Myths are common in all domains, but it seems like medicine has the bulk of them. You all must know several traditional courses of treatments that are “better”, “safer” and “more natural” than modern-day pills. You are also probably accustomed to many myths that you believe are true just because no one ever bothered to explain to you why they aren’t real. I’m sure you believe that the common cold is an effect of – well – the cold weather and your inability to dress accordingly, just like the flu, without realizing that both these afflictions are caused by viruses.

 

The holiday season brings along its own specific myths, some of which even some doctors think are entirely true, just because some are indeed based on scientific evidence – being myths, however, they are exaggerated.

One of these myths is that suicide rates are higher during the holidays, which was debunked by studies and by the fact that people are rarely alone in December.

 

Another myth claims that sugar makes children hyperactive, which is based on the true fact that sugar gives people energy, which led to the conclusion that excessive sugar equals excessive energy. Another myth is that eating at night will most definitely make you fat, yet that is only true if your midnight snack is additional to your average daily food intake. Another common myth is that Poinsettias are lethal if ingested, which was proven untrue in a study – however, they are not beneficial for your health.

 

A cure for hangovers? Sure, anything is possible around the holidays – right? Well, not quite. The only known cure for hangovers is less alcohol intake the night before, although I’m certain you have a “sure cure” that works for you – we all do. And last but not least, you do not – I repeat, you do not – lose more heat through your head than through other parts of your body.