Myths About Health » admin

Pregnancy and Physical Fitness

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:04:23 +0000

Physical fitness doesn’t mean be in tone. Improved fitness can be achieved without optimal level of the overall health. Physical fitness means your heart is healthy, your body can move comfortably. While being pregnant body changes all it’s systems to accommodate needs of the developing fetus’s care. In this case it is important to prepare the body, mind and spirit for pregnancy through a fusion of yoga, pilates and preventative therapeutic exercise. Sure all these trainings must be done only under control of professional physical therapist certified in natal fitness instruction and yoga. The idea is to train from early pregnancy for the purpose of producing control and acceptance over changes during the pregnancy.

Here are some common myths that are arised speaking about pregnancy and physical fitness.

Myth 1. During the second pregnancy I can expect the same experience like at first time.

Any mother of two can tell you that no two children of the same genetic pool, neither will be your mental and physical state after delivery. Pre and Post natal wellness specialist can teach you how to prevent common screens or strains for possible complications. Yoga and pregnancy specific core training are particularly useful.

Myth 2. After the all instructions of healthcare provider and reading all related books I can be sure birth will be just as I planned.

The idea of the experience of the natal healthcare trainings is to be get emotional and physical support you need to deal with the reality that YOU will be determining how well this birth will go. Pain is subjective and natural birthing ability is dependant on primarily three things.
1) Productive birthing position so that gravity works with you and not against you.
2) Breath, remain focused and work with nature. You must be educated on what is happening and need to train the body to not approach the situation as an attack.
3) You need to feel supported through the labor by your own self and possibly by others because you may need the mental boost.

Myth 3. After six weeks I am medically cleared and I can assume that I will be “back to normal” in a mater of weeks.

In fact, reality hits somewhere around month 4 that you may not sleep an eight hour night again, you cry over the fact that someone has left the toothpaste cap off you look at your body in the bathroom mirror and get frustrated. “Back to normal” requires you to be in tone with your hormones, your new body and your new schedule.

A/H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza, Myths and Facts

admin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:59:36 +0000

Given the current threat and discussion of the flu vaccines, H1N1 and seasonal influenza, there is some confusion regarding how best to prepare for the pending flu season. Many parents and families are asking what to do, and questioning the safety of new vaccines.

Dr. Bill Mason, head of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Immediate Past President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, California – Chapter 2 answered the following “myths” about H1N1. The below myths vs. facts are meant to help pediatricians better understand the vaccines, their safety and the importance of vaccinating children.

Myth 1. This is all hype and H1N1 influenza and seasonal flu do not pose any real concern for our kids.

Influenza will be unavoidable for those who do not adopt the common sense measures to prepare for and protect themselves and their families against the virus.

The H1N1 influenza has been declared a worldwide pandemic. As of September 16th, WHO had reported at least 296,471 cases world wide and 3,486 deaths. In Los Angeles County, there has been a consistent presence of influenza since May. More than 300 children have been cared for at Children’s Hospital in LA. Some were severely ill and some have died.

Myth 2. We can’t prevent outbreaks of H1N1 – they are inevitable.

While it may be too late to prevent the actual outbreak, we can limit the spread and mitigate morbidity and mortality associated with the infection. Immunization against both the seasonal influenza strains and the influenza A (h1N1) strain will reliably prevent influenza in the vast majority of those who receive the vaccines.

Myth 3. Immunization is not necessary.

Since H1N1 came upon us in May we have had several patients with severe disease requiring ventilation and ECMO as well as several deaths. These patients have had underlying illnesses including asthma, chronic lung disease, neurologic impairment with respiratory complications and immunodeficiency conditions. Not to protect these patients through vaccine or antiviral prophylaxis would seem to me to be unconscionable if not unethical.

Myth 4. Naturally acquired immunity is better than immunity through vaccination.

The best way to gain immunity is through immunization with the vaccines. The antigenicity of influenza strains is not static and will change from season to season no matter what we do because of antigenic drift in the virus. Protection through immunization will prevent disease from this new pandemic strain until new strains emerge in the next year or two to take its place.

