References

You know what’ll really get rid of that cold?… Acupuncture!

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Seki, K. “Examination of Effect of Acupuncture Treatment to Cold.” Oriental Med 20 (1992): 71–3.

Tan, D. “Treatment of Fever Due to Exopathic Wind-Cold by Rapid Acupuncture.” J Tradit Chin Med 12, no. 4 (1992): 267–71.

Tokuchi, J., and S. Tanzawa. “Remarkable Improvement of Chronic Cold Syndrome by the Application of Acupuncture Therapy to a Patient with ‘Fei Qi Ying Liang Xiu Zhen.’” J Jpn Soci Acupunct and Moxibustion 50 (2000): 463–9.

ADHD medication will stunt your child’s growth

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Matlen, T. “Do Stimulants Stunt Growth?—ADHD.” HealthCentral.com (2010), http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/c/57718/28350/stimulants-growth

Poulton, A. “Growth on Stimulant Medication; Clarifying the Confusion: A Review.” Archives of Disease in Childhood 90, no. 8 (2005): 801–6.

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The air you breathe will make you sick … if you’re near a sniffler and sneezer

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Escombe, A. R., C. C. Oeser, R. H. Gilman, M. Navincopa, E. Ticona, W. Pan, C. Martinez, J. Chacaltana, R. Rodriguez, D. A. Moore, J. S. Friedland, and C. A. Evans. “Natural Ventilation for the Prevention of Airborne Contagion.” PLoS Med 4, no. 2 (2007): e68.

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Nielsen, P. V. “Control of Airborne Infectious Diseases in Ventilated Spaces.” J R Soc Interface 6 Suppl 6 (2009): S747–55.

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I have just the thing for that cold … Airborne

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Nizza, M. “Makers of Airborne Settle False-Ad Suit with Refunds.” New York Times (2008), http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/04makers-of-airborne-settle-false-ad-suit-with-refunds/?ex=1205298000&en=10959dcfad803f0e&ei=5070&emc=etal.

Spiesel, S. “Your Health This Week.” Slate, 14 March 2008.

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Airplane travel will make you sick

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DeHart, R. L. “Health Issues of Air Travel.” Annu Rev Public Health 24 (2003): 133–51.

Forman, J. “Woman Claims Airplane Ride Disabled Her.” NWCN.com (2010), http://www.nwcn.com/home/Woman-claims-airplane-ride-disabled-her-83862407.html.

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Samet, J. M. “How Do We Catch Colds?” Am J Respir Crit Care Med 169, no. 11 (2004): 1175–6.

Sohail, M. R., and P. R. Fischer. “Health Risks to Air Travelers.” Infect Dis Clin North Am 19, no. 1 (2005): 67–84.

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Weiner, R. “Biden: I Told Family to Avoid Planes, Subway over Swine Flu.” Huffington Post, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/30/biden-swine-flu-made-me-t_n_193473.html. (Accessed on 7/21/10.)

Aloe vera will heal a burn—TRUE

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Maenthaisong, R., N. Chaiyakunapruk, S. Niruntraporn, and C. Kongkaew. “The Efficacy of Aloe Vera Used for Burn Wound Healing: A Systematic Review.” Burns 33, no. 6 (2007): 713–8.

Takzare, N., M. J. Hosseini, G. Hasanzadeh, H. Mortazavi, A. Takzare, and P. Habibi. “Influence of Aloe Vera Gel on Dermal Wound Healing Process in Rat.” Toxicol Mech Methods 19, no. 1 (2009): 73–7.

Visuthikosol, V., B. Chowchuen, Y. Sukwanarat, S. Sriurairatana, and V. Boonpucknavig. “Effect of Aloe Vera Gel to Healing of Burn Wound a Clinical and Histologic Study.” J Med Assoc Thai 78, no. 8 (1995): 403–9.

Antibiotics kill the germs that cause colds and the flu

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Once an individual has started a course of antibiotics, he is no longer contagious

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De Serres, G., I. Rouleau, M. E. Hamelin, C. Quach, D. Skowronski, L. Flamand, N. Boulianne, Y. Li, J. Carbonneau, A. Bourgault, M. Couillard, H. Charest, and G. Boivin. “Contagious Period for Pandemic (H1n1) 2009.” Emerg Infect Dis 16, no. 5 (2010): 783–8.

Kimura, R., H. Migita, K. Kadonosono, and E. Uchio. “Is It Possible to Detect the Presence of Adenovirus in Conjunctiva Before the Onset of Conjunctivitis?” Acta Ophthalmol 87, no. 1 (2009): 44–7.

Lau, L. L., B. J. Cowling, V. J. Fang, K. H. Chan, E. H. Lau, M. Lipsitch, C. K. Cheng, P. M. Houck, T. M. Uyeki, J. S. Peiris, and G. M. Leung. “Viral Shedding and Clinical Illness in Naturally Acquired Influenza Virus Infections.” J Infect Dis 201, no. 10 (2010): 1509–16.

Musher, D. M. “How Contagious Are Common Respiratory Tract Infections?” N Engl J Med 348, no. 13 (2003): 1256–66.

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An apple a day keeps the doctor away

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Aprikian, O., J. Busserolles, C. Manach, A. Mazur, C. Morand, M. J. Davicco, C. Besson, Y. Rayssiguier, C. Remesy, and C. Demigne. “Lyophilized Apple Counteracts the Development of Hypercholesterolemia, Oxidative Stress, and Renal Dysfunction in Obese Zucker Rats.” J Nutr 132, no. 7 (2002): 1969–76.

Boyer, J., and R. H. Liu. “Apple Phytochemicals and Their Health Benefits.” Nutr J 3 (2004): 5.

DuPont, M. S., R. N. Bennett, F. A. Mellon, and G. Williamson. “Polyphenols from Alcoholic Apple Cider Are Absorbed, Metabolized and Excreted by Humans.” J Nutr 132, no. 2 (2002): 172–5.

Eberhardt, M. V., C. Y. Lee, and R. H. Liu. “Antioxidant Activity of Fresh Apples.” Nature 405, no. 6789 (2000): 903–4.

Feskanich, D., R. G. Ziegler, D. S. Michaud, E. L. Giovannucci, F. E. Speizer, W. C. Willett, and G. A. Colditz. “Prospective Study of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption and Risk of Lung Cancer Among Men and Women.” J Natl Cancer Inst 92, no. 22 (2000): 1812–23.

Hollman, P. C., J. M. van Trijp, M. N. Buysman, M. S. van der Gaag, M. J. Mengelers, J. H. de Vries, and M. B. Katan. “Relative Bioavailability of the Antioxidant Flavonoid Quercetin from Various Foods in Man.” FEBS Lett 418, no. 1–2 (1997): 152–6.

Jedrychowski, W., U. Maugeri, T. Popiela, J. Kulig, E. Sochacka-Tatara, A. Pac, A. Sowa, and A. Musial. “Case-Control Study on Beneficial Effect of Regular Consumption of Apples on Colorectal Cancer Risk in a Population with Relatively Low Intake of Fruits and Vegetables.” Eur J Cancer Prev 19, no. 1 (2010): 42–7.

Knekt, P., R. Jarvinen, A. Reunanen, and J. Maatela. “Flavonoid Intake and Coronary Mortality in Finland: A Cohort Study.” BMJ 312, no. 7029 (1996): 478–81.

Knekt, P., R. Jarvinen, R. Seppanen, M. Hellovaara, L. Teppo, E. Pukkala, and A. Aromaa. “Dietary Flavonoids and the Risk of Lung Cancer and Other Malignant Neoplasms.” Am J Epidemiol 146, no. 3 (1997): 223–30.

Knekt, P., J. Kumpulainen, R. Jarvinen, H. Rissanen, M. Heliovaara, A. Reunanen, T. Hakulinen, and A. Aromaa. “Flavonoid Intake and Risk of Chronic Diseases.” Am J Clin Nutr 76, no. 3 (2002): 560–8.

Le Marchand, L., S. P. Murphy, J. H. Hankin, L. R. Wilkens, and L. N. Kolonel. “Intake of Flavonoids and Lung Cancer.” J Natl Cancer Inst 92, no. 2 (2000): 154–60.

Leontowicz, H., S. Gorinstein, A. Lojek, M. Leontowicz, Ci, M. z, R. Soliva-Fortuny, Y. S. Park, S. T. Jung, S. Trakhtenberg, and O. Martin-Belloso. “Comparative Content of Some Bioactive Compounds in Apples, Peaches and Pears and Their Influence on Lipids and Antioxidant Capacity in Rats.” J Nutr Biochem 13, no. 10 (2002): 603–10.

Liu, R. H., M. Eberhardt, and C. Lee. “Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Selected New York Apple Cultivars.” New York Fruit Quarterly 9 (2001): 15–17.

Sesso, H. D., J. M. Gaziano, S. Liu, and J. E. Buring. “Flavonoid Intake and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Women.” Am J Clin Nutr 77, no. 6 (2003): 1400–8.

Shmerling, R. H. “Putting the Apple-a-Day Adage to the Test.” MSN Health and Fitness (2009), http://health.msn.com/nutrition/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100211721.

Soler, C., J. M. Soriano, and J. Manes. “Apple-Products Phytochemicals and Processing: A Review.” Nat Prod Commun 4, no. 5 (2009): 659–70.

Tabak, C., I. C. Arts, H. A. Smit, D. Heederik, and D. Kromhout. “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Intake of Catechins, Flavonols, and Flavones: The Morgen Study.” Am J Respir Crit Care Med 164, no. 1 (2001): 61–4.

Wolfe, K., X. Wu, and R. H. Liu. “Antioxidant Activity of Apple Peels.” J Agric Food Chem 51, no. 3 (2003): 609–14.

Woods, R. K., E. H. Walters, J. M. Raven, R. Wolfe, P. D. Ireland, F. C. Thien, and M. J. Abramson. “Food and Nutrient Intakes and Asthma Risk in Young Adults.” Am J Clin Nutr 78, no. 3 (2003): 414–21.

Artificial sweeteners will give you cancer

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Center for Science in the Public Interest. “FDA Should Reconsider Aspartame Cancer Risk, Say Experts.” (2007), http://www.cspinet.org/new/200706251.html.

Dean, C., and E. Meininger. “Will N.M. Be First State to Ban Aspartame?” NewsWithViews.com, http://www.newswithviews.com/Dean/carolyn26.htm. (Accessed 7/22/10.)

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Suddath, C. “Are Artificial Sweeteners Really That Bad for You?” Time (2009), http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1931116,00.html. (Accessed 6/19/10.)

Weihrauch, M. R., and V. Diehl. “Artificial Sweeteners—Do They Bear a Carcinogenic Risk?” Ann Oncol 15, no. 10 (2004): 1460–5.

The door handle is the dirtiest fixture in the bathroom

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Palenik, C. J. “Dr. Germ: Charles P. Gerba.” Dental Office Magazine, 28 December 2007.

Reynolds, K. A., P. M. Watt, S. A. Boone, and C. P. Gerba. “Occurrence of Bacteria and Biochemical Markers on Public Surfaces.” Int J Environ Health Res 15, no. 3 (2005): 225–34.

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Air dryers will keep your hands cleaner than paper towels

Gustafson, D. R., E. A. Vetter, D. R. Larson, D. M. Ilstrup, M. D. Maker, R. L. Thompson, and F. R. Cockerill, III. “Effects of 4 Hand-Drying Methods for Removing Bacteria from Washed Hands: A Randomized Trial.” Mayo Clin Proc 75, no. 7 (2000): 705–8.

