Medicine Without the Myths

Common Cold Myths

• Myth: Feed a cold, starve a fever. Truth: Whether you have a cold or a fever, you likely need increased fluids.
• Myth: Avoid dairy products if you have a cold since they increase mucus production.  Truth: Many doctors still embrace this myth despite several studies proving it to be false.
• Myth: You’re more likely to catch a cold by going outside in cold/damp weather without a jacket. Truth: Although it is thought colds are more common in winter because people are indoors together more, there is some research that suggests that cold weather may reduce your immune protection. In other words, there may be some truth to this myth.

First Aid Myths

• Myth: Quickly put ice on a burn. Truth: Definitely not – use cool water, never ice!
• Myth: Wounds will heal more quickly if exposed to fresh air at night. Truth: Wounds are more likely to scab if exposed to the air; this can lead to a bigger scar.
• Myth: If someone has a seizure, put a spoon or wallet into his mouth to prevent choking or biting the tongue. Truth: By doing this, you run a greater risk of injuring yourself or the person with the seizure. Put nothing in the mouth!
• Myth: The best way to stop a bloody nose is to tilt the head back. Truth: Sit down, lean forward a little, and continuously pinch the soft part of the nose for 5-10 minutes non-stop.  I repeat: non-stop!

Myths for Parents and Grandparents

• Myth: Cracking your knuckles will lead to arthritis. Truth: You may end up with bigger knuckles, but not arthritis.
• Myth: Don’t give milk or dairy products to a child with diarrhea. Truth: This was standard recommendation from pediatricians; our understanding about diarrhea and nutrition has improved.
• Myth: Reading in the dark can cause later vision or eye problems. Truth: It may cause temporary eye strain, but no long-term consequences.
• Myth: Sitting too close to the TV will harm your vision. Truth: If a child sits too close, it may be because of a hearing problem!
• Myth: Children with fever should not be allowed outdoors. Truth: hildren with fever should probably not be around other children; however, if they feel well, they can go outside to play or relax.
• Myth: Caffeine will stunt a child’s growth. Truth: This is simply false.
• Myth: If a child hits her head, a parent needs to keep her awake. Truth: If a child never lost consciousness and has no other complaints, then it is generally sufficient to be sure that a child can be aroused once he or she has fallen asleep.)
• Myth: A glass of warm milk at bedtime helps you fall asleep. Truth: Although milk does indeed have tryptophan in it, there is not enough in a glass of milk to make a child sleepy.