There are a number of medical "facts" that we have heard most our lives that just may not be true. According to a report in the British Medical Journal last December, a few of these include: Turkey makes you drowsy. Dim lights ruin your eyes. You need to drink at least eight glasses of water every day. We only use 10 percent of our brains.
Again this December, the Journal contains a report by the same two physicians from the Indiana University School of Medicine — Rachel C. Vreeman, M.D., and Aaron E. Carroll, M.D. — with six more holiday medical myths.
Myth #1: Sugar causes hyperactivity in children. Regardless of what parents might believe, sugar is not to blame for out-of-control little ones. At least 12 scientific studies have found no correlation between children eating more sugar and becoming more active. However, some studies have determined that parents who think their children have had too many sweets do perceive that the kids are becoming more hyperactive, even when they have not actually had any sweets and have not demonstrated any change in behavior.
Myth #2: Suicides increase over the holidays. While holidays can bring out the worst in us with the stress of family dysfunctionality, loneliness and added depression due to the darkness of winter months, there is no good scientific evidence to suggest a holiday peak in suicides. In fact, studies show that suicides are actually more common during warm and sunny times of the year.
Myth #3: Poinsettias are toxic. Even though public health officials have reported that poinsettias are safe, many people continue to believe that this is a poisonous plant. However, no one has ever died from exposure to or ingestion of poinsettia, and most (96%) did not even require medical treatment.
Myth #4: Going hatless leads to excess heat loss. While it is wise to wear a cap or hat when it gets cold, current studies show that any uncovered part of the body loses heat and will reduce the core body temperature proportionately.
Myth #5: Nocturnal feasting makes you gain weight. A common suggestion to avoid unwanted weight gain is to avoid eating at night. However, in fact, people gain weight because they take in more calories overall than they burn up, no matter what the time of day.
Myth #6: You can cure a hangover. From aspirin and bananas to Vegemite and water, Internet searches present seemingly endless options for preventing or treating alcohol hangovers. But there is no scientific evidence that supports any cure for over-indulging. Still, some of the suggestions are amusing and humbling; but nothing beats drinking very little or nothing at all.
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