Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever?

Myths and sayings regarding illnesses are abundant: feed a cold, starve a fever. You will get the flu from the flu shot. Chocolate causes acne. Fact or fiction--just how true are they?

Ideas about health often begin with family folk beliefs handed down from generation to generation. While some myths are harmless, other beliefs may cause harm, either directly or by causing a delay in medical treatment. Understanding that many popular beliefs about health are myths can be important to protecting the health of adults and children.

Can you separate fact from fiction? Here are some common health "statements" and information about each of them. True or False.

Flu shots cause the flu. False. The flu vaccine is not made with a whole virus and cannot cause the flu. It is safe and highly recommended except for people with allergies to eggs, which are used in making the vaccine. There are many different viruses responsible for flu-like illnesses. The flu vaccine is developed only from viruses that are considered likely to be troublesome in any given year. So, exposure to others may result in flu-like illness. Those who develop flu symptoms after getting their shot probably were exposed to the illness prior to the shot.

Eating too much sugar will cause diabetes. False. It is true that eating lots of sugar may lead to weight gain; and being overweight is one of the most significant risk factors involved in the development of type 2 diabetes (formerly called adult-onset diabetes).

You will not sunburn on cloudy days. False. Damaging UVA rays are not blocked by clouds or fog. To reduce the cumulative damage that comes from exposure to sunlight, sunscreen should be applied to exposed skin areas daily or as recommended by a physician. A good rule of thumb is to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, when rays are strongest and always use sunscreen.

Feed a cold, starve a fever. False. Colds are caused by viruses and will usually last about 7-10 days, no matter what you do or eat. There is no cure and antibiotics will not help. Preschool children commonly experience a cold about every other month, and that means lots of exposure to cold viruses for the adults who care for them too.

Tilt your head back to stop a nosebleed. False. The best way to stop a nosebleed is to firmly apply pressure to the nostrils for about 10 minutes while leaning slightly forward. Resist the temptation to see if it has stopped until 10 minutes have passed. Do not put anything up the nose. Persistent bleeding should be investigated by a medical provider.

Sugar causes hyperactivity. False. Many parents believe that sugar is a definite cause of hyperactivity in children. However, studies done over the past 40 years consistently have found that sugar is not the culprit. Better suspects are food colorings, preservatives, and caffeine, all frequently found in sugary foods and sodas. Environment also may be a factor in that events where sugary foods are commonly served may prove too stimulating for some children to handle.

Do not cross your eyes--they will stay that way. False. Muscles control eye position and some children are born with weak muscles that allow the eyes to cross. This condition is commonly treated by an eye doctor (opthalmalogist). Crossing eyes at any age will not cause permanent damage, but it could cause a headache!

Wait an hour after eating to swim. False. Current thinking does not support any specific length of time before returning to the water. Food will still be in the stomach and intestines long after an hour has passed. On the other hand, after a meal, the body's blood supply is diverted to the gastrointestinal system from other parts of the body. Strenuous activity could cause the by products of exercise to collect and result in a cramp, but it is not a common occurrence.

Chocolate causes acne. False. Acne is the result of normal hormone changes that are especially common during adolescence; but a visit to any dermatologist's office will tell you that many adults have skin problems, too. Heredity plays a role, as does poor hygiene and stress. But these factors, along with diet, just aggravate skin problems--they are not the cause. So chocolate lovers celebrate!

And, who could forget the one most famous health myth of: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away!" This one may have a few kernels of truth. Although apples cannot cure or prevent a specific illness, they do have nutritional benefits (like all fruits and vegetables), and they contain fiber and boron. Boron increases calcium absorption and aids in the prevention of osteoporosis. But no one food can do it all. It still takes a balanced diet to be healthy.

Keep an open mind when dealing with medical beliefs that come from family lore. People who hold such beliefs usually think they are undeniably true. The best way to get answers is to ask questions and remember, when someone says "everyone knows that..." it may be a medical myth. Check with reliable sources like physicians, dentists, pharmacists and other highly trained health professionals to learn the truth.

RESOURCES

Contact your local health department for answers to your questions about health myths.

INTERNET RESOURCES

Canadian Living, www.canadianliving.ca/Canadian Living

Quaker Oats, www.quakeroatmeal.com/wellness/articles/WH_myth.cfm