1. Gum takes seven years to pass through your digestive tract
Although it is true that your body can’t digest chewing gum, it isn’t true that it won’t ever pass through your body. It will exit your body the same way that everything else you eat does. The only time that swallowed gum has caused a problem is when it is swallowed with other objects that shouldn’t be in your stomach (which has been found to happen more often with smaller children).
2. You can catch a cold from being outside too long
There is no evidence that says going outside when it’s cold will make you sick. In fact, studies have found that people tend to catch more colds in the winter because they spend more time inside in close contact with other people, making it more likely to encounter a cold-causing virus spread from another person. The best way to avoid a cold or flu is getting your flu shot, frequently and thoroughly washing your hands with soap and warm water, keeping your distance from other sick people, covering your mouth while sneezing or coughing, and refraining from touching your face.
3. You only use 10% of your brain
Even simple actions such as speaking, moving your hands or stretching use far more than 10% of your brain. Even when you think you are doing nothing, your brain is actually doing a lot, such as controlling your breathing and heart rate. However, it is true that you can learn new things, but in doing so you will not use an unused portion of your brain.
4. If you eat food within five seconds of dropping it on the floor, it’s safe
The amount of time that food sits on the floor doesn’t change the amount of bacteria that sticks to it. If bacteria is present, it will stick to the food instantly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 12% of foodborne illness is the result of cross-contamination with food from surfaces.
5. Coffee stunts your growth
The idea that coffee stunts your growth first came from the misconception that coffee causes osteoporosis, which has been associated with loss of height. Since then, it has been proven that coffee does not cause osteoporosis, nor does osteoporosis make you shorter. The other problem with this theory is that most growth occurs long before most people become regular coffee drinkers. Actual things that can stunt your growth include a lack of sleep, poor nutrition, hormonal imbalance, medications, chronic illness or genetics.
6. Sitting too close to the TV is bad for your eyes
This myth started when televisions were first invented and used to give off levels of radiation that after extended periods, could increase the risk of eye problems in some people. Fortunately with newer televisions, you won’t have to worry about that; no matter what distance you view it, you won’t damage your eyesight. If you spend a lot of time in front of digital devices like computers, consider investing in some blue light-filtering glasses that minimize headaches and eye discomfort.
7. Cracking your knuckles will give you arthritis
Although the sound of someone cracking their knuckles might bother you, it isn’t harmful to them. The “pop” that you hear is caused by bubble bursting in the synovial fluid- fluid that aids in lubricating joints. Even if you’ve cracking your knuckles for years, you aren’t more likely to develop arthritis or joint pain.
8. You can sweat out toxins
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not possible to sweat out harmful toxins from your body. Most of these dangerous toxins, like mercury, alcohol and environmental pollutants, are filtered and detoxified by your liver and kidneys. So, while you can’t sweat them out, you are able to aid your body’s natural detoxification systems by drinking more water, getting better sleep and reducing your intake of alcohol, sugar and salt.
9. You can target specific parts of your body for weight loss
“Spot reduction” is the idea that you can lose fat from specific areas of your body by targeting them with exercise. It’s also a myth! Fat loss only occurs when you create a caloric deficit (that is, eating fewer calories than you burn), usually through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Each of our bodies actually has a unique fat composition that determines where we lose and gain fat; it usually happens uniformly across different areas of the body, opposed to a singular spot.
10. Carrots are good for your eyesight
While carrots are high in Vitamin A— which is essential for maintaining healthy vision— they aren’t a magic food for improving your eyesight. This myth was actually started by British propaganda in World War II, which claimed that their pilots’ eyesight was superior because of how many carrots they ate (it was actually due to new and improved radar technology). Regardless, this myth has persisted for generations. You can support your eye health by eating more nutritious foods like carrots, but the best way to maintain your eye health is by visiting a healthcare professional.
One thing we know isn’t a myth: health insurance is vital for maintaining your health and wellness. The 10 essential benefits are a great example of what our health can cover that we may not think about right away. If you currently don’t have health insurance, Nevada Health Link is here to help. As part of a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). In other words, certain life events or situations, such as job loss, income change, marriage/divorce or birth/adoption of a child, may allow you to enroll in an insurance plan through Nevada Health Link outside of the annual open enrollment period.
All of our health plans are designed to reduce the costs of health insurance and ensure coverage. We’re always here to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.