Harrison, W. A., C. J. Griffith, T. Ayers, and B. Michaels. “Bacterial Transfer and Cross-Contamination Potential Associated with Paper-Towel Dispensing.” Am J Infect Control 31, no. 7 (2003): 387–91.

Harrison, W. A., C. J. Griffith, B. Michaels, and T. Ayers. “Technique to Determine Contamination Exposure Routes and the Economic Efficiency of Folded Paper-Towel Dispensing.” Am J Infect Control 31, no. 2 (2003): 104–8.

Main, E. “This or That: Paper Towels vs. Electric Dryers.” Rodale.com, http://www.rodale.com/electric-hand-dryers. (Accessed 7/1/10.)

Redway, K. “A Comparative Study of Three Different Hand Drying Methods: Paper Towel, Warm Air Dryer, Jet Air Dryer.” University of Westminster, London, 2008.

TUV Produkt and Umwelt GmbH. “Concerning a Study Conducted with Regard to the Different Methods Used for Drying Hands.” 2005.

Yamamoto, Y., K. Ugai, and Y. Takahashi. “Efficiency of Hand Drying for Removing Bacteria from Washed Hands: Comparison of Paper Towel Drying with Warm Air Drying.” Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 26, no. 3 (2005): 316–20.

The bubbles in soda will make your bones brittle

Heaney, R. P., and K. Rafferty. “Carbonated Beverages and Urinary Calcium Excretion.” Am J Clin Nutr 74, no. 3 (2001): 343–7.

Mahmood, M., A. Saleh, F. Al-Alawi, and F. Ahmed. “Health Effects of Soda Drinking in Adolescent Girls in the United Arab Emirates.” J Crit Care 23, no. 3 (2008): 434–40.

McGartland, C., P. J. Robson, L. Murray, G. Cran, M. J. Savage, D. Watkins, M. Rooney, and C. Boreham. “Carbonated Soft Drink Consumption and Bone Mineral Density in Adolescence: The Northern Ireland Young Hearts Project.” J Bone Miner Res 18, no. 9 (2003): 1563–9.

Robb-Nicholson, C. “By the Way, Doctor. I’ve Heard That Club Soda, Seltzer Water, and Sparkling Mineral Waters Rob the Bones of Calcium? Is This True?” Harv Womens Health Watch 17, no. 5 (2010): 8.

Tucker, K. L., K. Morita, N. Qiao, M. T. Hannan, L. A. Cupples, and D. P. Kiel. “Colas, but Not Other Carbonated Beverages, Are Associated with Low Bone Mineral Density in Older Women: The Framingham Osteoporosis Study.” Am J Clin Nutr 84, no. 4 (2006): 936–42.

Weil, A. “Confused About Carbonation?” DrWeil.com, http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA157077. (Accessed 6/22/10.)

Caffeine stunts your growth

Bauer., J. “Fact or Fiction: Common Diet Myths Dispelled.” http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/16280050/. (Accessed 6/24/10.)

Heaney, R. P. “Effects of Caffeine on Bone and the Calcium Economy.” Food Chem Toxicol 40, no. 9 (2002): 1263–70.

O’Connor, A. “The Claim: Drinking Coffee Can Stunt a Child’s Growth.” New York Times (2005), http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/18/health/18real.html?_r=1.

Paul, D. C., and C. W. Goff. “Comparative Effects of Caffeine, Its Analogues and Calcium Deficiency on Cytokinesis.” Exp Cell Res 78, no. 2 (1973): 399–413.

Cancer is unpreventable

“Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet.” National Cancer Institute, http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/antioxidants. (Accessed 6/16/10.)

Boyer, J., Liu. “Apple Phytochemicals and Their Health Benefits.” Nutr J 3 (2004): 5.

“Cancer Prevention Overiew.” National Cancer Institute, http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/prevention/overview/healthprofessional. (Accessed 6/16/10.)

Jedrychowski, W., U. Maugeri, T. Popiela, J. Kulig, E. Sochacka-Tatara, A. Pac, A. Sowa, and A. Musial. “Case-Control Study on Beneficial Effect of Regular Consumption of Apples on Colorectal Cancer Risk in a Population with Relatively Low Intake of Fruits and Vegetables.” Eur J Cancer Prev 19, no. 1 (2010): 42–7.

Nelson, S. “How to Prevent Cancer.” Causecast (2010), http://www.tonic.com/article/how-to-prevent-cancer/.

Soler, C., J. M. Soriano, and J. Manes. “Apple-Products Phytochemicals and Processing: A Review.” Nat Prod Commun 4, no. 5 (2009): 659–70.

Celery has negative calories

“Celery and Negative Calories.” Snopes.com. (2010), http://www.snopes.com/food/ingredient/celery.asp. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

“Does Chewing Celery Consume More Calories than It Provides.” StraightDope.com. (2010), http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2507/does-chewing-celery-consume-more-calories-than-it-provides. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

“Is It True That Celery Has Negative Calories.” Answers.com. (2010), http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_it_true_that_celery_has_negative_calories. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

“Myth or Fact: Celery Has Negative Calories.” FitDay.com. (2010), http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/myth-or-fact-celery-has-negative-calories.html. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

Cell phones cause brain tumors

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Betts, K. S. “Electromagnetic Fields: Conference, Hearing Call Up Cell Phone Use.” Environ Health Perspect 117, no. 11 (2009): A486.

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Hardell, L., M. Carlberg, and K. Hansson Mild. “Use of Cellular Telephones and Brain Tumour Risk in Urban and Rural Areas.” Occup Environ Med 62, no. 6 (2005): 390–4.

Hepworth, S. J., M. J. Schoemaker, K. R. Muir, A. J. Swerdlow, M. J. van Tongeren, and P. A. McKinney. “Mobile Phone Use and Risk of Glioma in Adults: Case-Control Study.” BMJ 332, no. 7546 (2006): 883–7.

Kundi, M. “The Controversy About a Possible Relationship Between Mobile Phone Use and Cancer.” Environ Health Perspect 117, no. 3 (2009): 316–24.

Mead, M. N. “Strong Signal for Cell Phone Effects.” Environ Health Perspect 116, no. 10 (2008): A422.

Myung, S. K., W. Ju, D. D. McDonnell, Y. J. Lee, G. Kazinets, C. T. Cheng, and J. M. Moskowitz. “Mobile Phone Use and Risk of Tumors: A Meta-Analysis.” J Clin Oncol 27, no. 33 (2009): 5565–72.

Soller, K. “Kids, Put Down Your Cell Phones!” Newsweek 152, no. 7–8 (2008): 63.

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Thun, M. J. “Jury Still Out on Cell Phone-Cancer Connection.” Cancer 116, no. 9 (2010): 2067.

Cheese makes you constipated

Anthoni, S., E. Savilahti, H. Rautelin, and K. L. Kolho. “Milk Protein Igg and Iga: The Association with Milk-Induced Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Adults.” World J Gastroenterol 15, no. 39 (2009): 4915–8.

“Constipation.” National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/. (Accessed 6/18/10.)

Corkins, M. R. “Are Diet and Constipation Related in Children?” Nutr Clin Pract 20, no. 5 (2005): 536–9.

“Foods That Cause Constipation.” Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center, http://www.fairyshare.com/watch-d418daca26b74d750#.

Greene, A. “Milk and Constipation.” DrGreene.com, http://www.fairyshare.com/watch-d418daca26b74d750#. (Accessed 6/19/10.)

Sandler, R. S., M. C. Jordan, and B. J. Shelton. “Demographic and Dietary Determinants of Constipation in the US Population.” Am J Public Health 80, no. 2 (1990): 185–9.

I have just the thing for that cold … Chicken Soup—TRUE

Hopkins, A. B. “Chicken Soup Cure May Not Be a Myth.” Nurse Pract 28, no. 6 (2003): 16.

Ohry, A., and J. Tsafrir. “Is Chicken Soup an Essential Drug?” CMAJ 161, no. 12 (1999): 1532–3.

Rennard, B. O., R. F. Ertl, G. L. Gossman, R. A. Robbins, and S. I. Rennard. “Chicken Soup Inhibits Neutrophil Chemotaxis in Vitro.” Chest 118, no. 4 (2000): 1150–7.

Saketkhoo, K., A. Januszkiewicz, and M. A. Sackner. “Effects of Drinking Hot Water, Cold Water, and Chicken Soup on Nasal Mucus Velocity and Nasal Airflow Resistance.” Chest 74, no. 4 (1978): 408–10.

Chocolate or fried foods cause acne

“Acne Myths.” AcneNet, http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/myths.html. (Accessed 6/24/10.)

Davidovici, B. B., and R. Wolf. “The Role of Diet in Acne: Facts and Controversies.” Clin Dermatol 28, no. 1 (2010): 12–6.

El-Akawi, Z., N. Abdel-Latif Nemr, K. Abdul-Razzak, and M. Al-Aboosi. “Factors Believed by Jordanian Acne Patients to Affect Their Acne Condition.” East Mediterr Health J 12, no. 6 (2006): 840–6.

Ferdowsian, H. R., and S. Levin. “Does Diet Really Affect Acne?” Skin Therapy Lett 15, no. 3 (2010): 1–2, 5.

Magin, P., D. Pond, W. Smith, and A. Watson. “A Systematic Review of the Evidence for ‘Myths and Misconceptions’ in Acne Management: Diet, Face-Washing and Sunlight.” Fam Pract 22, no. 1 (2005): 62–70.

Wolf, R., H. Matz, and E. Orion. “Acne and Diet.” Clin Dermatol 22, no. 5 (2004): 387–93.

Cold weather (and being underdressed for cold weather) will make you sick

Brenner, I. K., J. W. Castellani, C. Gabaree, A. J. Young, J. Zamecnik, R. J. Shephard, and P. N. Shek. “Immune Changes in Humans During Cold Exposure: Effects of Prior Heating and Exercise.” J Appl Physiol 87, no. 2 (1999): 699–710.

Douglas, R. G., Jr. “Pathogenesis of Rhinovirus Common Colds in Human Voluteers.” Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 79, no. 3 (1970): 563–71.

Eccles, R. “An Explanation for the Seasonality of Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Viral Infections.” Acta Otolaryngol 122, no. 2 (2002): 183–91.

Lee, G. M., J. F. Friedman, D. Ross-Degnan, P. L. Hibberd, and D. A. Goldmann. “Misconceptions About Colds and Predictors of Health Service Utilization.” Pediatrics 111, no. 2 (2003): 231–6.

Lowen, A. C., S. Mubareka, J. Steel, and P. Palese. “Influenza Virus Transmission Is Dependent on Relative Humidity and Temperature.” PLoS Pathog 3, no. 10 (2007): 1470–6.

Melone, L. “Can the Cold Give You a Cold?” EverydayHealth.com, http://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-and-flu/colds-and-the-weather.aspx. (Accessed 6/1/10.)

Mirkin, G. “Catch a Cold.” http://www.drmirkin.com/morehealth/9941.html.

O’Connor, A. “The Claim: You Lose Most of Your Body Heat through Your Head.” New York Times, 28 October 2004.

Pretorius, T., G. K. Bristow, A. M. Steinman, and G. G. Giesbrecht. “Thermal Effects of Whole Head Submersion in Cold Water on Nonshivering Humans.” J Appl Physiol 101, no. 2 (2006): 669–75.

