Common Health Myths Debunked
Once you’ve heard something enough times, it’s easy to assume that it’s true. When it comes to health issues though, you don’t want to just take someone’s folksy wisdom at face value. Consider these common health myths, and the reality, to stay up do date on your best health practices.
Myth: I feel fine, why would I need to see a doctor?
Truth: Preventive care is crucial for staying well.
Even if you feel great, it makes sense to see your physician every 5 years or so. In America, many treatable and preventable diseases, like heart disease, are the leading cause of death among adults. Some 5.9 million Americans are living with undiagnosed diabetes. How can you maintain and increase your health, if you don’t know how healthy you are?
Myth: A crash diet is a good way to get back on track.
Truth: Gradual changes are safer and more likely to lead to lasting health.
Especially immediately following the holidays, it can be tempting to go on a crash diet in order to lose a few pounds and fit back into your favorite jeans. If you limit your diet intake too much, however, your body can actually make it harder to lose weight; as a protection against starvation, a body under very restricted caloric intake will release a hormone that inhibits your ability to shed those pounds.
Besides thwarting your initial goal of weight loss, however, these diets can also make you feel tired and irritable—a state in which you’re more likely to binge in order to make yourself feel better. One to two pounds a week is a reasonable and safe goal for weight loss. Remember that incorporating more wholesome, low-calorie foods into your diet, combined with exercise, is the only tried and true method for keeping pounds off long term and feeling well.
Myth: My genes have already determined how healthy I will be.
Truth: Up to 70 percent of deaths in the U.S. are lifestyle related.
Although it’s easier to chalk it up to fate and eat whatever you want while sitting on the couch all day, such a resigned attitude isn’t based in reality. You do have the power to dramatically increase your health and the amount of years on earth you will enjoy. Just because your father, grandmother, uncle, or another relative lived until 90 while drinking only black coffee and smoking like a chimney, this likely has little bearing on your own predicament.
Source:
What you don’t know can kill you. (2003) Wellness Councils of America.