Seven Summer Health Myths

By Staff

As the summer heat knocks the door of every other safe closet, advices pour in from the whole wide world, with the tag, avoid or ensure. Many of these concerns are based on fact, and others are simply "old wives tales". Explore some of the health myths that you practiced like an obedient child for ages.

Lemonades and sodas don't count towards hydration during the summer :

It is a myth. According to a recent research, beverages such as lemonades and sodas can contribute to overall water intake. Beverages with caffeine also contribute to hydration needs.

Putting butter on a burn heals :

Sunburns are the most common concerns in summer and the most vedic home remedy for this is butter. Please do not follow this myth as butter and oils trap heat and make your sunburn worser, instead try aloe to sooth tender skin.

Tilting your head back with a nosebleed:
Nosebleeds are more common in the summer heat and dry air. If you are caught having one in the midst of elders the first thing that they do is tilt your head back to keep from dripping blood all over your neatly ironed clothes. Truth is, leaning back just makes you swallow blood. This could get into windpipe causing a blocked airway, or go into the stomach. Blood may irritate the stomach lining and cause the victim to vomit.

If you go swimming less than an hour after eating, you will get stomach cramps and drown.
It is a myth. It involves the possibility of suffering severe muscle cramping and drowning from swimming on a full stomach. While it's true that the digestive process does divert the circulation of the blood toward the gut and to a certain extent, away from the muscles, the fact is that an episode of drowning caused by swimming on a full stomach has never been documented. Experts state that, with any exercise after eating, swimming right after a big meal might be uncomfortable, but it won't cause you to drown.

Six months old infants cannot use sunscreen:
Its a myth. Babies can use sunscreens. However, it is best to avoid exposing infants to sun at all, because they burn easily. If infants do go out in the sun, then dress them in lightweight long pants, light-colored long-sleeve shirts and brimmed hats. Apply a small amount of sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater to the infant's body 30 minutes before going outside with the baby.

Poison ivy rashes are contagious:
The fact is poison ivy, oak and sumac rashes are not contagious no matter how much crusting and oozing occur. These rashes are actually delayed allergic reactions to oil called urushiol that is found on the plants. About 50 percent of people are allergic to it. Once the oil is washed off the skin and clothes there is no risk of spreading the rash.

Sunscreen sprays work on hair.
Its a myth. SPF is only measurable on skin, not hair. Therefore, douse your locks with a conditioner to create a physical barrier between your hair and the sun.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.