Myth 5. The H1N1 Vaccine is “experimental” and not safe for use.

The H1N1 vaccine has been prepared in the same manner and with the same safe guards as have the seasonal flu vaccines for the last 20 years. These vaccines have an excellent track record for safety. To rely on homeopathic measures to prevent or treat this serious disease is misguided and dangerous.

Myth 6. Tamiflu is enough to protect patients.

Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) prophylaxis is not a substitute for vaccination and should not be used for protection of populations, but rather individuals who are at high risk for the complications of influenza and, for whatever reason, could not be vaccinated.

Sex Education

admin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:43:43 +0000

Myth number 1. Comprehensive teen sexuality education does not address abstinence.

Abstain from sexual activity and using contraceptives are the best way to avoid sexually transmitted infections. The most effective programs that helps teens discuss both abstinence and contraception.

Myth number 2. Comprehensive sex education encourages sexual activity.

Statistically, students who are well-informed about sexuality rarely have sex at a young age.

Myth number 3. Talking to students about contraception encourages them to experiment.

Teaching youth about contraception, instructions on HIV/AIDS can be effective in reducing sexual activity among adolescents.

Myth number 4. Using condoms is not effective.

Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV/STI/pregnancy. Using condoms lowers risk of developing cervical cancer.

Myth number 5. Sexual education at schools can replace it at home.

Teaching sexuality at schools increases communication between parents and children about sex related topics.

Myth number 6. It is too early to learn about sexuality in elementary schools.

The information given to students in elementary schools is a foundation and is expanded upon later. Certainly, sexual education must be given in an age-appropriate form.

Myth number 7. Teens are not able to be responsible for their sexual health.

Parents can not control children decisions all the time. Youth age is an appropriate time to take knowledge about sexual education. Well-informed teens are most likely to make responsible decisions.

Dispelling biggest diet myths

admin — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:39:59 +0000

Myth number 1. Skipping eating can help me lose weight.

For today, there is no direct proofs that skipping eating concerned with a weight loss. However it is a known fact, that if body does not get enough food it will accumulate energy by decreasing your metabolic rate. As a result you feel more hungry and less energetic. It also probably will cause overeat next time you do eat.

Myth number 2. Low level of fat in your diet is a way to be healthy.

This is absolutely not true. Fat is a must for the healthy body. It is needed for the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, K. They are necessary for vision, immune system, skin and even reproductive organs. Fat also plays other important roles like long term energy source, constituent of hormones and many many more. This is a fact – healthy body needs fat.

Myth number 3. Fasting can clean up my body from toxins and impurities.

In fact, fasting can be a reason of significant increase toxins in the blood. When your body does not have enough of carbohydrate it tries to use protein stores or fat tissues as an energy source. It causes toxins like ketones, ammonia to be released. Approved method to avoid toxins in your blood is to drink plenty of water and consume variety of foods.

Myth number 4. Meals before going to bed can increase my weight.

This statement is more false than true. Obviously, metabolism is lowered at night. But there is no direct proofs that eating before going to bed gains fat storage. Actually, there is no big difference between food consumed during the day and food consumed in the evening. The energy from the evening food is used during the next day.

Myth number 5. People with the same gender, age and height should have the same weight.

All mentioned factors are important, but besides them your body weight depends of bone mass, muscle mass and genetics. And there are variety of healthy weights for the specific height, age and gender.

Myth number 6. Feeling full after the meal certainly will increase my weight.

Our body sends us a lot of signals. And feeling full after eating is one of them. It just indicates that you already eaten enough to satisfy your energy stores. Moreover, overeating also does not always translates into the weight gain. However, consistently ignoring your body signals and overeating certainly will increase your weight.

Abortion Facts

admin — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:21:29 +0000

Abortion is one of the actual subjects in our society that is always discussed. Here are some facts about the myths, which we hear most often.

Abortion certainly affects future fertility.

Abortion must be performed by the qualified staff in a legal, safe way. In this way there is rare chance fertility to be affected. In fact, most of the women don’t have delay in the return of normal menstrual cycles. It is recommended to use contraception when a woman resume sexual relations after the abortion.

