". A much more enjoyable moral for the princesses and their fans.
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