5 Dangerous Medical Myths

Posted on June 13th, 2008 by Janelle -

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In a recent interview on the TODAY Show, TODAY chief medical editor and author of the book Medical Myths That Can Kill You- And the 101 Truths That Will Save, Extend, and Improve Your Life, Nancy Snyderman discussed and debunked some of the medical myths that can actually kill you.

ÐºÐ¾Ð¼Ð¿ÑŽÑ‚Ñ€Ð¸ Ð²Ñ‚Ð¾Ñ€Ð° ÑƒÐ¿Ð¾Ñ‚Ñ€ÐµÐ±Ð°Common Medical Myths:

Annual Checkups
- According to Synderman, annual checkups are so incredibly important because not only do they help us to build long-lasting, healthy relationships with our doctors, but they also help us to live longer-lasting, healthier lives. If everyone went to have an annual checkup every year, there would be a greater probability of preventing disease or at least detecting diseases at an early stage. This is based on conversations as well as physical checkups that you have with your doctor regarding your lifestyle, health and history.
Vaccinations:
- Vaccinations aren’t just for children. In this day and age, where people are living longer than ever before, it is not unlikely to consider the fact that we may “outlive” our vaccinations. Synderman points out that adults over the age of 30 should have “booster” shots since, as we get older, our immune systems are not what they used to be. Additionally, there are many new vaccines that have come out since we were children that may be worth getting. Just make sure you check with your doctor first to see which one is right for you.
Being Denied Healthcare:
- Contrary to popular belief, doctors don’t play favorites when it comes to healthcare. Nowadays, many people are denied healthcare, and it’s not based on the color of your skin or what sex you are. In fact, most people who are denied healthcare are often the people who need it the most (i.e. the working poor, who make too much money to qualify for federal assistance but not enough to cover their own insurance costs).
The “War” on Cancer:
- There are many people who claim that we are “losing the war on cancer,” but according to Synderman, there are many different types of cancers, which (if caught earlier on) have an extremely high success rate for being cured.
Who Has Heart Problems and Strokes?:
- According to the American Heart Association, young adults in their 20s should have their hearts checked every two years afterwards. Contrary to popular belief, heart disease isn’t just something that affects “old people,” but rather, Synderman points out that high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, stress, lack of exercise and obesity can all lead to heart disease and/or strokes- which can strike at any age!