Abortion produces breast cancer.

This statement was promoted by several groups in Australia. But it is not supported by scientific evidence. A lot of anti-cancer organizations reject any association between the termination of pregnancy and increased risk of breast cancer. And these are not a mere words. This fact is based on analysis of data from 53 studies reported in March 2004 by journal Lancet. The main risk factor for breast cancer is being a woman over 50.

Abortion is a kind of contraception.

Its not a secret that:
- no type of contraception is 100% effective;
- it can be difficult to find suitable form of contraception;
- sexual behaviour is not always predictable;

All facts above are well known and cause abortion in case of unplanned pregnancy. But, don’t confuse. Abortion is a safe method of birth control, but not a usual way out when contraception fails.

Adoption is better than Abortion.

It means that probable way out for unwanted pregnancy is to relinquish the baby for future adoption. But numerous women choose abortion when they don’t want to be pregnant or continue to be pregnant. It’s not women’s role to give a birth to the babies for others.

Only young women choose abortion.

This is something we often hear when speak about abortion having in mind that only irresponsible, careless, selfish women can make abortion. While “real” women are selfless above all other costs. In fact, women from 12 to 45+ years of all religions, occupations and educational levels decided have an abortion throughout the centuries for many similar reasons.

Sexually Transmitted Disease. Part II

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:43:24 +0000

5. How can you know you have an STD?

STD is not always noticeable, because of obvious symptoms absence. Lets take chlamydia for example. It is a very common STD among 15 to 24 year olds. Both sexes can be affected. It may not have noticeable symptoms, while it is very dangerous. Untreated, it can lead to a Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause infertility. Here are common symptoms typical for STD:

– a rash in the genital area;
– unusual discharge from the penis or vagina;
– pain during intercourse or low abdominal pain;
– a burning pain, irritation when urinating;

Symptoms above don’t necessarily mean you have STD, but this is a strong reason to visit a doctor.

6. How can you know someone has STD?

Well, in most cases you can not. Nice, well dressed people can have STDs and remember, they can affect anyone.

7. How can I avoid STDs?

100% guaranteed way is to not have sex. Let us leave it. Better way is to have sex with one partner who is free of infection, and also does not have sex with others. In other cases you better use condoms, it helps much to prevent STDs.

8. When can a couple stop using condoms?

Strong relationship is a must condition to stop using condoms. Besides, both partners should have an STD test to be sure they are free of infection.

6 Myths About Tap and Bottled Water

admin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:48:00 +0000

The subject of bottled water benefits becomes more popular during last years. Bottled water manufacturers ascribe a lot of healthy features to their product. What is true and what is just a fairy tail. Let us compare bottled and tap waters to uncrown some known water myths.

Myths number 1: tap water is worse than the bottled water.

Obviously, it is not everything is true what advertise the mineral water bottles. The come from rather common sources like municipal water supply. Sure, they are filtered, but they are not to much better than the water we filter by ourselves.

Myth number 2: purified water tastes better.

It is not a secret, the distilled water (read the purest water) does not have any taste at all. It can be explained by the fact, that the flavor water has is given by the minerals like calcium, sodium, magnesium etc, that are removed in the purification process. The tap water tastes flat because of chlorine. But it can be easy removed by keeping the water in fridge for one night, and it tastes better.

Myth number 3: bottled water is healthier because of minerals, protein, vitamins.

The aim of marketing is to add any extra things to the product to increase sales. But the fact is that the most of the additive materials doesn’t have any influence for the health because of their insignificant amount. Moreover, usage of sugar can add calories instead. While tap water provides more fluoride to the body which proves it is better than the bottled water.

Myth number 4: average statistical body needs 8 ounce of water per day.

Doctors recommend 91 ounces of fluid per day. Evidently, not all of 91 ounces are gained from water, but 80% should come from water. The rest comes from juice, tea, coffee, other beverages and food.

Myth number 5: bottled water is much better after working out.

During the work out session the body water and electrolytes are wasted and needs to be replaced. Tap water is fine for their replacement if it is clean.

Myth number 6: bottles are friendly to the environment.