Proud, D. “Upper Airway Viral Infections.” Pulm Pharmacol Ther 21, no. 3 (2008): 468–73.

“U.S. Army Survival Manual: FM 21–76.” In U.S. Department of the Army, ed. U.S. Department of the Army, 148, 1970.

Wimer, G. S. “Wearing a Cap, Thermoregulation, and Thermal Sensation During Running in a Hot Environment.” J Sports Med Phys Fitness 49, no. 3 (2009): 272–7.

Zuger, A. “You’ll Catch Your Death!’ An Old Wives’ Tale? Well…” NYTimes.com (2010), http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/04/science/you-ll-catch-your-death-an-old-wives-tale-well.html. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

I have just the thing for that cold … Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medicines

Arroll, B. “Non-Antibiotic Treatments for Upper-Respiratory Tract Infections (Common Cold).” Respir Med 99, no. 12 (2005): 1477–84.

Bell, E. A., and D. E. Tunkel. “Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medications in Children: Are They Helpful?” Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 142, no. 5 (2010): 647–50.

Bhatt-Mehta, V. “Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medicines: Should Parents Be Using Them for Their Children?” Ann Pharmacother 38, no. 11 (2004): 1964–6.

Chang, A. B., L. I. Landau, P. P. Van Asperen, N. J. Glasgow, C. F. Robertson, J. M. Marchant, and C. M. Mellis. “Cough in Children: Definitions and Clinical Evaluation.” Med J Aust 184, no. 8 (2006): 398–403.

Chang, A. B., J. Peake, and M. S. McElrea. “Anti-Histamines for Prolonged Non-Specific Cough in Children.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2 (2008): CD005604.

“FDA Statement Following CHPA’s Announcement on Nonprescription Over-the-Counter Cough and Cold Medicines in Children.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2008.

“Infant Deaths Associated with Cough and Cold Medications—Two States, 2005.” MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 56, no. 1 (2007): 1–4.

Johnson, G., and C. Helman. “Remedy or Cure? Lay Beliefs About Over-the-Counter Medicines for Coughs and Colds.” Br J Gen Pract 54, no. 499 (2004): 98–102.

“Nonprescription Cough and Cold Medicine Use in Children.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2007.

Sharfstein, J. M., M. North, and J. R. Serwint. “Over the Counter but No Longer Under the Radar—Pediatric Cough and Cold Medications.” N Engl J Med 357, no. 23 (2007): 2321–4.

Simasek, M., and D. A. Blandino. “Treatment of the Common Cold.” Am Fam Physician 75, no. 4 (2007): 515–20.

Smith, S. M., K. Schroeder, and T. Fahey. “Over-the-Counter Medications for Acute Cough in Children and Adults in Ambulatory Settings.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev 1 (2008): CD001831.

“Use of Codeine- and Dextromethorphan-Containing Cough Remedies in Children.” American Academy of Pediatrics. Committee on Drugs. Pediatrics 99, no. 6 (1997): 918–20.

Cool mist will help your child’s croup

Bourchier, D., K. P. Dawson, and D. M. Fergusson. “Humidification in Viral Croup: A Controlled Trial.” Aust Paediatr J 20, no. 4 (1984): 289–91.

Henry, R. “Moist Air in the Treatment of Laryngotracheitis.” Arch Dis Child 58, no. 8 (1983): 577.

Lenney, W., and A. D. Milner. “Treatment of Acute Viral Croup.” Arch Dis Child 53, no. 9 (1978): 704–6.

Moore, M., and P. Little. “Humidified Air Inhalation for Treating Croup: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Family Practice 24, no. 4 (2007): 295–301.

Neto, G. M., O. Kentab, T. P. Klassen, and M. H. Osmond. “A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mist in the Acute Treatment of Moderate Croup.” Acad EmergMed 9, no. 9 (2002): 873–79.

Scolnik, D., A. L. Coates, D. Stephens, Z. Da Silva, E. Lavine, and S. Schuh. “Controlled Delivery of High vs Low Humidity vs Mist Therapy for Croup in Emergency Departments: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” JAMA 295, no. 11 (2006): 1274–80.

Skolnik, Neil S. “Treatment of Croup: A Critical Review.” Am J Dis Child 143, no. 9 (1989): 1045–49.

Wolfsdorf, J., and D. L. Swift. “An Animal Model Simulating Acute Infective Upper Airway Obstruction of Childhood and Its Use in the Investigation of Croup Therapy.” Pediatr Res 12, no. 11 (1978): 1062–5.

If you are sick, you should stay away from dairy products (milk makes you phelgmy)

Arney, W. K., and C. B. Pinnock. “The Milk Mucus Belief: Sensations Associated with the Belief and Characteristics of Believers.” Appetite 20, no. 1 (1993): 53–60.

Bartley, J., and S. R. McGlashan. “Does Milk Increase Mucus Production?” Med Hypotheses 74, no. 4 (2010): 732–4.

Haas, F., M. C. Bishop, J. Salazar-Schicchi, K. V. Axen, D. Lieberman, and K. Axen. “Effect of Milk Ingestion on Pulmonary Function in Healthy and Asthmatic Subjects.” J Asthma 28, no. 5 (1991): 349–55.

Lee, C., and A. J. Dozor. “Do You Believe Milk Makes Mucus?” Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 158, no. 6 (2004): 601–3.

Nguyen, M. T. “Effect of Cow Milk on Pulmonary Function in Atopic Asthmatic Patients.” Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 79, no. 1 (1997): 62–4.

O’Connor, A. “The Claim: Milk Makes You Phlegmy.” New York Times, 12 April 2010.

Pinnock, C. B., and W. K. Arney. “The Milk-Mucus Belief: Sensory Analysis Comparing Cow’s Milk and a Soy Placebo.” Appetite 20, no. 1 (1993): 61–70.

Pinnock, C. B., N. M. Graham, A. Mylvaganam, and R. M. Douglas. “Relationship Between Milk Intake and Mucus Production in Adult Volunteers Challenged with Rhinovirus-2.” Am Rev Respir Dis 141, no. 2 (1990): 352–6.

Spock, B. Spock’s Baby and Child Care. New York: Pocket Books, 1998.

Woods, R. K., J. M. Weiner, M. Abramson, F. Thien, and E. H. Walters. “Do Dairy Products Induce Bronchoconstriction in Adults with Asthma?” J Allergy Clin Immunol 101, no. 1 Pt 1 (1998): 45–50.

Wuthrich, B., A. Schmid, B. Walther, and R. Sieber. “Milk Consumption Does Not Lead to Mucus Production or Occurrence of Asthma.” J Am Coll Nutr 24, no. 6 Suppl (2005): 547S–55S.

Kids in day care catch more colds

Collet, J. P., P. Burtin, and D. Floret. “Infectious Risk in Day-Nursery Children.” Rev Prat 42, no. 14 (1992): 1797–803.

Dales, R. E., S. Cakmak, K. Brand, and S. Judek. “Respiratory Illness in Children Attending Daycare.” Pediatr Pulmonol 38, no. 1 (2004): 64–9.

“Daycare Tots Under Age Two Most Apt to Catch Colds.” Reuters Health, http://family.go.com/parenting/article-mm-77871-daycare-tots-under-age-two-most-apt-to-catch-colds-t/. (Accessed 6/9/10.)

“Is It True That Kids in Daycare Get Sick More Often than Kids Who Stay Home?” BabyCenter, http://www.babycenter.com/404_is-it-true-that-kids-in-daycare-get-sick-more-often-than-kid_10323706.bc. (Accessed 6/9/10.)

Kamper-Jorgensen, M., L. G. Andersen, J. Simonsen, and S. Sorup. “Child Care Is Not a Substantial Risk Factor for Gastrointestinal Infection Hospitalization.” Pediatrics 122, no. 6 (2008): e1168–73.

Kamper-Jorgensen, M., C. S. Benn, J. Simonsen, N. Thrane, and J. Wohlfahrt. “Clustering of Acute Respiratory Infection Hospitalizations in Childcare Facilities.” Acta Paediatr 99, no. 6 (2010): 877–82.

Kamper-Jorgensen, M., J. Wohlfahrt, J. Simonsen, M. Gronbaek, and C. S. Benn. “Population-Based Study of the Impact of Childcare Attendance on Hospitalizations for Acute Respiratory Infections.” Pediatrics 118, no. 4 (2006): 1439–46.

Deodorants and antiperspirants cause breast cancer

American Cancer Society. “Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer Risk.” http://www.cancer.org/docroot/med/content/med_6_1x_antiperspirants.asp. (Accessed 6/19/10.)

Darbre, P. D. “Aluminium, Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer.” J Inorg Biochem 99, no. 9 (2005): 1912–9.

_____. “Underarm Cosmetics Are a Cause of Breast Cancer.” Eur J Cancer Prev 10, no. 5 (2001): 389–93.

Gikas, P. D., L. Mansfield, and K. Mokbel. “Do Underarm Cosmetics Cause Breast Cancer?” Int J Fertil Womens Med 49, no. 5 (2004): 212–4.

McGrath, K. G. “An Earlier Age of Breast Cancer Diagnosis Related to More Frequent Use of Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Underarm Shaving.” Eur J Cancer Prev 12, no. 6 (2003): 479–85.

Surendran, A. “Studies Linking Breast Cancer to Deodorants Smell Rotten, Experts Say.” Nat Med 10, no. 3 (2004): 216.

I have just the thing for that cold … Echinacea

Caruso, T. J., and J. M. Gwaltney, Jr. “Treatment of the Common Cold with Echinacea: A Structured Review.” Clin Infect Dis 40, no. 6 (2005): 807–10.

Heaney, R. P. “Effects of Caffeine on Bone and the Calcium Economy.” Food Chem Toxicol 40, no. 9 (2002): 1263–70.

Ross, S. M. “A Standardized Echinacea Extract Demonstrates Efficacy in the Prevention and Treatment of Colds in Athletes.” Holist Nurs Pract 24, no. 2 (2010): 107–9.

Shah, S. A., S. Sander, C. M. White, M. Rinaldi, and C. I. Coleman. “Evaluation of Echinacea for the Prevention and Treatment of the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis.” Lancet Infect Dis 7, no. 7 (2007): 473–80.

Simasek, M., and D. A. Blandino. “Treatment of the Common Cold.” Am Fam Physician 75, no. 4 (2007): 515–20.

Turner, R. B., R. Bauer, K. Woelkart, T. C. Hulsey, and J. D. Gangemi. “An Evaluation of Echinacea Angustifolia in Experimental Rhinovirus Infections.” N Engl J Med 353, no. 4 (2005): 341–8.

von Maxen, A., and P. S. Schoenhoefer. “Benefit of Echinacea for the Prevention and Treatment of the Common Cold?” Lancet Infect Dis 8, no. 6 (2008): 346–7; author reply 47–8.

Woelkart, K., K. Linde, and R. Bauer. “Echinacea for Preventing and Treating the Common Cold.” Planta Med 74, no. 6 (2008): 633–7.

Eggs give you high cholesterol

Behrenbeck, T. “Are Chicken Eggs Good or Bad for My Cholesterol?” MayoClinic.com, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/hq00608. (Accessed 6/17/10.)

“Common Misconceptions About Cholesterol.” American Heart Association, http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3006030.

Djousse, L., and J. M. Gaziano. “Egg Consumption and Risk of Heart Failure in the Physicians’ Health Study.” Circulation 117, no. 4 (2008): 512–6.

