Health myths are a result of the spread of misinformation via word of mouth, the internet, and other non-reputable sources. Some health myths are heard so frequently that many individuals do not realize they have no basis.
When health misinformation is mistaken for common knowledge this creates a potential for an increased risk of poor, and/or unnecessary health choices. Health myths can lead patients to forgo needed medical care. The following information seeks to dispel the most common health myths.
1. Drink Eight Cups of Water a Day
There is no uniform amount of water that applies to everyone. The amount of water you need to drink varies depending on how much you consume from other dietary sources. The easiest way to be sure that you are getting enough water is to check the color of your urine. If your urine is dark, then you need to increase your water intake. The truth is that people are generally healthy when they drink water when they are thristy.
2. Being Cold Can Cause Illness
This is a common health myth that most people have heard at one point in their lives. There is no direct correlation between cold temperatures and contracting an illness. In fact, you would be more likely to contract illness indoors, than you would be to get sick outside in the cold weather.
3. You Have to Eat Breakfast to Lose Weight
A study at Cornell University revealed that those who skip breakfast do not eat more throughout the day than those who eat breakfast. On the contrary, those who skip breakfast consume almost 500 fewer calories a day.
The truth is that weight loss boils down to ensuring that calories in are fewer than the calories you put out.
4. You Need to Take a Multivitamin Daily
The truth is that most people get the vitamins they need from their diet. There is an abundance of key vitamins in a diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. You only need a vitamin if you are pregnant due to the importance of folic acid, or if your doctor informs you to do so based on deficiencies evident in your labs.
These are just a few of many health myths that are commonly cited as factual. Others include:
- Cracking your knuckles leads to arthritis.
- Deodorant leads to breast cancer.
- Green mucus indicates infection.
- Eggs are bad for your heart health.
- Sugar makes children hyperactive.
None of these health myths are even mildly true. Always seek health information from reputable sources.
Contact Your Local Urgent Care Center
Contact your local Urgent Care center for any health-related questions, including information about preventative care and screenings that are available. Utilizing services offered at your local Urgent Care Center saves both time and money. Urgent Care Centers offer a wide range of screenings, treatment for non-emergency injuries and illnesses, and physicals for the whole family.
