Bubble Of Certain Medical Myths Busted

December 25, 2007

There are several medical myths which most of know and seriously believe in them. Two US researchers have busted some of these myths and presented them in the British Medical Journal.

Frequent mentions in the popular press of the need to drink eight glasses of water- They found no scientific basis for the claim.

Reading in dim light ruins eyesight - The majority of experts believe it is unlikely to do any permanent damage but it may make you squint and blink more.

Shaving makes hair grow back faster or coarser - It has no effect on the thickness or rate of hair growth.

We use only 10% of our brains – This myth arose as early as 1907 but imaging shows no area of the brain is silent or completely inactive.

Hair and fingernails continue to grow after death – The researchers said that the skin dries out and retracts after death, giving the appearance of longer hair or nails.

Mobile phones are dangerous in hospitals – Despite widespread concerns, studies have found minimal interference with medical equipment.