_____. “Egg Consumption in Relation to Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality: The Physicians’ Health Study.” Am J Clin Nutr 87, no. 4 (2008): 964–9.

“Egg-Cellent News for Most, but Not Those with Diabetes. The Harmful Effects of Eggs Were Overblown, but the Studies Show That People with Diabetes Should Still Limit How Many They Eat.” Harv Health Lett 33, no. 9 (2008): 6.

Fernandez, M. L. “Dietary Cholesterol Provided by Eggs and Plasma Lipoproteins in Healthy Populations.” Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 9, no. 1 (2006): 8–12.

Hammett, A. “Shell out on Eggs.” The Sun (London) (2009), http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/health/health/2273059/Eggs-dont-raise-cholestoral-levels-and-can-be-eaten-every-day-say-experts.html.

“I Have Heard That While Shrimp Is High in Fat and Cholesterol, It Is a Good Kind of Fat That Is Healthy to Eat. Also, I Have Heard Conflicting Reports About Daily Consumption of Eggs—Some Say It’s Not Recommended and Others Say It Won’t Increase Serum Cholesterol Because the More Dietary Cholesterol One Consumes, the Less Cholesterol Is Produced by the Liver. Can You Explain?” Heart Advis 11, no. 10 (2008): 12.

Kritchevsky, S. B. “A Review of Scientific Research and Recommendations Regarding Eggs.” J Am Coll Nutr 23, no. 6 Suppl (2004): 596S–600S.

McNamara, D. J. “Dietary Cholesterol and Blood Cholesterolemia: A Healthy Relationship.” World Rev Nutr Diet 100 (2009): 55–62.

Mutungi, G., J. Ratliff, M. Puglisi, M. Torres-Gonzalez, U. Vaishnav, J. O. Leite, E. Quann, J. S. Volek, and M. L. Fernandez. “Dietary Cholesterol from Eggs Increases Plasma HDL Cholesterol in Overweight Men Consuming a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet.” J Nutr 138, no. 2 (2008): 272–6.

Parker-Pope. “8-Year-Olds on Statins? A New Plan Quickly Bites Back.” In Well: The New York Times Company, 2008. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/08/health/08well.html?_r=2.

Sherrie. “Apparently, Consuming One Lousy Egg a Day Will Kill You…” In Pinch of … 2008. http://pinchof.blogspot.com/2008/04/apparently-consuming-one-lousy-egg-day.html.

“To Make an Omelet, You Have to Break Some Eggs. The Dangers of Eggs Aren’t All They’re Cracked Up to Be—Avoid Them If You Want, but It Isn’t Necessary.” Harv Heart Lett 16, no. 11 (2006): 3–4.

Raw eggs will give you salmonella

“Are Raw Eggs Safe to Eat? Ask the Fitness Nerd.” Answerfitness.com. (2010), http://www.answerfitness.com/250/are-raw-eggs-safe-to-eat-fitness-nerd/. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

Claydon, J. “The Health Benefits of Raw Eggs.” 2010, http://www.regenerativenutrition.com/content.asp?id=268. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

Hope, B. K., A. R. Baker, E. D. Edel, A. T. Hogue, W. D. Schlosser, R. Whiting, R. M. McDowell, and R. A. Morales. “An Overview of the Salmonella Enteritidis Risk Assessment for Shell Eggs and Egg Products.” Risk Anal 22, no. 2 (2002): 203–18.

“Myths and Facts About Eggs and Food Safety According to the American Egg Board/Egg Nutrition Center.” Businesswire.com. (2010), http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2001_June_14/ai_75535413/. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

If you stop exercising, your muscles will turn to fat

Austin, B. “Don’t Let Your Body Go into Starvation Mode.” Wisconsin State Journal, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_exercise#cite_ref-38.

“Turn Fat into Muscle? You’ve Heard the Phrase a Million Times, but Can You Really Turn Fat into Muscle?” Muscle & Fitness, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0801/is_10_65/ai_n6237325/?tag=content.

Kruszelnicki, K. “Muscle Turns into Fat.” ABC Science, http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2006/05/01/1613539.htm.

Don’t cross your eyes … they’ll get stuck that way!

Brain, M. “What if I Crossed My Eyes for 10 Minutes.” Discovery Health (2010), http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/systems/eye/crossed-my-eyes.htm. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

“MYTH: If You Cross Your Eyes, They Can Stay like That.” Globalnews.ca. (2010), http://www.globalnews.ca/money/story.html?id=2133165. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Nelson, M. “You’re Doing What?: Don’t Cross Your Eyes or They Might Stay That Way.” 2010, http://youredoingwhat.blogspot.com/2008/07/dont-cross-your-eyes-or-they-might-stay.html. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Shmerling, R. “If You Cross Your Eyes Will They Get Stuck?” Health & Fitness—Health Topics (2010), http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100249849&pgnew=false. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Tung, J. “The Truth About 12 Health Myths.” RealSimple.com (2010), http://www.realsimple.com/health/first-aid-health-basics/old-wives-tales-retold-00000000040355/index.html. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Rubbing your eyes is bad for you—TRUE

Greiner, J. V., D. G. Peace, R. S. Baird, and M. R. Allansmith. “Effects of Eye Rubbing on the Conjunctiva as a Model of Ocular Inflammation.” Am J Ophthalmol 100, no. 1 (1985): 45–50.

Jacome, D. E. “Migraine Triggered by Rubbing the Eyes.” Headache 38, no. 1 (1998): 50–2.

McMonnies, C. W. “Management of Chronic Habits of Abnormal Eye Rubbing.” Cont Lens Anterior Eye 31, no. 2 (2008): 95–102.

Yeniad, B., N. Alparslan, and K. Akarcay. “Eye Rubbing as an Apparent Cause of Recurrent Keratoconus.” Cornea 28, no. 4 (2009): 477–9.

Feed a cold, starve a fever

Bazar, K. A., A. J. Yun, and P. Y. Lee. “‘Starve a Fever and Feed a Cold’: Feeding and Anorexia May Be Adaptive Behavioral Modulators of Autonomic and T Helper Balance.” Med Hypotheses 64, no. 6 (2005): 1080–4.

Bishop, Eric. “Myth or Fact: Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever.” DukeHealth.org (2008), http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/health_articles/feed_a_cold.

van den Brink, G. R., D. E. van den Boogaardt, S. J. van Deventer, and M. P. Peppelenbosch. “Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever?” Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 9, no. 1 (2002): 182–3.

Yarnell, E. “Proposed Biomolecular Theory of Fasting During Fevers Due to Infection.” Altern Med Rev 6, no. 5 (2001): 482–7.

If your temperature hits 104, you are going to have brain damage

Brody, J. “Personal Health.” New York Times (1993), http://www.nytimes.com/1993/01/06/health/personal-health-798393.html?pagewanted=all.

Dinarello, C., and R. Porat. “Fever and Hyperthermia.” In Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2871336.

“Fever.” NYTimes.com, http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/fever/overview.html. (Accessed 7/8/10.)

O’Connor, A. “The Claim: Rubbing Alcohol Can Help Cool a Fever.” New York Times (2008), http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/health/07real.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1278612157-i0mIxQVl8QWDl7VHoTXbHQ.

Sharma, H. S. “Heat-Related Deaths Are Largely Due to Brain Damage.” Indian J Med Res 121, no. 5 (2005): 621–3.

Walsh, A., and H. Edwards. “Management of Childhood Fever by Parents: Literature Review.” J Adv Nurs 54, no. 2 (2006): 217–27.

The flu is just a bad cold

“Cold Versus Flu.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/coldflu.htm. (Accessed 6/4/10.)

Eccles, R. “Understanding the Symptoms of the Common Cold and Influenza.” Lancet Infect Dis 5, no. 11 (2005): 718–25.

Heikkinen, T., and A. Jarvinen. “The Common Cold.” Lancet 361, no. 9351 (2003): 51–9.

I have just the thing for that cold … Garlic

Haake, P., T. H. Krueger, M. U. Goebel, K. M. Heberling, U. Hartmann, and M. Schedlowski. “Effects of Sexual Arousal on Lymphocyte Subset Circulation and Cytokine Production in Man.” Neuroimmunomodulation 11, no. 5 (2004): 293–8.

Josling, P. “Preventing the Common Cold with a Garlic Supplement: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Survey.” Adv Ther 18, no. 4 (2001): 189–93.

Lissiman, E., A. L. Bhasale, and M. Cohen. “Garlic for the Common Cold.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3 (2009): CD006206.

If you have green snot, you need an antibiotic

“Antibiotics Slightly Effective for Purulent Rhinitis.” J Fam Pract 55, no. 11 (2006): 944.

Arroll, B., and T. Kenealy. “Antibiotics for Acute Purulent Rhinitis.” BMJ 325, no. 7376 (2002): 1311–2.

_____. “Are Antibiotics Effective for Acute Purulent Rhinitis? Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Placebo Controlled Randomised Trials.” BMJ 333, no. 7562 (2006): 279.

Arroll, B., T. Kenealy, and K. Falloon. “Are Antibiotics Indicated as an Initial Treatment for Patients with Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections? A Review.” N Z Med J 121, no. 1284 (2008): 64–70.

Cates, C. J. “Antibiotics and Acute Purulent Rhinitis: There Is No Significant Difference Between Antibiotics.” BMJ 333, no. 7564 (2006): 395; author reply 96.

Dorsen, C. “Review: Antibiotics Are Effective for Acute Purulent Rhinitis but Are Associated with Increased Gastrointestinal Side Effects.” Evid Based Nurs 10, no. 1 (2007): 9.

Friedman, R. “Antibiotics and Acute Purulent Rhinitis: Review Is Symptomatic of Medicine Today.” BMJ 333, no. 7564 (2006): 396; author reply 96.

Mant, A. “Does Green Snot Mean You Need Antibiotics?” ABC Health & Wellbeing, http://www.abc.net.au/health/talkinghealth/factbuster/stories/2008/02/06/2153209.htm.

O’Connor, A. “The Claim: With a Runny Nose, Green Calls for an Antibiotic.” New York Times, 6 October 2009.

Rimmer, J., and J. Almeyda. “Antibiotics and Acute Purulent Rhinitis: Are Antibiotics Effective for Acute Purulent Rhinitis?” BMJ 333, no. 7564 (2006): 395–6; author reply 96.

Ross, V. “What Makes Snot Turn Green?” Scienceline (2010), http://www.scienceline.org/2010/02/01/what-makes-snot-turn-green/.

Women do not have a G-spot

Hines, T. M. “The G-Spot: A Modern Gynecologic Myth.” Am J Obstet Gynecol 185, no. 2 (2001): 359–62.

Jannini, E. A., B. Whipple, S. A. Kingsberg, O. Buisson, P. Foldes, and Y. Vardi. “Who’s Afraid of the G-Spot?” J Sex Med 7, no. 1, pt 1: 25–34, 2010.

Pastor, Z. “G Spot—Myths and Reality.” Ceska Gynekol 75, no. 3: 211–7, 2010.

Roberts, Y. “The Real G-spot Myth” guardian.uk. (2010), http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/jan/05/g-spot-women-study. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

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Dyeing your hair will give your baby birth defects

Burnett, C., E. I. Goldenthal, S. B. Harris, F. X. Wazeter, J. Strausburg, R. Kapp, and R. Voelker. “Teratology and Percutaneous Toxicity Studies on Hair Dyes.” J Toxicol Environ Health 1, no. 6 (1976): 1027–40.

