Hump Day Health Tip

5 medical myths--busted!

By Jennifer Nelson, Women’s Health, abridged by Darren Hardy

By now you know that Bill Gates won't be sending you a $1,000 check for forwarding an e-mail. Still, thanks to the Web, urban legends, rumors, and myths make the rounds faster than Anna Nichole Smith murder rumors.

Despite reliable medical sites like WebMD, wrong-headed — and possibly dangerous — health information too often circulates as fact.

"There seems to be a kind of industry out there producing these scary stories," says Elizabeth Whelan, Sc.D., president of the American Council on Science and Health in New York City. "Then they take hold and have a life of their own."

Before you toss your deodorant or have your silver fillings yanked, see if you're really up to date on what's medical myth and what's reality.

1. The Myth: Antiperspirants trigger breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

False. Read the wild leap that invented that rumor – here

2. The Myth: Once you kill brain cells, they're gone forever.

Good News – Not so. Read how a commercial created that paranoia – here

3. The Myth: You should have silver fillings removed.

Only if you like needless pain. TV is once again to blame. Read more – here

4. The Myth: Going on the Pill will cause weight gain.

Nope, sorry. Has more to do with everything else you put into your mouth. Read the facts – here

5. The Myth: Cold weather causes colds and the flu.

Here goes your excuse for calling in sick - here

Read more health and fitness tips - here

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