Mull over these medical myths
Posted: May 22nd 2008 8:00AM by Jacki Donaldson
Filed under: General Health, Healthy Habits, Book Reviews
Think sugar makes your kids go crazy? Nope, says Dr. Nancy Snyderman, author of the new book
Medical Myths That Can Kill You: And the 101 Truths That Will Save, Extend, and Improve Your Life. If anything, there may be an associative link, which means sugar is often combined with social events -- like birthday parties and cupcakes -- and so it's the activity, not the sugar, at work. Really, study after study has revealed no link between sugar and hyperactivity, according to Snyderman, who takes on all sorts of myths and truths in her book, like these:
- Is ear wax linked to breast cancer? Yes, actually, it is. If your wax is moist and gooey, it can predict your risk for the disease, says Snyderman. Why the connection? Because the breast and the ear canals are both modified sweat glands. There's a connection, you see. Snyderman also says we should not be cleaning our ears every day. Wax is like lubrication and we need it.
- Medications should not be kept in bathroom medicine closets because bathroom heat and humidity can ruin them. Keep them in a hallway closet instead.
- Grilling meat can increase your risk of developing cancer. Anything charred and black on your meat is a carcinogen and can boost risk. In third-world countries where people cook primarily over open pits, cancer incidences are higher. Moderation is key here. Don't stop grilling altogether. But do limit it. And don't eat blackened meats.
- One question everyone should be asking their doctors: Are you willing to be my partner? You want a doctor to listen to you. Find one who will.
- One thing patients fail to do: Prepare for appointments. If you think something is seriously wrong with you, take someone along. Take a tape recorder too and capture everything your doctor says. Any doctor not comfortable with this should not be your doctor.
- Cyberchondrics beware -- consulting the Internet about medical issues is a good starting point, but don't rely on this source alone. Google anything and you'll get a laundry list, which can send you into a tailspin.
- Wonder what two topics patient often lie about? Sex and smoking history.
Tags: featured, Jacki Donaldson, JackiDonaldson, medical, myths, Nancy Snyderman, NancySnyderman, truths
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