Little Myths

This comes from Robert H. Shmerling, M.D. of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center...

Here are some of my favorite useless or potentially risky activities with little proven benefit that many of us are doing on a daily basis:

1) Twirling cotton-tipped swabs in the ears - It's nearly irresistible. The use of swabs to "clean" the ears or to remove water is nearly universal (although I have no hard statistics on this). Perhaps it's the way cotton swabs are shaped and "the itch" they seem to "scratch" when we insert one into the external ear canal. But read the label. Their manufacturers recommend that they only be used (wink, wink) on the outside of the ear.

The fact is, the ear is a self-cleaning organ. Most healthy people require no routine maintenance. Inserting (or, the less favored approach, jamming) a cotton tipped swab into the ear can damage the eardrum or push wax (cerumen) farther into the canal, making it harder to remove. This may cause a feeling of pressure and decreased hearing.

2) Using expired medications - According to a recent study, most medications last at least a little beyond their expiration dates. But testing for potency and safety is generally lacking, so why take a chance? Check the expiration dates of any medications you use, whether over-the-counter or prescription. Throw out all expired drugs.

*Blogger Note* -- Careful with expired medications, too far beyond the expiration date and the chemicals actually begin to break down within the medication itself. This change in chemical balance often causes the medication to become heavily toxic. Be especially weary of narcotics.

3) Eating carrots to improve vision - Carrots are a good source of vitamin A, a nutrient that's important for healthy eyes. However, unless you have vitamin A deficiency, eating carrots is unlikely to do anything for your vision. And eating too many carrots can turn your skin orange. Fortunately, the effect is temporary.

*Blogger Note* -- There are actually cases of early Air Force pilots who were told to load up on carrots while in active duty who had their skin turn orange. Personally, I think carrots are tasty anyways. And for those of you who fake-tan...there should be no difference anyways.

4) Brushing your teeth with enthusiasm - If you're in a hurry or think brushing more vigorously will get your teeth cleaner and whiter, think again. You may actually damage the teeth and gums. It's best to use only gentle pressure with a soft brush. And don't forget to floss.

5) Increasing exercise too much too soon - While your intentions may be good — and highly commendable — you can cause more harm than good. If you don't take the time to train, you're more susceptible to injuries, such as muscle tears or tendon inflammation. You may be so sore that you can't exercise. Have patience. It takes weeks or months to get out of shape; it'll take at least that long to get fit. Increase your exercise no more than 10% per week (as measured by duration, speed or the weights you're using).

*Blogger Note* -- I know this far too well...coming back too hard and too fast after rehab for my right ACL reconstruction, I ended up tearing my left quadriceps muscle. Take it easy! There's no reason to rush, even if you're itching to get back into action, the pain and setback isn't worth it.

6) Starving a fever - There is simply no reason to avoid food if you have a fever as in the adage "feed a cold, starve a fever." In fact, maintaining good nutrition when you're sick with a cold or flu can help you recover.

7) Drinking lots of water - Going out of your way to drink when you aren't thirsty is probably unhelpful and occasionally harmful. (It's also expensive if you're buying bottled water.) There are exceptions, of course, such as exercising outdoors when it's hot and humid. But for the average person working indoors, drinking when you are thirsty is generally all you need to do.

8) Eating off the floor - It's clear that bacteria and toxins can be transferred to food quickly. So, whether you subscribe to the 5-second rule (or, as I like to call it, the 10-second rule), picking up your food off the floor within a few seconds is no guarantee that it's safe to eat. Sure, the overall risk is probably low, but it's usually best not to eat food that's been on the floor. And one more thing: Blowing on your food that's been on the floor will not make it safer.