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Don’t shake hands if you want to stay healthy

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You shouldn’t enter the home of someone who is sick

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Dennehy, P. H. “Transmission of Rotavirus and Other Enteric Pathogens in the Home.” Pediatr Infect Dis J 19, no. 10 Suppl (2000): S103–5.

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Larson, E. L., Y. H. Ferng, J. Wong-McLoughlin, S. Wang, M. Haber, and S. S. Morse. “Impact of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions on Uris and Influenza in Crowded, Urban Households.” Public Health Rep 125, no. 2 (2010): 178–91.

Samet, J. M. “How Do We Catch Colds?” Am J Respir Crit Care Med 169, no. 11 (2004): 1175–6.

I have just the thing for that cold … Honey and Vinegar

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Moyad, M. A. “Conventional and Alternative Medical Advice for Cold and Flu Prevention: What Should Be Recommended and What Should Be Avoided?” Urol Nurs 29, no. 6 (2009): 455–8.

Paul, I. M., J. Beiler, A. McMonagle, M. L. Shaffer, L. Duda, and C. M. Berlin, Jr. “Effect of Honey, Dextromethorphan, and No Treatment on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality for Coughing Children and Their Parents.” Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 161, no. 12 (2007): 1140–6.

Pourahmad, M., and S. Sobhanian. “Effect of Honey on the Common Cold.” Arch Med Res 40, no. 3 (2009): 224–5.

Eating local honey will prevent allergies

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Hot peppers can cause ulcers

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Hydrogen peroxide is good for a wound

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Curtis, P. “7 First-Aid Standbys You Should Never Use.” Reader’s Digest, October 2004, http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/7-first-aid-standbys-you-should-never-use/article14315.html.

O’Connor, A. “The Claim: Hydrogen Peroxide Is a Good Treatment for Small Wounds.” New York Times (2007), http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/19/health/19real.html.

Thomas, G. W., L. T. Rael, R. Bar-Or, R. Shimonkevitz, C. W. Mains, D. S. Slone, M. L. Craun, and D. Bar-Or. “Mechanisms of Delayed Wound Healing by Commonly Used Antiseptics.” J Trauma 66, no. 1 (2009): 82–90; discussion 90–1.

Torres, J. “Hydrogen Peroxide for Wound Cleaning: Water’s Better!” My Family Doctor, http://familydoctormag.com/first-aid-and-safety/1361-hydrogen-peroxide-for-wounds-is-it-better-than-water.html.

If you cut off your finger, put it on ice right away

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If you catch a cold, it means you have a weak immune system

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Cohen, S., W. J. Doyle, D. P. Skoner, B. S. Rabin, and J. M. Gwaltney, Jr. “Social Ties and Susceptibility to the Common Cold.” JAMA 277, no. 24 (1997): 1940–4.

Cohen, S., D. A. Tyrrell, M. A. Russell, M. J. Jarvis, and A. P. Smith. “Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Susceptibility to the Common Cold.” Am J Public Health 83, no. 9 (1993): 1277–83.

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You can only get lice from another person with lice

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Canyon, D., and R. Speare. “Do Head Lice Spread in Swimming Pools?” Int J Dermatol 46, no. 11 (2007): 1211–3.

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Sciscione, P., and C. A. Krause-Parello. “No-Nit Policies in Schools: Time for Change.” J Sch Nurs 23, no. 1 (2007): 13–20.

Speare, R., C. Cahill, and G. Thomas. “Head Lice on Pillows, and Strategies to Make a Small Risk Even Less.” Int J Dermatol 42, no. 8 (2003): 626–9.

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Marriage makes you healthy

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Parker-Pope, T. “Is Marriage Good for Your Health?” NYTimes.com (2010), http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/18/magazine/18marriage-t.html. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

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Masturbation will make you go blind

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Macintyre, B. “Birthday of One Mighty Flake … And a Cereal Too.” The Times (London) (2006), http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article732027.ece. (Accessed 6/29/10.)

Shaw, J. “Masturbation Myths.” 4-Men.org, http://www.4-men.org/myths-about-masturbation.html. (Accessed 6/29/10.)

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Your amalgam or metal fillings will make you sick

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Edlich, R. F., C. L. Cross, C. A. Wack, W. B. Long III, and A. T. Newkirk. “The Food and Drug Administration Agrees to Classify Mercury Fillings.” J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 27, no. 4 (2008): 303–5.

Gardner, R. M., J. F. Nyland, I. A. Silva, A. M. Ventura, J. M. de Souza, and E. K. Silbergeld. “Mercury Exposure, Serum Antinuclear/Antinucleolar Antibodies, and Serum Cytokine Levels in Mining Populations in Amazonian Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study.” Environ Res 110, no. 4 (2010): 345–54.

Magruder, M. “Mercury Amalgam Fillings Issue Continues to Generate Controversy.” Malibu Times, 3 September 2008.

McGrath, Peta. “Sick to the Back Teeth.” The Guardian (London), 23 November 2004.

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Wojcik, D. P., M. E. Godfrey, D. Christie, and B. E. Haley. “Mercury Toxicity Presenting as Chronic Fatigue, Memory Impairment and Depression: Diagnosis, Treatment, Susceptibility, and Outcomes in a New Zealand General Practice Setting (1994–2006).” Neuro Endocrinol Lett 27, no. 4 (2006): 415–23.

Eating fish while you are pregnant will give your baby birth defects

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Mozaffarian, D., and E. B. Rimm. “Fish Intake, Contaminants, and Human Health: Evaluating the Risks and the Benefits.” JAMA 296, no. 15 (2006): 1885–99.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. “What to Eat While Pregnant.” WomensHealth.gov, http://www.womenshealth.gov/Pregnancy/pregnancy/eat.cfm#fish. (Accessed 7/1/10.)

A glass of warm milk will put you to sleep

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Hudson, C., S. P. Hudson, T. Hecht, and J. MacKenzie. “Protein Source Tryptophan Versus Pharmaceutical Grade Tryptophan as an Efficacious Treatment for Chronic Insomnia.” Nutr Neurosci 8, no. 2 (2005): 121–7.

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Morgenthaler, T. “Are There Any Foods That Help You Sleep Better?” MayoClinic.com. (Accessed 7/7/10.)

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Ringdahl, E. N., S. L. Pereira, and J. E. Delzell, Jr. “Treatment of Primary Insomnia.” J Am Board Fam Pract 17, no. 3 (2004): 212–9.

Sproule, B. A., U. E. Busto, C. Buckle, N. Herrmann, and S. Bowles. “The Use of Non-Prescription Sleep Products in the Elderly.” Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 14, no. 10 (1999): 851–7.

“Which Technique Is Best for Treating Insomnia?” NineMSN.com, http://health.ninemsn.com.au/whatsgoodforyou/theshow/693990/which-technique-is-best-for-treating-insomnia. (Accessed 7/7/10.)

I have just the thing for that cold … Neti Pots

Kassel, J. C., D. King, and G. K. Spurling. “Saline Nasal Irrigation for Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3 (2010): CD006821. (Accessed 8/4/10.)

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Rabago, D., T. Pasic, A. Zgierska, M. Mundt, B. Barrett, and R. Maberry. “The Efficacy of Hypertonic Saline Nasal Irrigation for Chronic Sinonasal Symptoms.” Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 133, no. 1 (2005): 3–8.

Rabago, D., and A. Zgierska. “Saline Nasal Irrigation for Upper Respiratory Conditions.” Am Fam Physician 80, no. 10 (2009): 1117–9.

Rabago, D., A. Zgierska, M. Mundt, B. Barrett, J. Bobula, and R. Maberry. “Efficacy of Daily Hypertonic Saline Nasal Irrigation Among Patients with Sinusitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” J Fam Pract 51, no. 12 (2002): 1049–55.

Tilt your head back to stop a nosebleed

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You can’t get a sexually transmitted disease from oral sex

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Oysters are an aphrodisiac

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You can make your penis bigger without surgery

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Nikoobakht, M., A. Shahnazari, M. Rezaeidanesh, A. Mehrsai, and G. Pourmand. “Effect of Penile-Extender Device in Increasing Penile Size in Men with Shortened Penis: Preliminary Results.” J Sex Med (Jan. 19, 2010).

Nugteren, H. M., G. T. Balkema, A. L. Pascal, W. C. Schultz, J. M. Nijman, and M. F. van Driel. “Penile Enlargement: From Medication to Surgery.” J Sex Marital Ther 36, no. 2: 118–23.

Park, S. W., C. H. Lee, D. H. Shin, N. S. Bang, and S. M. Lee. “Effect of Sa1, a Herbal Formulation, on Sexual Behavior and Penile Erection.” Biol Pharm Bull 29, no. 7 (2006): 1383–6.

“Penis Myths Debunked.” LiveScience.com (2010), http://www.livescience.com/health/070601_penis_myths.html. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Vardi, Y., Y. Har-Shai, T. Gil, and I. Gruenwald. “A Critical Analysis of Penile Enhancement Procedures for Patients with Normal Penile Size: Surgical Techniques, Success, and Complications.” Eur Urol 54, no. 5 (2008): 1042–50.

If you swallow something poisonous, you need to vomit as soon as possible

Bond, G. R. “Home Syrup of Ipecac Use Does Not Reduce Emergency Department Use or Improve Outcome.” Pediatrics 112, no. 5 (2003): 1061–4.

“Drain Cleaners.” NYTimes.com, http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/poison/drain-cleaners/overview.html. (Accessed 7/8/10.)

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“Poisoning: When to Induce Vomiting.” FamilyEducation.com, http://life.familyeducation.com/first-aid/poisons/48282.html. (Accessed 7/8/10.)

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“Throw Out Syrup of Ipecac.” Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, http://www.ynhh.org/healthlink/pediatrics/pediatrics_2_04.html. (Accessed 7/8/10.)

“Vomiting—First Aid for Poisoning? An Incorrect Assumption.” New Zealand National Poisons Centre, http://poisons.co.nz/fact.php?f=19. (Accessed 7/8/10.)

Eating extra protein after you work out will help you build muscles

Cribb, P. J., A. D. Williams, M. F. Carey, and A. Hayes. “The Effect of Whey Isolate and Resistance Training on Strength, Body Composition, and Plasma Glutamine.” Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 16, no. 5 (2006): 494–509.

Hulmi, J. J., V. Kovanen, H. Selanne, W. J. Kraemer, K. Hakkinen, and A. A. Mero. “Acute and Long-Term Effects of Resistance Exercise with or Without Protein Ingestion on Muscle Hypertrophy and Gene Expression.” Amino Acids 37, no. 2 (2009): 297–308.

Kerksick, C. M., C. Rasmussen, S. Lancaster, M. Starks, P. Smith, C. Melton, M. Greenwood, A. Almada, and R. Kreider. “Impact of Differing Protein Sources and a Creatine Containing Nutritional Formula after 12 Weeks of Resistance Training.” Nutrition 23, no. 9 (2007): 647–56.

Osterweil, N. “The Benefits of Protein.” WebMD.com (2010), http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/benefits-protein. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Phillips, S. M., J. E. Tang, and D. R. Moore. “The Role of Milk- and Soy-Based Protein in Support of Muscle Protein Synthesis and Muscle Protein Accretion in Young and Elderly Persons.” J Am Coll Nutr 28, no. 4 (2009): 343–54.

