Debunked Health Myths And Old Wive's Tales

Have you ever been told if you cross your eyes that way they’ll get stuck? Or if you stand close to the TV, you’ll go blind? What about if you swallow gum, it will take seven years to digest properly? There are tons of health myths that have been circulating for decades that are about to be put to rest. Health is a serious subject and is about facts supported by adequate scientific evidence. So we can lay all these myths to rest in Dracula’s tomb.

Sitting Too Close To The TV

We’ve all heard it from our parents before, "Don’t stand too close to the television or you’ll ruin your vision!" However, it is not actually the distance at which you sit from the TV, but the length of time you watch it for that can cause eye strain and fatigue. The cure is as simple as a good night’s rest.

The myth started back in 1960 when General Electric began selling color TVs that emitted 100,000 times the amount of radiation than the federal health officials deemed safe. It is important to note in some cases, children who sit close to the TV do so for comfort, and the reasoning could be they are nearsighted. If you are worried about your child sitting too close to the TV, then it is advised you get their vision tested.

Now you know you can give your TV Eskimo kisses without going blind, but keep reading to find out the myth about the low-fat diet.

A Low-Fat Diet Is Guaranteed To Make You Lose Weight

Many people believe switching to a low-fat diet is guaranteed to lower the number on their scale at home. Years ago a low-fat diet consisted of eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods. But not anymore! The grocery store is filled with low-fat foods high in calories and sugar, that do not contain the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy diet.

To healthily lose weight it is best to cut calories, get plenty of exercise, and cut out sources of 'bad fats' while also enriching your diet with 'good fats.' Good fats will help you absorb nutrients from other foods, give you energy, and increase your overall cognitive function.

It takes more than a low-fat diet to shed those extra pounds; read further to learn about a common myth about fever and cold.