Myths & Facts

MYTH: YOU SHOULDN'T MIX ANTIBIOTICS AND ALCOHOL

FACT: In general, there is no reason at all to give up booze while on a course of antibiotics. Check with your pharmacist before heading for the off-license, because there are a few, specific antis which could cause side effects if mixed with alcohol. But the widespread advice to avoid the cocktail at all times has no basis whatsoever in pharmacology. Some medical historians suggest an intriguing origin for this myth. In the early days of penicillin being used to treat VD, doctors – especially those attached to the armed forces – spotted a perfect opportunity to limit the harm done to their patients by excessive drinking, if only for the duration of the antibiotic course. At the same time, keeping the patient sober might just prevent him from passing on his infection before the drugs took effect. In other words, the “don’t drink” myth conception may have its origins in deliberate misinformation, motivated by a pragmatic approach to preventative medicine.

MYTH: EATING TOO MUCH SUGAR TRIGGERS DIABETES

FACT: Diabetes is not caused by having too much sugar, but by a failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin to control glucose levels in the blood, says Caroline Butler, a care adviser for Diabetes UK. This means having too much sugar cannot in itself cause such a malfunction.

However, she points out that Type 2 diabetes can be triggered by excess weight gain, perhaps through eating too many sugary foods. It is also a myth that those with the condition need to buy sugar-free foods suitable for diabetics. This is not the case, particularly as many products contain sweeteners which could have a laxative effect.

It is not necessary to cut sugar completely out of a diabetic diet. Intake should be moderate and monitored in accordance with insulin intake and general health.

MYTH: FLU JABS GIVE YOU FLU

FACT: Though it might leave you with a sore arm or slight fever, you will not develop flu, says GP Dr Sarah Brewer, as the vaccine does not contain live germs.

Many people make this mistake because the jab is usually given in autumn, which is the peak time for viruses such as the common cold.

And when people go on to get a cold, this is misinterpreted as flu, and incorrectly linked to the vaccination.

It is also a myth that if you are healthy you don't need the vaccination. It's recommended to all over-65s, even if they're fit and well, as they may have lower immunity to the virus.

MYTH: BRUSH TEETH AFTER EATING SWEETS TO AVOID DECAY

FACT: You should never do this, says Dr Phil Stemmer, a dentist at the Teeth For Life clinic in London. Whenever you eat something acidic or sugary it causes a temporary softening of the enamel.

So if you brush straight away, you are scraping off this protective coating and, in effect, spitting your teeth down the sink.

Wait at least an hour before brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, as the enamel will have hardened by then.

MYTH: WEARING GLASSES MAKES YOUR VISION WORSE

FACT: As we get older, our eyesight naturally deteriorates, which is why many of us start wearing glasses in our early 40s.

People often assume this makes the eyes 'lazy', causing further deterioration. This is wring, says Dr Rob Hogan, president of the College of Optometrists.

It's true that when you take your glasses off your sight seems much worse. But this is a psychological impression: glasses improve your focus; when you take them off you lose that focus, that's all.

Health myth: Can wearing glasses make your vision worse?

MYTH: CONSTANT HEADACHES AN BE A SIGN OF A BRAIN TUMOUR

FACT: Headaches alone are very rarely a sign of a brain tumour, says John Wadley, consultant neurosurgeon at Barts and The London hospital.

Brain tumours may cause headaches, but generally this will by no means be the only symptom. Other signs to look for if you're worried include memory problems, personality change or unsteadiness. But always see your doctor if the problem persists.

MYTH: MASSAGE SPREADS CANCER

FACT: Since the disease is caused by uncontrolled cell division, many patients fear that massage or even pressing on the skin could encourage cancer cells to multiply. However, Lester Barr says there is no evidence for this; many studies testify to the benefits of massage for patients, in terms of reducing anxiety and dealing with the symptoms of the disease or the side-effects of treatment.

MYTH: BEING OVERWEIGHT IS A SIGN OF SLOW METABOLISM

FACT: Unfortunately, a slow metabolism is no excuse for being overweight.

In fact, according to Dr David Ashton, medical director of the Healthier Weight Centres, heavier people often have a faster metabolism.

He explains that the heavier a person is, the higher their basal metabolic rate (BMR) - meaning they need to consume more calories each day simply to sustain life.

"People think that they're overweight because their metabolism is slow - which means they burn calories very slowly and therefore can do nothing about it.

"But heavy people actually carry more weight, have heavier organs and therefore need more calories to sustain themselves. As you lose weight, it is then that BMR slows down."

MYTH: HAVING SEX CAN CAUSE HEART ATTACKS IN MEN

FACT: Research shows that the chances of a 50-year-old, non-smoking man suffering a heart attack is about one in a million in any hour.

Having sex increases these odds to two in a million. Sex, like any other form of physical exertion, does raise the heart attack risk in men with heart disease, or who experience severe chest pains regularly, have very high blood pressure or have a weak heart muscle or heart palpitations.

Sex raises your heart rate to around 130 beats a minute, which is roughly the same effect as climbing stairs for 15 to 20 seconds - so if you feel comfortable climbing the stairs, sex shouldn't be a heart attack worry.

