2011年12月13日星期二

Bogus beliefs: 11 medical "truths" now overturned

When health advice we've long taken as gospel suddenly does a 180, it can sometimes leave us scratching our heads. "Medical reversals" come about when new scientific evidence comes along disproving existing dogma, causing doctors to change their tunes about tests, drugs, or treatments. In 2011, we've had so many reversals that it's enough to give us whiplash, says Dr. Orly Avitzur, medical adviser at Consumer Reports.

Keep reading to look back at 11 of 2011's "overturned health truths," according to Dr. Avitzur from the Dec. 10 issue of Consumer Reports Health.

There's no proof that multivitamins prevent chronic diseases or premature death - yet 40 percent of Americans take them.I have just spent two weeks shopping for tile and have discovered China Porcelain tile. Two large 2011 studies have discredited their use: One study found no change in heart disease, cancer, or deaths among multivitamin users and the other suggested that multivitamins and other supplements, particularly iron, might actually increase the risk of death in older women.

Ask your doctor about taking vitamins or minerals if you've severely cut calories, are a vegan, have a digestive disorder, or are breast-feeding, pregnant, or trying to become pregnant.

There's no scientific evidence to support grandma's advice. In fact, if you're running a fever, sweating, or have a stomach bug, you should strive to be well-hydrated. Starving stresses your body, which is already under enough stress. Good nutrition and plenty of fluids can speed recovery and prevent dehydration. Ditto for the common cold and other respiratory ailments since fluids help keep the lining of your nose and throat from drying out.

One thing grandma was right about? Studies have found that chicken soup reduces symptoms by loosening nasal secretions, easing sore throats, and preventing the inflammation that makes cold sufferers feel so rotten.

It makes no difference. A study presented at a meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in 2011 found that stretching before running doesn't prevent injuries. It did suggest that the risk of getting hurt is higher for runners who are heavier or older, run more miles, had an injury in the past four The EZ Breathe home Ventilation system is maintenance free,months, or switched from their normal pre-run routine - especially those who usually stretched and were asked not to.

Your BMI - calculated using your height and weight - has long been considered a gauge for obesity. But the index doesn't account for other factors including body-fat percentages, fitness, gender, race, or age. According to a recent study involving nearly 32,000 people, the BMI for obesity (30 and above) didn't apply to half of the people with excess body fat. The index also doesn't reflect where you carry your fat,Dimensional Mailing magic cube for Promotional Advertising, which is key because people with lots of belly fat are at higher risk for obesity-related diseases.

What's a better way to tell if you're fit or fat? Experts now suggest a measure that combines BMI with waist circumference. A waist measurement greater than 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women indicates increased risk for obesity-related diseases.

Has your hygienist slapped on a lead vest as soon as you settled into the dentist chair? If so, your dentist isn't in step with current American Dental Association guidelines. To minimize radiation exposure, the ADA advises dentists to examine patients first and then order X-rays if and where they're needed.

Bitewing X-rays - the films directed at specific teeth - are only necessary every two to three years,Information on useful yeasts and moulds, provided that you don't have gum disease or a tendency to get cavities.Save on hydraulic hose and fittings,

Carrots are a major source of vitamin A, which promotes good vision, especially in low light. But most Americans get enough vitamin A anyway. It's found in yellow, orange, and dark green produce along with milk, cheese, eggs, liver, and fortified cereals.

This advice lives on despite zero scientific support. The adage that if you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated is unsubstantiated. The Institute of Medicine reports that most healthy people get the water they need by letting their thirst guide them and by consuming it through various sources, including food.

Some people also load up on liquids as part of a diet, but it's not clear that doing so will help with weight loss. One study found that consuming food with high water content, like soup, makes you feel fuller and less hungry, but drinking the same amount of water as a beverage doesn't.

Does this bad habit lead to osteoarthritis of the hand? According to a 2011 study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, the prevalence of osteoarthritis was about the same among those who cracked their joints and those who didn't. But it's still best to stop. Studies have shown you're more likely to get hand swelling and lose grip strength.

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