Quill, S. (2010) “7 Muscle Myths.” Active.com (2010), http://www.active.com/fitness/Articles/7_Muscle_Myths.htm. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Waehner, P. “Fitness Myths—Protein, Weight Training and More.” 2010, http://exercise.about.com/cs/exercisehealth/a/FitnessMyths_2.htm. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Willoughby, D. S., J. R. Stout, and C. D. Wilborn. “Effects of Resistance Training and Protein Plus Amino Acid Supplementation on Muscle Anabolism, Mass, and Strength.” Amino Acids 32, no. 4 (2007): 467–77.

Saunas or sweat lodges will cleanse your body of toxins

Blum, N., and A. Blum. “Beneficial Effects of Sauna Bathing for Heart Failure Patients.” Exp Clin Cardiol 12, no. 1 (2007): 29–32.

Brandis, K. “Fluid Physiology: Sweat.” http://www.anaesthesiamcq.com/FluidBook/fl3_3.php. (Accessed 8/26/10.)

Brown, A. “Sweat Lodges and Safety.” About.com, http://spas.about.com/od/spahistoryandculture/a/sweatlodgesafety.htm. (Accessed 8/26/10.)

Dougherty, J. “Deaths at Sweat Lodge Bring Soul-Searching.” New York Times (2009), http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/12/us/12lodge.html?_r=1. (Accessed 8/26/10.)

Eren, B., R. Fedakar, N. Turkmen, and O. Akan. “Deaths in the Turkish Hamam (Hot Bath).” Bratisl Lek Listy 110, no. 11 (2009): 697–700.

Hannuksela, M. L., and S. Ellahham. “Benefits and Risks of Sauna Bathing.” Am J Med 110, no. 2 (2001): 118–26.

Kenttamies, A., and K. Karkola. “Death in Sauna.” J Forensic Sci 53, no. 3 (2008): 724–9.

Koljonen, V. “Hot Air Sauna Burns—Review of Their Etiology and Treatment.” J Burn Care Res 30, no. 4 (2009): 705–10.

Kukkonen-Harjula, K., and K. Kauppinen. “Health Effects and Risks of Sauna Bathing.” Int J Circumpolar Health 65, no. 3 (2006): 195–205.

Livingston, R. “Medical Risks and Benefits of the Sweat Lodge.” J Altern Complement Med 16, no. 6 (2010): 617–9.

Martini, F., and J. Nath. “Sebaceous Glands and Sweat Glands Are Exocrine Glands Found in the Skin.” In Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology, 8th ed., 172–73: Benjamin Cummings, 2009.

Nguyen, Y., N. Naseer, and W. H. Frishman. “Sauna as a Therapeutic Option for Cardiovascular Disease.” Cardiol Rev 12, no. 6 (2004): 321–4.

Sohn, I. S., J. M. Cho, W. S. Kim, C. J. Kim, K. S. Kim, J. H. Bae, and C. Tei. “Preliminary Clinical Experience with Waon Therapy in Korea: Safety and Effect.” J Cardiovasc Ultrasound 18, no. 2 (2010): 37–42.

Thomas, J. “Sweat Lodges, Steam Rooms Aren’t for Detox.” Health.Usnews .com, http://health.usnews.com/health-news/managing-your-healthcare/articles/2010/02/12/sweat-lodges-steam-rooms-arent-for-detox.html. (Accessed 8/26/10.)

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If someone is having a seizure, you should put something in their mouth

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O’Hara, K. A. “First Aid for Seizures: The Importance of Education and Appropriate Response.” J Child Neurol 22, no. 5 Suppl (2007): 30S–7S.

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Having sex during pregnancy will hurt the baby

Clinic, OB-GYN. “Sex During Pregnancy.” edited by The Ohio State University Medical Center. Columbus: The Ohio State University Medical Center, 2008, http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/PatientEd/Materials/PDFDocs/women-in/pregnancy/sexdur.pdf.(Accessed 7/1/10).

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You should not have sex or masturbate before a big game

“Can Pre-Game Sex Help Athletes?” CollegeTimes.com (2010), http://media.www.ecollegetimes.com/media/storage/paper991/news/2008/03/13/News/Can-PreGame.Sex.Help.Athletes-3268598.shtml.

Douglass, L. Pregame Sex,” Letter. NYTimes.com (2010), http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE6DD1F31F934A3575AC0A9629C8B63. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Fischer, G. “Abstention from Sex and Other Pre Game Rituals Used by College Male Varsity Athletes,” 2010, http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst?docId=5002239512. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Gordon, M. “College Coaches’ Attitudes Toward Pregame Sex.” J Sex Res 24, (1988): 256–62.

Lovgren, S. “Sex and Sports: Should Athletes Abstain Before Big Events.” National Geographic.com (2010), http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/02/0222_060222_sex.html. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

McGinn, D. “Go Ahead and Score: Pregame Sex Has No Effect, Doctor Says.” Globe & Mail, 2010 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/go-ahead-and-score-pregame-sex-has-no-effect-doctor-says/article1379083/. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

“Sexual Activity and Heart Disease or Stroke.” American Heart Association (2010), http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4714. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

Temple, J. “Pre-Game Sex: A Do or a Don’t?” Kansan.com (2010), http://www.kansan.com/news/2008/jul/14/sports/. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Sex is bad for your heart

Hall, S. A., and R. Shackelton et al. (2010). “Sexual Activity, Erectile Dysfunction, and Incident Cardiovascular Events.” Am J Cardiol 105, no 2: 192–197.

“Having Sex Twice a Week ‘reduces Chance of Heart Attack by Half’” Telegraph. 2010, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6950548/Having-sex-twice-a-week-reduces-chance-of-heart-attack-by-half.htm. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

“Heart Attack Survivors Fear Sex.” BBCNews.com (2010), http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8696801.stm. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

Hendrick, B. “More Sex Could Mean Less Heart Risk.” WebMD.com (2010), http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20100121/more-sex-could-mean-less-heart-risk. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

“Sex After a Heart Attack.” WebMD.com (2010), http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/sex-after-a-heart-attack. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

Silverburg, C. “Heart Attack During Sex—How Common Are Heart Attacks During Sex.” 2010, http://sexuality.about.com/od/sexualhealthqanda/f/heart_attack_during_sex.htm. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

Silverburg, Cory. “Sex and Heart Disease Myths—Myths Sexual Activity and Heart Disease,” 2010, http://sexuality.about.com/od/sexualhealthqanda/a/myths_about_sex_and_heart_disease_attack.htm. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

Silverburg, Cory. “Sex After a Heart Attack—Resuming Sex After a Heart Attack.” 2010, http://sexuality.about.com/od/sexualhealthqanda/a/sex_after_heart_attack.htm. (Accessed 10/6/10.)

Sit-ups or crunches will flatten your stomach

Friedenreich, C. M., C. G. Woolcott, A. McTiernan, T. Terry, R. Brant, R. Ballard-Barbash, M. L. Irwin, C. A. Jones, N. F. Boyd, M. J. Yaffe, K. L. Campbell, M. L. McNeely, K. H. Karvinen, and K. S. Courneya. “Adiposity Changes After a 1-Year Aerobic Exercise Intervention Among Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Int J Obes (Lond). (Sept. 7, 2010).

Green, J. S., P. R. Stanforth, T. Rankinen, A. S. Leon, D. Rao Dc, J. S. Skinner, C. Bouchard, and J. H. Wilmore. “The Effects of Exercise Training on Abdominal Visceral Fat, Body Composition, and Indicators of the Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women with and Without Estrogen Replacement Therapy: The Heritage Family Study.” Metabolism 53, no. 9 (2004): 1192–6.

Grisaffi, D. “Abdominal Exercise Myths.” 2010, http://www.flattenyourabs.net/abdominal_workout_myths.html. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Irving, B. A., C. K. Davis, D. W. Brock, J. Y. Weltman, D. Swift, E. J. Barrett, G. A. Gaesser, and A. Weltman. “Effect of Exercise Training Intensity on Abdominal Visceral Fat and Body Composition.” Med Sci Sports Exerc 40, no. 11 (2008): 1863–72.

Kwon, H. R., K. A. Han, Y. H. Ku, H. J. Ahn, B. K. Koo, H. C. Kim, and K. W. Min. “The Effects of Resistance Training on Muscle and Body Fat Mass and Muscle Strength in Type 2 Diabetic Women.” Korean Diabetes J 34, no. 2: 101–10.

Newman, V. “Will Sit-ups Flatten Your Stomach?” 2010, http://www.examiner.com/fitness-in-colorado-springs/will-sit-ups-flatten-your-stomach. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Nicklas, B. J., X. Wang, T. You, M. F. Lyles, J. Demons, L. Easter, M. J. Berry, L. Lenchik, and J. J. Carr. “Effect of Exercise Intensity on Abdominal Fat Loss During Calorie Restriction in Overweight and Obese Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.” Am J Clin Nutr 89, no. 4 (2009): 1043–52.

Tarig, N. “Flatten Your Stomach—Why Sit-ups Alone Won’t Do It.” 2010, http://ezinearticles.com/?Flatten-Your-Stomach—Why-Sit-Ups-Alone-Wont-Do-It&id=3722059. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Your heart stops beating when you sneeze

Baraniuk, J. N., and D. Kim. “Nasonasal Reflexes, the Nasal Cycle, and Sneeze.” Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 7, no. 2 (2007): 105–11.

Songu, M., and C. Cingi. “Sneeze Reflex: Facts and Fiction.” Ther Adv Respir Dis 3, no. 3 (2009): 131–41.

Sitting in the snow will give you a urinary tract infection

Shaikh, N., and A. Hoberman. “Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infections in Children.” UpToDate.com. (Accessed 8/2/10.)

Modgil, G., and A. Baverstock. “Should Bubble Baths Be Avoided in Children with Urinary Tract Infections?” Arch Dis Child 91, no. 10 (2006): 863–5.

“Urinary Tract Infections.” KidsHealth.org, http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/common/urinary.html#. (Accessed 8/2/10.)

“Urinary Tract Infection.” MayoClinic.com, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urinary-tract-infection/DS00286/DSECTION=causes. (Accessed 6/9/10.)

“Urinary Tract Infections in Adults.” National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/utiadult/. (Accessed 6/9/10.)

Using soap is the best way to clean your hands

Afolabi, B. A., O. O. Oduyebo, and F. T. Ogunsola. “Bacterial Flora of Commonly Used Soaps in Three Hospitals in Nigeria.” East Afr Med J 84, no. 10 (2007): 489–95.

Farrington, R. M., J. Rabindran, G. Crocker, R. Ali, N. Pollard, and H. R. Dalton. “‘Bare Below the Elbows’ and Quality of Hand Washing: A Randomised Comparison Study.” J Hosp Infect 74, no. 1 (2010): 86–8.

Fuls, J. L., N. D. Rodgers, G. E. Fischler, J. M. Howard, M. Patel, P. L. Weidner, and M. H. Duran. “Alternative Hand Contamination Technique to Compare the Activities of Antimicrobial and Nonantimicrobial Soaps under Different Test Conditions.” Appl Environ Microbiol 74, no. 12 (2008): 3739–44.

“Hand Washing: Do’s and Don’ts.” MayoClinic.com, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/HQ00407. (Accessed 8/4/10.)

Hegde, P. P., A. T. Andrade, and K. Bhat. “Microbial Contamination of ‘In Use’ Bar Soap in Dental Clinics.” Indian J Dent Res 17, no. 2 (2006): 70–3.

Holton, R. H., M. A. Huber, and G. T. Terezhalmy. “Antimicrobial Efficacy of Soap and Water Hand Washing Versus an Alcohol-Based Hand Cleanser.” Tex Dent J 126, no. 12 (2009): 1175–80.

