St. Nicholas Hospital HealthSource
Health Myth Busters
What mother or father hasn’t told their children to “button up, or you’ll catch
a cold?” While there are still plenty of good reasons for this advice, it is a
myth. Viruses cause colds and are usually transmitted by touching something
that another person with a cold touched. While colds are more prevalent
during winter their cause is not due to the outside temperature.
Here are a few other health myths.
That annoying sound of cracking knuckles will probably not progress to big
knuckles or arthritis. There is a hint of truth, however, that cracking knuckle
joints causes nitrogen bubbles to form. The popping sound comes from
the bubbles collapsing. This in itself does not cause arthritis; however, an
extended habit could eventually result in cartilage damage and swelling that
could progress to a degenerative joint disease.
That wad of gum you just swallowed won’t take seven years to digest, and
swallowed watermelon seeds won’t grow into a full-fledged watermelon.
The well-lubricated lining of the intestines will see to that.
Chocolate doesn’t cause acne. Acne occurs when the oil glands make too
much of a waxy substance called sebum that, along with dead skin cells, can
clog pores. Chocolate is not to blame for your acne. In fact, recent research
shows that when eaten in moderation, chocolate can be good for you.
Scott M. Stillwell, MD
Marsho Family Medical Group
1703 North Taylor Drive
Sheboygan, WI 53081
920-457-4438
3100 Superior Avenue
Sheboygan, WI 53081
www.stnicholashospital.org
An Affiliate of Hospital Sisters Health System
In Partnership With