30
You can get the flu more
than once a season.
Truth! Every year, there’s more than
one flu strain circulating. Getting
sick from (or being vaccinated
against) one of them won’t protect
you or your loved ones from the
other strains. That’s why it’s impor-
tant to take everyday preventive
actions during flu season: covering
your nose and mouth with a tissue
while coughing or sneezing, and
washing your hands often with soap
and water.31
Leeches are a legitimate
medical treatment.
Truth! In 2004, the FDA officially
approved using leeches on some
postsurgical patients. This is a far
cry from the bloodletting of olden
days, which was thought to drain
disease from the body. That doesn’t
work, but studies show that the
bloodsucking creatures can safely
keep blood from coagulating, which
is helpful when surgery patients are
at risk of their blood pooling.32
Eating too much soy can
cause cancer in women.
Myth! Soy is a plant estrogen, which
made some scientists jump to the
conclusion that it could disrupt
women’s estrogen hormones and
lead to breast cancer. In fact, some
studies suggest soy could actually
reduce breast cancer, though more
research needs to be done.33
You can stop taking
antibiotics when your
symptoms go away.
Myth! Even if you’re back in tip-top
shape, continue taking your meds as
prescribed. The symptoms can fade
before the infection clears, meaning
you could get sick all over again—
and this time it might be more resis-
tant to the antibiotic.34
You should rinse the
toothpaste from your
mouth after brushing.
Myth! When you rinse with
nonfluoride mouthwash or water,
you’re spitting out the fluoride that
prevents tooth decay without giving
it enough time to work. If you still
feel like you need to rinse, studies
suggest using a tiny bit of water to
swish the toothpaste foam, then
spitting it out. This will keep more
fluoride on your teeth.35
Running is bad for
your knees.
Myth! Research has found that
recreational runners are not at
increased risk of having symptoms
of knee arthritis or other orthopedic
problems. “In fact,” says James
Smoliga, PhD, associate director
of High Point University’s Human
Biomechanics and Physiology
Laboratory, “running may strengthen
muscles that stabilize the knee,
which may help prevent injuries and
arthritis.”74 march 2019
Reader’s Digest Cover Story