There are all kinds of health and wellness myths we are taught
during our childhood. Going into adulthood, we just took what mom and dad told
us as true. These myths that we grew up on, eventually become do’s and don’ts
for us to follow throughout our lives.
Do any of these bring back memories:
- Always wear a coat so you
won’t catch a cold.
- Cracking your knuckles gives
you arthritis.
- Never swim immediately after
eating.
- Swallow a watermelon seed
and a watermelon will grow in your stomach
Well, I decided to do some research to find out what we were
taught growing up is just a myth and what is true.
Being Cold Gives You a Cold
Remember your mom yelling out to you, “Come inside before
you catch a cold”? I don’t often say this, but mom was wrong. Spending too much
time in the cold air doesn’t make you sick. One study found that healthy men
who spent several hours in temperatures just above freezing had an increase in
healthy, virus-fighting activity in their immune systems.
In fact, you’re more likely to get sick indoors, where germs
are easily passed. So instead of covering yourself in thick coats while
outdoors, be more mindful about covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
when indoors.
Cracking Your Joints Causes Arthritis
It’s a habit many have; popping your knuckles or cracking
your neck for relief. The sound might annoy people around you, but that’s about
all the harm it does. The popping noise is a gas bubble that forms between the joints
and eventually bursts. Studies show it doesn’t cause or play a role in
arthritis. But, if you feel regular or severe pain when you pop your knuckles
or crack your neck, see your doctor.
Drinking Coffee is Unhealthy
Good news my coffee loving friends, coffee is healthy!
Although many health critics tell you to avoid coffee consumption due negative
side effects of too much caffeine, they tend to leave out the benefits that
coffee can bring to your body:
●
Lowered risk of depression
●
Lowered risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's
diseases
●
Studies show coffee drinkers live longer than non-coffee
drinkers
●
Loaded with antioxidants, outranking most fruits
and vegetables
What can make coffee unhealthy is loading it with fancy
creams and sugars. As always, enjoy in moderation.
Don’t Sleep After a Concussion
Concussions are indeed dangerous and can be scary if ever
experienced. But don’t be fooled by the myth that you can’t sleep after getting
a concussion. A recent study shows that it is safe to go to sleep after getting
concussed, as long as you aren’t showing any other signs of trauma, such as
slurred speech, numbness, persistent vomiting, or dilated pupils. All head
injuries should be evaluated by a doctor, but for mild concussions that don’t
show any other symptoms, sleep can help you recover a little bit quicker.
Wait an Hour After Eating Before You Swim
This myth has ruined many summer pool parties for kids for
years. Recently, I learned that it's simply not true. An episode of someone
drowning because of a full stomach has never been medically documented.
There is a possibility that you could develop cramps while
swimming with a full stomach, but a person swimming in a pool or controlled
swimming area could easily exit the water if this happens. As with any exercise
after eating, swimming right after a big meal might be uncomfortable, but it should
not lead to drowning.
Myth busting is a lot of fun. I’m still not sure if I’m going
to tell my momma she has been wrong all these years. What are some quirky old wives
tales you were told growing up that you’ve been able to bust?
