Medical Myths That Can Kill You

Myth #1: Doctors don’t play favorites.
Doctors are more apt to see and continue to see people who will make them the most money.  Obese people, people with pre-existing conditions are doctors favorites because they are a constant source of income from visits, and from perks earned from pharmaceutical companies whose medicines they prescribe.


Myth #2: You can skip annual check-ups.
 Wrong! You should visit a primary care doctor every year and make sure their services and tests are tailored to your sex, age and risks based on family history. Routine checks, such as blood pressure and urinalysis, which help detect problems before they turn into crises, are a major plus. Because many of us forget to schedule yearly exams, pick a memorable date, like your birthday, to make the appointment.

Myth #3: Adults don’t need shots.
Shots are not just for kids.  Some 70,000 U.S. adults die every year from causes that vaccinations could have prevented.  Many of us think that once we’ve completed the childhood series of shots for polio, measles and the like, we’re done. But we may need tetanus booster shots, human papillomavirus (HPV) injections to prevent cervical cancer, and even a vaccine against meningitis, a deadly bacterial infection of the brain that tends to strike on college campuses.If your parents dropped the ball on childhood vaccinations for diseases such as chicken pox and measles, you’re not out of danger. Talk to your doctor about getting immunized. Check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for a detailed rundown of what you need.

Myth #4: Only old people get heart disease and stroke.
Heart attacks strike only elderly, paunchy middle-aged men, right? Not necessarily. Strokes, which occur when there’s a stoppage of blood flow to the brain, also can affect young people. If you’re not a member of either of those groups, you could still be at risk. Everyone should begin heart checks at age 20, the American Heart Association says. That’s because problems that lead to arteriosclerosis, the buildup that blocks blood flow to the heart, can start when you’re young − a possible consequence of factors such as a fat-laden diet, smoking and obesity.  You should be tested for high blood pressure, cholesterol count and body mass index (BMI). They also need to be aggressive about getting to the emergency room at the first sign of danger.  Whatever your age, if you experience signs of a heart attack (pressure in the chest or pain radiating from the chest) or stroke (a sudden numbness on one side of the body), get medical help immediately. Heart attacks are often preceded by jaw pain, a feeling of breathing icy air or overwhelming fatigue. Call an ambulance if you have any of these symptoms.

Myth #5: Natural means safe.
Two natural, plant-derived substances can end lives: tobacco and arsenic.  So what about the hundreds of holistic remedies and diet supplements − from wheat grass juice and blue-green algae to biotin capsules − that health food stores dispense? Is our faith misplaced?  There aren’t easy answers because most such products haven’t received the extensive clinical testing that prescription drugs go through before entering the market. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require such trials for natural substances.  If you decide to try natural products, take these sensible steps: First, be frank with your conventional doctor. Tell him or her what you’re taking and how much, and who else (for example, an herbalist or homeopathic professional) has been giving you advice. Also, do your homework before you try any natural remedies. It’s best to look at the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition or the Tufts University website.