Huber, M. A., R. H. Holton, and G. T. Terezhalmy. “Cost Analysis of Hand Hygiene Using Antimicrobial Soap and Water Versus an Alcohol-Based Hand Rub.” J Contemp Dent Pract 7, no. 2 (2006): 37–45.

Mani, A., A. M. Shubangi, and R. Saini. “Hand Hygiene Among Health Care Workers.” Indian J Dent Res 21, no. 1 (2010): 115–8.

Manning, M. L., L. K. Archibald, L. M. Bell, S. N. Banerjee, and W. R. Jarvis. “Serratia Marcescens Transmission in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Multifactorial Occurrence.” Am J Infect Control 29, no. 2 (2001): 115–9.

O’Connor, A. “The Claim: Always Wash Your Hands with Hot Water, Not Cold.” New York Times (2009), http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/13/health/13real.html?_r=1.

Pickering, A. J., A. B. Boehm, M. Mwanjali, and J. Davis. “Efficacy of Waterless Hand Hygiene Compared with Handwashing with Soap: A Field Study in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.” Am J Trop Med Hyg 82, no. 2 (2010): 270–8.

Pottinger, J., S. Burns, and C. Manske. “Bacterial Carriage by Artificial Versus Natural Nails.” Am J Infect Control 17, no. 6 (1989): 340–4.

Rabier, V., S. Bataillon, A. Jolivet-Gougeon, J. M. Chapplain, A. Beuchee, and P. Betremieux. “Hand Washing Soap as a Source of Neonatal Serratia Marcescens Outbreak.” Acta Paediatr 97, no. 10 (2008): 1381–5.

Sartor, C., V. Jacomo, C. Duvivier, H. Tissot-Dupont, R. Sambuc, and M. Drancourt. “Nosocomial Serratia Marcescens Infections Associated with Extrinsic Contamination of a Liquid Nonmedicated Soap.” Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 21, no. 3 (2000): 196–9.

Smith, S. M. “A Review of Hand-Washing Techniques in Primary Care and Community Settings.” J Clin Nurs 18, no. 6 (2009): 786–90.

Turner, R. B., J. L. Fuls, and N. D. Rodgers. “Effectiveness of Hand Sanitizers with and Without Organic Acids for Removal of Rhinovirus from Hands.” Antimicrob Agents Chemother 54, no. 3 (2010): 1363–4.

If you wait longer to start solid foods, your baby won’t get as many allergies

Allcutt, C., and M. R. Sweeney. “An Exploration of Knowledge, Attitudes and Advice Given by Health Professionals to Parents in Ireland About the Introduction of Solid Foods. A Pilot Study.” BMC Public Health 10 (2010): 201.

Anderson, J., K. Malley, and R. Snell. “Is 6 Months Still the Best for Exclusive Breastfeeding and Introduction of Solids? A Literature Review with Consideration to the Risk of the Development of Allergies.” Breastfeed Rev 17, no. 2 (2009): 23–31.

Branum, A., and S. Lukacs. “Food Allergy Among U.S. Children: Trends in Prevalence and Hospitalizations.” National Center for Health Statistics, 2008.

“Introducing Solid Foods.” Babycenter.com, http://www.babycenter.com/0_introducing-solid-foods_113.bc. (Accessed 7/1/10.)

Muche-Borowski, C., M. Kopp, I. Reese, H. Sitter, T. Werfel, and T. Schafer. “Allergy Prevention.” Dtsch Arztebl Int 106, no. 39 (2009): 625–31.

Nwaru, B. I., M. Erkkola, S. Ahonen, M. Kaila, A. M. Haapala, C. Kronberg-Kippila, R. Salmelin, R. Veijola, J. Ilonen, O. Simell, M. Knip, and S. M. Virtanen. “Age at the Introduction of Solid Foods During the First Year and Allergic Sensitization at Age 5 Years.” Pediatrics 125, no. 1 (2010): 50–9.

Sariachvili, M., J. Droste, S. Dom, M. Wieringa, M. Hagendorens, W. Stevens, M. van Sprundel, K. Desager, and J. Weyler. “Early Exposure to Solid Foods and the Development of Eczema in Children up to 4 Years of Age.” Pediatr Allergy Immunol 21, no. 1, pt. 1 (2010): 74–81.

“Solid Foods: How to Get Your Baby Started.” MayoClinic.com, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-baby/PR00029. (Accessed 7/1/10.)

Tarini, B. A., A. E. Carroll, C. M. Sox, and D. A. Christakis. “Systematic Review of the Relationship Between Early Introduction of Solid Foods to Infants and the Development of Allergic Disease.” Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 160, no. 5 (2006): 502–7.

Zutavern, A., I. Brockow, B. Schaaf, A. von Berg, U. Diez, M. Borte, U. Kraemer, O. Herbarth, H. Behrendt, H. E. Wichmann, and J. Heinrich. “Timing of Solid Food Introduction in Relation to Eczema, Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Food and Inhalant Sensitization at the Age of 6 Years: Results from the Prospective Birth Cohort Study Lisa.” Pediatrics 121, no. 1 (2008): e44–52.

Wiping everything with a sponge will keep the bathroom or kitchen clean

Hitti, M. “Top Spots for Bacteria at Home.” WebMD Health News, http://www.webmd.com/news/20070625/top-spots-for-bacteria-at-home. (Accessed 7/1/10.)

Mann, D. “Germs in the Kitchen.” WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/germs-in-kitchen?page=2. (Accessed 7/1/10.)

Mattick, K., K. Durham, G. Domingue, F. Jorgensen, M. Sen, D. W. Schaffner, and T. Humphrey. “The Survival of Foodborne Pathogens During Domestic Washing-up and Subsequent Transfer onto Washing-up Sponges, Kitchen Surfaces and Food.” Int J Food Microbiol 85, no. 3 (2003): 213–26.

Ojima, M., Y. Toshima, E. Koya, K. Ara, H. Tokuda, S. Kawai, F. Kasuga, and N. Ueda. “Hygiene Measures Considering Actual Distributions of Microorganisms in Japanese Households.” J Appl Microbiol 93, no. 5 (2002): 800–9.

Park, D. K., G. Bitton, and R. Melker. “Microbial Inactivation by Microwave Radiation in the Home Environment.” J Environ Health 69, no. 5 (2006): 17–24; quiz 39–40.

Sharma, M., J. Eastridge, and C. Mudd. “Effective Disinfection Methods of Kitchen Sponges.” 2007, http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_115=207115.

I have just the thing for that cold … Hot Steam

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Macknin, M. L., S. Mathew, and S. V. Medendorp. “Effect of Inhaling Heated Vapor on Symptoms of the Common Cold.” JAMA 264, no. 8 (1990): 989–91.

Simasek, M., and D. A. Blandino. “Treatment of the Common Cold.” Am Fam Physician 75, no. 4 (2007): 515–20.

Singh, M. “Heated, Humidified Air for the Common Cold.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev 3 (2006): CD001728.

Stress will make you sick

Cohen, S., D. A. Tyrrell, and A. P. Smith. “Psychological Stress and Susceptibility to the Common Cold.” N Engl J Med 325, no. 9 (1991): 606–12.

Do, J. E., S. M. Cho, S. I. In, K. Y. Lim, S. Lee, and E. S. Lee. “Psychosocial Aspects of Acne Vulgaris: A Community-Based Study with Korean Adolescents.” Ann Dermatol 21, no. 2 (2009): 125–9.

Epel, E. S., E. H. Blackburn, J. Lin, F. S. Dhabhar, N. E. Adler, J. D. Morrow, and R. M. Cawthon. “Accelerated Telomere Shortening in Response to Life Stress.” Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 101, no. 49 (2004): 17312–5.

Epel, E. S., J. Lin, F. H. Wilhelm, O. M. Wolkowitz, R. Cawthon, N. E. Adler, C. Dolbier, W. B. Mendes, and E. H. Blackburn. “Cell Aging in Relation to Stress Arousal and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors.” Psychoneuroendocrinology 31, no. 3 (2006): 277–87.

Ghodsi, S. Z., H. Orawa, and C. C. Zouboulis. “Prevalence, Severity, and Severity Risk Factors of Acne in High School Pupils: A Community-Based Study.” J Invest Dermatol 129, no. 9 (2009): 2136–41.

“Health and Behavior: The Interplay of Biological, Behavioral, and Societal Influences.” Committee on Health and Behavior: Research, Practice, and Policy, U.S. Institute of Medicine. (2001).

Kaszubowska, L. “Telomere Shortening and Ageing of the Immune System.” J Physiol Pharmacol 59 Suppl 9 (2008): 169–86.

Kemeny, M. E., and M. Schedlowski. “Understanding the Interaction Between Psychosocial Stress and Immune-Related Diseases: A Stepwise Progression.” Brain Behav Immun 21, no. 8 (2007): 1009–18.

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Schleifer, S. J., S. E. Keller, and M. Stein. “Stress Effects on Immunity.” Psychiatr J Univ Ott 10, no. 3 (1985): 125–31.

Smith, N. “Dangerous Stress and How to Wrangle It.” CNN.com/living (2009), http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/05/07/rs.managing.stress/.

Stone, A. A., D. H. Bovbjerg, J. M. Neale, A. Napoli, H. Valdimarsdottir, D. Cox, F. G. Hayden, and J. M. Gwaltney, Jr. “Development of Common Cold Symptoms Following Experimental Rhinovirus Infection Is Related to Prior Stressful Life Events.” Behav Med 18, no. 3 (1992): 115–20.

“Stress and Your Health.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/stress-your-health.cfm.

Wolkowitz, O. M., E. S. Epel, V. I. Reus, and S. H. Mellon. “Depression Gets Old Fast: Do Stress and Depression Accelerate Cell Aging?” Depress Anxiety 27, no. 4 (2010): 327–38.

Stress will give you high blood pressure

Alexander, C. N., R. H. Schneider, F. Staggers, W. Sheppard, B. M. Clayborne, M. Rainforth, J. Salerno, K. Kondwani, S. Smith, K. G. Walton, and B. Egan. “Trial of Stress Reduction for Hypertension in Older African Americans. II. Sex and Risk Subgroup Analysis.” Hypertension 28, no. 2 (1996): 228–37.

Cheung, B. M., T. Au, S. Chan, C. Lam, Sh Lau, R. Lee, S. Lee, W. Lo, E. Sin, M. Tang, and H. Tsang. “The Relationship Between Hypertension and Anxiety or Depression in Hong Kong Chinese.” Exp Clin Cardiol 10, no. 1 (2005): 21–4.

Hildrum, B., A. Mykletun, J. Holmen, and A. A. Dahl. “Effect of Anxiety and Depression on Blood Pressure: 11-Year Longitudinal Population Study.” Br J Psychiatry 193, no. 2 (2008): 108–13.

Lundberg, U. “Stress Hormones in Health and Illness: The Roles of Work and Gender.” Psychoneuroendocrinology 30, no. 10 (2005): 1017–21.

Nidich, S. I., M. V. Rainforth, D. A. Haaga, J. Hagelin, J. W. Salerno, F. Travis, M. Tanner, C. Gaylord-King, S. Grosswald, and R. H. Schneider. “A Randomized Controlled Trial on Effects of the Transcendental Meditation Program on Blood Pressure, Psychological Distress, and Coping in Young Adults.” Am J Hypertens 22, no. 12 (2009): 1326–31.