This myths is based on the fact that bottles are recyclable. But 70 million bottles can be recycled per one day of production, but about 87 percent still goes to trash.

Sexually Transmitted Disease. Part I

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:45:17 +0000

Sexual health is not an often discussed subject. And that is why there are numerous misunderstandings in this area. While it is possibly one of the most important aspects of the human being. Here are some common facts about sexually transmitted disease (STD) every man have to be aware of.

1. Sexual health education.

How can I resist if my partner doesn’t want to use condoms?

The main statement of the sexual health asserts that your health depends of you. And if you decide to use condoms you should stand one’s ground. This is main way to protect women’s health.

2. What is STD and how dangerous could it be?

STD is an any disease that is passed between the persons by sexual contact, i.e. vaginal, anal or oral sex. There is a great number of STDs known in the world, besides syphilis and gonorrhea. In fact, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is also a sexually transmitted disease. And it can lead to AIDS which can be fatal. Very dangerous is Hepatitis B, which is passed on during sex and can also be fatal.

3. Have a pregnant women be tested for STD?

If there is the least chance for the pregnant woman to have STD it must consult with her gynecologist. It is important to detect and treat the infection in time, as some STD can cause serious problems for the baby health.

4. Douching prevents infection.

This is not a good idea to prevent infection by flushing vagina by antiseptic or water. It doesn’t prevent infection. Moreover, it can destroy useful bacteria that keep area healthy.

Myths About Mental Health Disorders

admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:18:36 +0000

Nowadays, mental health probably is more important than ever. Every day it depends of numerous factors and situations that have an influence on our mentality. Mental health also stays very subjective kind of public health and it gives a rise for myths around there. Let us look into the common myths and find some facts that prove them wrong.

Myth 1. Children are not subjected to mental health disorders.

Fact: According to the numerous researches one in five kids has a mental health disorder. Among them AD/HD, depression, and anxiety.

Myth 2. If someone is angry, sad or worried he has a mental health disorder.

Fact: All mentioned feelings are typical for a human being. But, if these feelings are permanent during long time, weeks or months it can be a subject of mental health disorder.

Myth 3. Some children just will not pay attention.

Fact: If it is very difficult for a child to pay attention it can be a symptom of attention-deficit/hyperactivity ( AD/HD ). This mental disorder affects 3-5% percents of school-aged kids.

Myth 4. Mental health disorder affects mind abilities.

Fact: This is not true. And a striking example could be Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. He had depression, but did amazing things. Depression is a state of intense sadness that can last over weeks and months.

Myth 5. “Psych ward” is a must for people with mental health disorders.

Fact: The overwhelming majority of the people who get the right treatment can lead successful lives.

Myth 6. People with mental health disorder are almost always losers and never succeed.

Fact: History knows numerous examples to dispel this myth. Isaac Newton, Ludwig van Beethoven, Michelangelo are among them.

Common Diabet And Diet Myths & Facts. Part II

admin — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:07:46 +0000

Myth 6. Diabetes is contagious.

Diabetes is NOT contagious. Diabetes is a disease that appears to be linked to genetic and lifestyle factors, but the exact cause of diabetes is still unknown.

Myth 7. Carbohydrates should be avoided by people with diabetes.

On no account carbohydrates should not be avoided by diabetics, as carbohydrates are they are the most important source of energy for the human body. About 50-60% of daily calories body gets from carbohydrates. But in order to keep optimal glucose control people with diabetes need to balance its intake with exercise and medication.

Myth 8. Insulin can cure diabetes.

Insulin only helps to keep sugars level in blood under control, as it removes glucose from the blood and moves to the body’s cells.

Myth 9. Diabetics can know whether their blood sugars level high or low.

The only method to know exact blood sugars level is to test it. Because some people with diabetes can have symptoms like fatigue, thirst, weakness depending of the glucose level, while others may have no any symptoms at all.

Myth 10. Treatment by pills instead of insulin makes diabetes not very serious.

The kind of treatment does not affect on diabetes seriousness. Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to other health complications such as heart or kidney disease. Every 10 seconds a person dies of diabetes-related causes.