Dec 21, 2007 9:27 pm US/Central
21 Medical Myths (And Facts) Even Doctors Believe
Will reading in dim light really damage your eyes? What about drinking the required eight glasses of water a day to stay healthy? T wo U.S. researchers put these well-worn theories to the test and a British medical journal has published the results.
- First myth exposed - gulping of down eight glasses of water everyday.
Researchers say there is absolutely no evidence to support that's necessary for good health.
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What about the belief that shaving makes hair grow back faster or coarser?
Studies show it has no effect on the thickness or rate of hair re-growth. Stubble lacks the finer taper of unshaven hair, giving the impression of coarseness.
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Eating turkey makes you drowsy?
Turkey does contain the amino acid 'tryptophan', which is involved in sleep and mood control. But turkey has no more of the acid than chicken or minced beef. Eating lots of food and drink at Christmas are probably the real cause of sleepiness.
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Do we use only 10 percent of our brains?
This myth arose as early as 1907 but imaging shows no area of the brain is silent or completely inactive.
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Hair and fingernails continue to grow after death.
This idea may stem from ghoulish novels. Researchers say the skin dries out and retracts after death, giving the appearance of longer hair or nails.
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Mobile phones are dangerous in hospitals.
Despite widespread concerns, studies have found minimal interference with medical equipment.
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Does reading in dim light ruin your eyesight?
The majority of eye experts believe it is unlikely to do any permanent damage, but it may make you squint, blink more and have trouble focusing.
The research was conducted by Aaron Carroll, an assistant professor of pediatrics at The Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis and Rachel Vreeman, fellow in children's health services research, at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
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