Is Red Wine Really Good for Your Heart?
Moderate alcohol consumption has long been known to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, does red wine offer more protection to the heart than other alcoholic beverages? Fortunately …
Medical Mythbuster: Does a Dry January lead to a Boozy February?
After enjoying adult beverages around the holidays, did you participate in the popular annual challenge called “Dry January,” a month of abstinence from drinking alcoholic beverages? While abstaining from …
Medical Mythbuster: Are Poinsettias Really Dangerous?
Well, not exactly. These plants, which are very popular around the holiday season, do have some low toxicity to people and animals (as do many other plants). However, they …
Medical Mythbuster: Can You Actually Be Allergic to the Cold?
Yes, it’s true, you really can have an allergic reaction to cold temperatures, with symptoms such as an itchy rash, redness, swelling and hives. Known by healthcare providers as …
Medical Mythbuster: Falling Is Inevitable As We Age
Fortunately, this is false. Even though falls are a big risk for older Americans, they are not an inevitable part of aging. By taking preventative steps, everyone has the …
Medical Mythbuster: Can You Really Die from a Jellyfish Sting?
Fortunately, most jellyfish stings while very painful are not life-threatening. However, a few species are deadly and the venom from their sting can kill a person in a matter …
Medical Mythbuster: Can Salt Water Really Heal Wounds?
Can Salt Water Really Heal Wounds? The answer to this question is yes. This is because salt water helps to clean and promote healing by a process called osmosis. …
Medical Mythbuster: Can You Get a Sunburn on a Cloudy Day?
By Cathleen Case, N.P. Division of Dermatology When you are outdoors on a cloudy day, it may be tempting to skip the sunscreen, but that would be a mistake. …
Medical Mythbuster: Does a Bull’s-eye Rash Always Occur with Lyme Disease?
Myth: A Bull’s-eye Rash Always Occurs with Lyme Disease By Alwyn Rapose, MD Division of Infectious Diseases This time of year, it’s important to know the common signs and …
Medical Mythbuster: A Few Moldy Berries Will Ruin the Whole Carton…
Fortunately for berry lovers, this is not true. After having your strawberries or blueberries for a few days, it’s not unusual to notice a moldy berry or two. The …
Medical Mythbuster: Do You Really Need to Take 10,000 Steps a Day?
By Linda Dylewicz, PT Director of Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Many people who wear fitness trackers set a goal of reaching 10,000 steps per day as part of their …
Medical Mythbuster: Can You Really Fight Off Kidney Stones With Food?
By Dr. Michael Jacobson Division of Urology Kidney stones are a real pain (ask anyone who’s had one). Fortunately, changing your diet (as well as taking certain medications) has …
Medical Mythbuster: You Can’t Receive a Flu Shot and a COVID-19 Vaccine at the Same Time
This is not true. According to the CDC, it’s perfectly fine to get COVID-19 and flu vaccinations at the same time – in fact, they encourage people to do …
Medical Mythbuster: Can the Flu Vaccine Give You the Flu?
This is false, despite the rumors that circulate every year around the flu season. Vaccines cannot cause flu illness because they contain an inactive virus or virus particles. Some …
Medical Mythbuster: When a Child’s Runny Nose Turns Green, That’s a Sign You Need Antibiotics
By Kia McCarthy, NP Reliant Medical Group Pediatrics Many parents mistakenly believe that their child’s green nasal mucous means there is a worsening infection present. In truth, most colds …
Medical Mythbuster: Can Your Eyes Get Sunburned?
By Dr. Joseph Silva, OD Department of Eye Services This is false, your eyes can become sunburnt. The eyes are very sensitive and when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays …
Medical Mythbuster: Kids Younger than Four Can’t Learn to Swim
This is not true. While it’s possible for children as young as infants to learn to swim, the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until age one before …
Medical Mythbuster: Poison Ivy Is Contagious
This is false. Poison ivy (and other poison plant rashes) cannot be spread from person-to-person after the rash develops. Only contact with the oil urushiol, from the plant’s sap, …
Medical Mythbuster: Can Wearing a Mask Cause Acne?
By Dr. Sarita Nori Division of Dermatology Unfortunately, this is true. Many people call it “maskne,” for mask-related acne. Dermatologists know that blocking of the skin surface can cause …
Medical Mythbuster: Can Your Shower Curtain Make You Sick?
By Michael Sheehy, MD Chief of Population Health and Analytics Reliant Medical Group The answer is it’s possible, but you shouldn’t worry too much about it. The truth is …
Medical Mythbuster: Are Masks 100% Effective in Preventing the Spread of COVID-19?
This is not true. The only way to avoid infection completely is to self-isolate entirely, which is not practical or mentally helpful. However, wearing a mask does decrease the …
Medical Mythbuster: Is Yogurt a Healthy Snack?
When it’s time to reach for a snack, many people like to choose yogurt. But many yogurts contain much more sugar than you think (some over 30 grams). So …
Medical Mythbuster: Can Going Outside With Wet Hair on a Cold Day Make You Sick?
Although your mother will likely tell you otherwise, this is a myth. Colds and flu are caused by viruses, not cold or inclement weather. In order to get an …
Medical Mythbuster: Does Eating Bananas Help Prevent Muscle Cramps While Exercising?
It’s fine to have a banana or two before a big race, but if you are expecting that they will prevent painful muscle cramps you will probably be disappointed. …
Medical Mythbuster: Is it Dangerous to Eat Tuna While Pregnant?
By Dr. Michele Sinopoli Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Most experts agree that it’s safe to consume tuna if you are pregnant, but you do need to be careful …