Many health myths and misconceptions are circulating. You may be familiar with some popular ones, such as the five-second rule, cracking your joints, and putting ice on burns. While myths may be harmless, there are some misconceptions that can lead to unnecessary worry and harmful practices. In this article, we will be debunking 10 common health myths.
1. Public Toilet Seats Spread Infections and Diseases
We are kicking off the list with the common fear that sitting on a public toilet could put you at risk of getting dangerous infections. This can happen, but the risk is very low. Your skin protects you from most bacteria, blocking them from entering your body. The risk of getting infections is higher if you touch surfaces like door handles, sinks, and counters and forget to wash your hands afterwards. Therefore, always remember that your best defence is washing your hands with soap and water when using public restrooms.
2. Microwaving Food Kills Nutrients
Microwaving food is not as bad as many think it is. While cooking can diminish nutrients due to the temperature, the cooking time, and the amount of liquid, microwaving often preserves the nutrients because it requires less of these things. Therefore, you may consume more vitamins and minerals when you use a microwave oven than when you cook on the stove. Consider using as little water as possible and avoiding overcooking your meals to preserve the nutrients.
3. Sleeping with Wet Hair Causes Colds
Many believe this, but it is a misconception. You cannot catch a cold from having damp hair. Unless you were exposed to a virus, you do not have to worry about this. However, your wet pillow can foster bacteria growth. For that reason, it is best to dry your hair before going to bed, especially if you are prone to acne or skin issues. It is best to change your pillowcase regularly. As it relates to catching a cold, you can avoid contact with people who show cold-related symptoms and practice good hygiene.
4. The ‘5-Second Rule’
Do not be tricked by this myth; bacteria do not wait five seconds before transferring to food items that fall on the floor. Bacteria move instantly when contact is made. You should consider the cleanliness of your floor and the type of food. These factors contribute to whether or not the food is infected or can be eaten. It is best to throw away food that hits the floor.
5. Apply Ice to Burns
It may seem like putting something cold on a burn may soothe your injury. However, ice, being extremely cold, can lead to more damage, especially if you have sensitive skin. It is best to put your burn in cool water or allow the faucet to run cool water on your injury for several minutes. The difference in temperature matters significantly. After doing this, you can clean the wound, use a bandage, and seek medical assistance.
6. X-Rays Cause Cancer
It is highly unlikely for you to get cancer from X-rays even though it involves radiation. The radiation levels that are used for medical imaging are very low, which makes the risk minimal. Getting X-rays done to diagnose medical conditions is more beneficial than not getting it done out of fear of cancer. Nevertheless, it is important to avoid X-rays not referred by your doctor.
7. Cracking Joints Leads to Arthritis
It is a common belief that cracking your knuckles damages your bones and can lead to arthritis. However, studies have not found any link between cracking joints and arthritis. The sound from cracking your knuckles is made by gas bubbles in the joint fluid. Your bone is not being damaged. Therefore, if you experience pain while cracking your knuckles, it is best to see a doctor because this could indicate an underlying issue.
