Common Health Myths, Take 2

From Prevention Magazine:

When it comes to your health, anyone can give you advice. Know this: bad information can be bad for you. So, here’s the truth behind some common health myths you may have heard:

• Health Myth #1: If you drop food on the floor, it’s safe to eat if you pick it up within 5 seconds. That’s FALSE, according to research at Clemson University. In fact, food scientists there say it’s not even safe to follow a “one second rule” because bacteria transfers from the floor to your food instantaneously! How many bad germs are we talking about? Studies found at least 18-hundred bacteria transferred within 5 seconds and that includes salmonella, which can survive as long as 4 weeks – even on a freshly mopped floor.
  
  
• Health Myth #2: Drinking soda can damage your kidneys. That’s FACT. Numerous studies confirm there’s nothing remotely healthy about carbonated beverages and it doesn’t matter if they’re diet or sugar-free sodas either. The fact is, drinking a minimum of 16 ounces of soda per day doubles your risk of chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and diabetes! Know this: The average North American drinks closer to 20 ounces per day which adds up to a whopping 59 gallons of soda sipping each year!
  
  
• Here’s one more Health Myth: Using a cell phone in a hospital can interfere with sensitive medical equipment. The jury’s still out on that one. Two years ago, research by the Mayo Clinic found no evidence of “clinically important” interference between cell phones and medical machines. However, last year, a Dutch study found that electromagnetic pulses from a cell phone could disrupt life-saving devices like ventilators, syringe pumps, or pacemakers. Especially if the phone was used within a few centimeters of those devices. So, just to be safe, experts say you should only use a cell phone in designated calling areas within a hospital. Or, take your call outdoors – where you can squeeze in some healthy fresh air and exercise while you talk!