MYTH: CHANGING YOUR DIET CAN CUT CHOLESTEROL

FACT: Though a well-balanced diet, low in fat and rich in fruit and vegetables, is important for overall health, simply following this and using low-cholesterol products such as margarine is rarely enough to reduce high cholesterol significantly, says Dr Mel Lobo, a consultant in cardiovascular medicine.

In fact a ten per cent reduction is the best that's ever been shown to be achieved. High cholesterol is often genetic, therefore dietary intake will make little difference to bringing it down.

The condition can be successfully treated with drugs such as statins. However, Dr Lobo does point out that once cholesterol level drops through the use of drugs, a healthy diet is needed to help maintain it at an acceptable level.

High cholesterol is not dangerous in itself, but is a marker for potentially serious conditions such as high blood pressure, which is why it is vital to keep it in check.

MYTH: LUNG CANCER IS A SMOKER'S DISEASE

FACT: Although smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, one in eight cases are not linked to smoking, explains GP Dr Dawn Harper. Second-hand smoke and contact with some substances such as asbestos will increase the risk, though the disease can occur in those who have not had any obvious exposure.

An American study found around eight per cent of men and 20 per cent of women who are diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked. Even if you are not an obvious candidate, it is always wise to see your doctor if you experience symptoms such as a prolonged cough or unexplained pain and weight loss.

MYTH: CRACKING KNUCKLES CAUSES ARTHRITIS

FACT: The popping sound is caused by a change of pressure in the joints, which is created by the action of cracking the knuckles rather than as a result of wear and tear in the fingers, says Robert Moots, professor of rheumatology at the University Hospital Aintree in Liverpool.

Since there is no cumulative damage, cracking knuckles will not lead to arthritis. However, when joints produce a creaking sensation this is usually a sign of arthritis.

MYTH: IF I'M BETTER I DON'T NEED TO FINISH MY ANTIBIOTICS

FACT: Doctors usually prescribe a couple of days' worth of antibiotics more than are needed to ensure that the bacteria which cause an infection are killed off, explains Sean Woodward. That's why you may feel better even if you have a further couple of days worth of medication left. However, if you don't finish the course there is always a risk that some bacteria remain in the system.

These will not only multiply, but can also mutate so that they become resistant to the antibiotics you have been taking in the first place, so always finish the course.

MYTH: PINS AND NEEDLES MEANS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

FACT: Pins and needles alone are very rarely a sign of multiple sclerosis, or any other serious neurological illness, says Dr Mike Boggild, consultant neurologist at the Walton Centre in Liverpool.

In most cases, pins and needles are caused by pressure on a nerve, and this can be triggered by anything from wearing tight shoes to sleeping on your arm. The sensation should pass after a few minutes.

The difference with MS, says Dr Boggild, is that the problem will persist for days on end - having a family member who suffers with the disease may also increase risk. He also points out that pins and needles almost never occur in isolation if they are caused by the disease, and that a sufferer is likely to have other symptoms such as numbness or loss of feeling in the limbs.

MYTH: THE LONGER YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH, THE BETTER

FACT: Too much brushing can actually harm teeth, as once plaque has been removed, lengthy, aggressive brushing can damage the tooth enamel, causing the teeth to wear away.

Up to 20 per cent of people suffer from receding gums, often caused by scrubbing their teeth too aggressively. Dr Phil Stemmer suggests brushing for no more than two minutes at least twice a day, using a rotating motion.

Place the brush at the neck of the tooth where it meets the gum and use small movements at a 45 degree angle. (Electric toothbrushes can do the job for you more easily, but should be used for just as long.)

MYTH: SUN CREAM PROTECTS AGAINST SKIN CANCER

FACT: Skin cancer is a direct consequence of sunburn. Reducing exposure to the sun, through protective creams, can reduce the risk of burning, but this does not mean that you are protected from skin cancer, particularly if you spend hours in the sun.

Sun creams are simply filters, not total blocks, so they still allow some of the cancer-causing UV light to hit the skin, explains Mike Brown, sun-care scientific adviser for Boots.

The lesser forms of skin cancer, such as Basal cell carcinoma, are linked to rays known as UVB, while the more dangerous forms - malignant melanomas - are thought to be connected to UVA exposure.

When buying a sunscreen, look for a product that offers high protection against both (Mike Brown advises opting for a cream or lotion with four or five stars).

MYTH: CONSTANT TIREDNESS IS A SIGN OF ANAEMIA

FACT: Though tiredness and general fatigue is very common, it is usually caused by stress or depression or even a lack of exercise rather than ill health, says Dr Dawn Harper, a GP with a specialist interest in women's health.

She says that being 'tired all the time' is such a common reason for a GP visit that patients will be given a diagnosis Tired All The Time.

Classic signs of anaemia include looking pale, weakness, feeling faint, shortness of breath, palpitations, headaches, sore mouth and gums, and brittle nails. As many doctors may do a routine blood test when a patient complains of tiredness, it is sometimes the case that unrelated anaemia is detected this way, causing patients to make the link.

Sources
"We expose the truth behind those age-old health myths", Daily Mail, 13 May 2009 
"Medical Myths", ABC"Can I drink alcohol while taking antibiotics?", NHS, 8 August 2008

Disclaimer
It’s a pretty good rule in life not to base important decisions concerning medical matters on things you read in magazine columns, or this blog in this instance, no matter how nicely illustrated.