Debunking Medical Myths

 Summer is almost over (unfortunately!), but in reviewing some of my files, I came across an interesting article that debunked some common health myths, most related to summer living. Research on this subject comes from the books "Don't Swallow Your Gum,!" and "Don't Cross Your Eyes...They'll Get Stuck That Way," by Drs. Rachel C. Vreeman and Aaron E. Carroll.
   One common myth is "Don't swim for 30 minutes after eating."
   While swimming, like running, may feel uncomfortable on a full stomach, there are no documented cases of drowning or near-drowning caused by eating, according to the researchers of the books. You may get a cramping feeling, and I have experienced that myself when running or swimming too close to a meal. That is because the stomach calls for blood to digest food you have eaten. When you exercise, other muscles are calling for that same supply, potentially causing the food to digest more slowly, and creating a cramping sensation.  While uncomfortable, it is not life-threatening. With swimming, like any other cardiovascular activity, eat light before!
   Another myth is: "You can catch poison ivy from someone who has it."
   Actually, it is the oil from the poison ivy plant itself that is contagious, and once a person showers that is washed away. Poison ivy has a delayed response in the system, not appearing for 24 to 72 hours after contact with the plant. Assuming the infected person has showered during that time, it's unlikely they will have the oil on their body when the symptoms show. No matter how unsightly the sores look, they are actually unlikely to have the oils on them that spreads poison ivy.
  One myth I actually had not heard myself, but is also untrue is: "If a jellyfish stings you, urinate on the wound."
   The treatment for jellyfish stings is, first, get out of the water,as Diana Nyad had to finally do on her Havana to Miami swim.  Remove the tentacles with an object like a tweezer, and apply vinegar. Urine has a different pH than vinegar and can actually worsen the effects of the sting. The myth may have started because once the stinging cells of the jellyfish have been washed away, warm urine may sooth the wound, based on its warmth alone. Warm water, heat packs, or ice would also work, and are much more sanitary!
   Finally, a myth that is true is that "Scratching a bug bite makes it worse."
   I'm guilty of this all the time! If you scratch a bug bite vigorously, it will break the skin, and the bacteria from underneath you fingernails may cause a skin infection.Scratching inflames the bite more, which causes the swelling to last longer. Treat it with an antibiotic ointment, and no matter how tempting, stay away!
  Enjoy the rest of your summer!