Is it a health trick or treat?
True or False?
In the world of healthcare we are fed a huge diet of conflicting information and it’s difficult to sift out the tricks from the treats! We’ve compiled some common health myths to help you understand what’s correct and what’s a load of codswallop! See if you can guess what’s a trick or a treat and test your friends and family. Who’s the best at sniffing out a fib?
Cold weather makes you sick
False
This may surprise you but going out in the cold isn’t actually what gives you a cold. No it isn’t pleasant and no we don’t recommend ditching your scarf when it’s chilly, but it’s not going to get you sneezy and snotty. A cold is a virus that makes you ill by being spread through droplets in the air when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. So make sure to keep yourself cosy for comfort and avoid the sneezes on the train as much as you can!
You need to drink 8 glasses of water a day
False
This is a very generic rule that has grown in popularity. While it’s good to have a water goal and staying hydrated is important for our health it’s also important to listen to your body. 8 glasses may be perfect for some but too little or too much for others. Follow your thirst and drink when you feel you need it!
You can cure a hangover by drinking more
False
Good old hair of the dog…but no sadly you’re just prolonging the inevitable. Drinking more will increase your blood alcohol levels so you’ll no longer feel the symptoms of your hangover but when you stop, you’re going to feel it, and potentially worse and for longer.
The flu vaccine gives you flu
False
This is a very common misconception. But it is impossible as the flu vaccination consists of inactivated flu viruses. You may have a tender arm for a day or two or may develop a slight fever or achy muscles, but these will not last long and are far milder symptoms than those caused by the flu.
Cracking you knuckles gives your arthritis
False
There’s no evidence to support this claim. You may suffer some tendon injuries or dislocation in very rare cases if you do this repeatedly over a very long period of time. The most common adverse effect of knuckle cracking is annoying the people around you with loud popping noises.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away
Fact
Okay so this isn’t a guarantee but so don’t start replacing a trip to the doctor with an apple, but there is some evidence behind this common phrase. Of course, apples like most fruits, are nutritious but they also contain soluble fibre which can help lower your blood cholesterol and promote good heart health. This kind of fibre is also great for your gut health. So, while we’re not making any promises that it will keep the doctor away for good, it’s definitely still a good motto to go by!
Fat is bad for you
False
While foods that are high in saturated fat are not good for us in high quantities, there is still a need for some fats in our diets. There is such a thing as “good fat” such as avocado, nuts, oily fish and yoghurt. These are good because of the fibre, vitamins and minerals they include which are great for lowering cholesterol and maintaining a healthy diet!
Deodorant can cause breast cancer
False
This is a more common worry than you might think. Some people believe that due to the chemicals in deodorant and because it is used so close to the breast that it can increase the risk of breast cancer. There have been no scientific studies to prove deodorant and breast cancer have any correlation. So please don’t go smelly thinking it will reduce your risk!
How did you do? Could you sniff out the treat among all the tricks? Don’t always believe old wives’ tales and common sayings as correct, as often there is little truth to them and they can be debunked with a little bit of scientific evidence. We hope now you can spread the word and show off your new health knowledge!