Health Myths Busted

Myth: Eggs are unhealthy.

Truth: Eggs don’t increase blood cholesterol or the risk for heart disease. A Harvard University analysis even suggested eggs can improve heart health. Egg yolk contains HDL, or good cholesterol, and actually counteracts the effects of bad cholesterol. It’s safe to eat even two eggs daily.

Myth: Cold weather causes illness.

Truth: More people become ill when temperatures drop, but cold weather doesn’t make someone sick. Cold weather does mean more time indoors, where viruses can spread in confined spaces. Winter’s dry air is the perfect host for viruses. Cold temperatures can temporarily impair someone’s immune system.

Myth: Knuckle popping can lead to arthritis.

Truth: The noise caused by knuckle popping is harmless. The popping noise is the result of bubbles in the fluid, known as synovial fluid, which lubricates the hands. Although it doesn’t cause early-onset arthritis, it can lead to reduced grip strength and swelling in the hands.

Myth: Eating before bed leads to obesity.

Truth: There is no magic hour to stop eating before bed, but avoid overeating during the day, and refrain from junk food at night.

Myth: Chocolate causes acne.

Truth: Since 1969, scientists have studied chocolate as the culprit for teenage breakouts. No studies have shown a correlation between chocolate and acne.

Myth: Flu shot causes the flu.

Truth: The flu vaccine contains either inactive flu virus or no virus at all, so it’s impossible to get the flu from a flu shot.

Myth: Bottled water is healthier than tap water.

Truth: Tap water in most areas is healthy. Bottled water is less healthy for the world since plastic bottles are made from petroleum. Energy is needed to make the bottles and run the bottling and refrigeration machines.

Myth: Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever

Truth: One of the best things to do for a fever is to eat a regular diet

Myth: Sugar makes kids hyper.

Truth: Sugar isn’t the best nutrient, but it won’t cause children to act out, affect their school performance or make them unable to focus.

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Kim Shopper

Kim has worked at NKCH for nearly 40 years where she produces the employee newsletter and manages internal campaigns. She is a board member for the Kansas City Health Communicators, and she is passionate about animal rescue and volunteers for the Parkville Animal Shelter.