Rainforth, M. V., R. H. Schneider, S. I. Nidich, C. Gaylord-King, J. W. Salerno, and J. W. Anderson. “Stress Reduction Programs in Patients with Elevated Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Curr Hypertens Rep 9, no. 6 (2007): 520–8.

Salanitro, A. H., E. Funkhouser, B. S. Agee, J. J. Allison, J. H. Halanych, T. K. Houston, M. S. Litaker, D. A. Levine, and M. M. Safford. “Multiple Uncontrolled Conditions and Blood Pressure Medication Intensification: An Observational Study.” Implement Sci 5 (2010): 55.

“Stress and High Blood Pressure: What’s the Connection?” MayoClinic.com., http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-and-high-blood-pressure/hi00092. (Accessed 8/10/10)

Stress can give you a heart attack

Engber, D. “Did Stress Kill Ken Lay?” Slate (2006), http://www.slate.com/id/2145074.

Fogoros, R. N. “Does Stress Really Cause Heart Disease?” About.com.

French, D. P., T. M. Marteau, V. Senior, and J. Weinman. “The Structure of Beliefs About the Causes of Heart Attacks: A Network Analysis.” Br J Health Psychol 7, pt. 4 (2002): 463–79.

Ho, R. C., L. F. Neo, A. N. Chua, A. A. Cheak, and A. Mak. “Research on Psychoneuroimmunology: Does Stress Influence Immunity and Cause Coronary Artery Disease?” Ann Acad Med Singapore 39, no. 3 (2010): 191–6.

Ising, H., W. Babisch, and B. Kruppa. “Noise-Induced Endocrine Effects and Cardiovascular Risk.” Noise Health 1, no. 4 (1999): 37–48.

Lundberg, U. “Stress Hormones in Health and Illness: The Roles of Work and Gender.” Psychoneuroendocrinology 30, no. 10 (2005): 1017–21.

Martin, B. “Does Stress Cause Heart Disease.” PsychCentral, http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/does-stress-cause-heart-disease/. (Accessed 6/16/10.)

You should stretch before you exercise

Burfoot, A. “Does Stretching Prevent Injuries? Advice from Runner’s World.” RunnersWorld.com (2010), http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-287–7001-0,00.html. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

“CDC: Stretching Doesn’t Prevent Injuries” MSNBC.com. (2010), http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4619394/. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Fradkin, A. J., B. J. Gabbe, and P. A. Cameron. “Does Warming Up Prevent Injury in Sport? The Evidence from Randomised Controlled Trials” J Sci Med Sport 9, no. 3 (2006): 214–20.

Hart, L. “Effect of Stretching on Sport Injury Risk: A Review.” Clin J Sport Med 15, no. 2 (2005): 113.

Herbert, R. D., and M. de Noronha. “Stretching to Prevent or Reduce Muscle Soreness After Exercise.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev no. 4 (2007): CD004577.

Reynolds, G. “Phys Ed: Does Stretching Before Running Prevent Injuries?” NYTimes.com (2010), http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/01/phys-ed-does-stretching-before-running-prevent-injuries/. (Accessed 10/7/10.)

Thacker, S. B., J. Gilchrist, D. F. Stroup, and C. D. Kimsey, Jr. “The Impact of Stretching on Sports Injury Risk: A Systematic Review of the Literature.” Med Sci Sports Exerc 36, no. 3 (2004): 371–8.

Wingfield, K., G. O. Matheson, and W. H. Meeuwisse. “Preparticipation Evaluation: An Evidence-Based Review.” Clin J Sport Med 14, no. 3 (2004): 109–22.

Eating sugar causes diabetes

“Can Too Much Sugar Cause Diabetes?” NineMSN.com (2006), http://health.ninemsn.com.au/whatsgoodforyou/theshow/694040/can-too-much-sugar-cause-diabetes.

Curhan, G. C., and J. P. Forman. “Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Chronic Disease.” Kidney Int 77, no. 7 (2010): 569–70.

“Diabetes Myths.” American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-myths/. (Accessed 6/16/10.)

Malik, V. S., M. B. Schulze, and F. B. Hu. “Intake of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Weight Gain: A Systematic Review.” Am J Clin Nutr 84, no. 2 (2006): 274–88.

Odegaard, A. O., W. P. Koh, K. Arakawa, M. C. Yu, and M. A. Pereira. “Soft Drink and Juice Consumption and Risk of Physician-Diagnosed Incident Type 2 Diabetes: The Singapore Chinese Health Study.” Am J Epidemiol 171, no. 6 (2010): 701–8.

Rai, M., and J. Kishore. “Myths About Diabetes and Its Treatment in North Indian Population.” Int J Diabetes Dev Ctries 29, no. 3 (2009): 129–32.

Schulze, M. B., J. E. Manson, D. S. Ludwig, G. A. Colditz, M. J. Stampfer, W. C. Willett, and F. B. Hu. “Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, Weight Gain, and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in Young and Middle-Aged Women.” JAMA 292, no. 8 (2004): 927–34.

Skelly, A. H., M. Dougherty, W. M. Gesler, A. C. Soward, D. Burns, and T. A. Arcury. “African American Beliefs About Diabetes.” West J Nurs Res 28, no. 1 (2006): 9–29; discussion 30–41.

Sitting too close to the TV will ruin your eyes

“Frequently Asked Questions.” University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center, http://www.kellogg.umich.edu/patientcare/conditions/faq.html#computers. (Accessed 6/30/10.)

O’Connor, A. “The Claim: Sitting Too Close to the TV Is Bad for Your Eyes.” New York Times (2005), http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/07/health/07really.html?_r=1.

“Vision Myths.” University of Illinois Eye & Ear Infirmary. The Eye Digest (2009), http://www.agingeye.net/visionbasics/visionmyths.php.

“You’ll Go Blind: Does Watching Television Close-up Really Harm Eyesight?” EarthTalk (2010), http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=earth-talk-tv-eyesight.

Touching a toilet seat will make you sick

Boone, S. A., and C. P. Gerba. “The Occurrence of Influenza A Virus on Household and Day Care Center Fomites.” J Infect 51, no. 2 (2005): 103–9.

“Fact Sheet: Trichomonas Infection.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/trichomonas/factsht_trichomonas.htm.

Ford, A. “Can Toilet Seats Make You Sick?” DivineCaroline, http://www.divinecaroline.com/22178/77250-toilet-seats-make-sick/3. (Accessed 6/30/10.)

Spencer, D. “6 Items You Touch Every Day That Are Filthier than a Toilet.” Cracked.com, http://www.cracked.com/article_17495_6-items-you-touch-everyday-that-are-filthier-than-toilet.html.

“What Can You Catch in Restrooms?” WebMD.com, http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/what-can-you-catch-in-restrooms.

Williams, D. “Is Your Desk Making You Sick?” CNN.com, http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/12/13/cold.flu.desk/index.html.

You can get gonorrhea from the toilet seat

Allyson, D. “What STDs Can You Get from a Toilet Seat.” eHow.com, http://www.ehow.com/facts_5003861_what-stds-can-toilet-seat.html. (Accessed 6/29/10.)

Dayan, L. “Transmission of Neisseria Gonorrhoeae from a Toilet Seat.” Sex Transm Infect 80, no. 4 (2004): 327.

“Herpes Myths vs. Facts.” International Herpes Resource Center, http://www.herpesresourcecenter.com/mvf.html. (Accessed 6/29/10.)

“What Can You Catch in Restrooms?” WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/what-can-you-catch-in-restrooms?page=2. (Accessed 6/29/10.)

You shouldn’t get a vaccine if you are sick

Brody, J. A., and R. McAlister. “Depression of Tuberculin Sensitivity Following Measles Vaccination.” Am Rev Respir Dis 90 (1964): 607–11.

Brody, J. A., T. Overfield, and L. M. Hammes. “Depression of the Tuberculin Reaction by Viral Vaccines.” N Engl J Med 271 (1964): 1294–6.

Ganguly, R., C. L. Cusumano, and R. H. Waldman. “Suppression of Cell-Mediated Immunity After Infection with Attenuated Rubella Virus.” Infect Immun 13, no. 2 (1976): 464–9.

Hirsch, R. L., F. Mokhtarian, D. E. Griffin, B. R. Brooks, J. Hess, and R. T. Johnson. “Measles Virus Vaccination of Measles Seropositive Individuals Suppresses Lymphocyte Proliferation and Chemotactic Factor Production.” Clin Immunol Immunopathol 21, no. 3 (1981): 341–50.

Kupers, T. A., J. M. Petrich, A. W. Holloway, and J. W. St Geme, Jr. “Depression of Tuberculin Delayed Hypersensitivity by Live Attenuated Mumps Virus.” J Pediatr 76, no. 5 (1970): 716–21.

Offit, P. A., J. Quarles, M. A. Gerber, C. J. Hackett, E. K. Marcuse, T. R. Kollman, B. G. Gellin, and S. Landry. “Addressing Parents’ Concerns: Do Multiple Vaccines Overwhelm or Weaken the Infant’s Immune System?” Pediatrics 109, no. 1 (2002): 124–9.

Otto, S., B. Mahner, I. Kadow, J. F. Beck, S. K. Wiersbitzky, and R. Bruns. “General Non-Specific Morbidity Is Reduced After Vaccination within the Third Month of Life—The Greifswald Study.” J Infect 41, no. 2 (2000): 172–5.

Starr, S., and S. Berkovich. “Effects of Measles, Gamma-Globulin-Modified Measles and Vaccine Measles on the Tuberculin Test.” N Engl J Med 270 (1964): 386–91.

Zweiman, B., D. Pappagianis, H. Maibach, and E. A. Hildreth. “Effect of Measles Immunization on Tuberculin Hypersensitivity and in Vitro Lymphocyte Reactivity.” Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol 40, no. 6 (1971): 834–41.

Getting the flu vaccine is more important for adults than children

Gupta, S. “Health: Flu Shots for Tots.” Time, 27 October 2003.

Hendrick, B. “Swine Flu Pandemic Hit Children the Hardest.” WebMD Health News (2010), http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20100729/swine-flu-pandemic-hit-children-the-hardest.

Lauerman, J. “Flu Shots Halve Risk of Death, Cut Illness in Elderly.” Bloomberg.com (2007), http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601081&sid=aoDQn_PvtPGw&refer=Australia.

Sherman, F. T. “Flu Shots for All Ages.” Geriatrics 62, no. 11 (2007): 11.

Smith, I. K. “Who Should Get Flu Shots?” Time 158, no. 21 (2001): 102.

Too many vaccines will weaken your immune system

Black, R. “Jenny McCarthy and Amanda Peet Duke It Out over Childhood Vaccines and Autism.” New York Daily News (2008), http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2008/09/30/2008-09-30_jenny_mccarthy_and_amanda_peet_duke_it_o.html.

Brunell, P. A., V. M. Novelli, S. V. Lipton, and B. Pollock. “Combined Vaccine Against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella.” Pediatrics 81, no. 6 (1988): 779–84.

Dashefsky, B., E. Wald, N. Guerra, and C. Byers. “Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of Concurrent Administration of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Conjugate Vaccine (Meningococcal Protein Conjugate) with Either Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine or Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis and Oral Poliovirus Vaccines in 14- to 23-Month-Old Infants.” Pediatrics 85, no. 4, pt. 2 (1990): 682–9.

Davidson, M., G. W. Letson, J. I. Ward, A. Ball, L. Bulkow, P. Christenson, and J. D. Cherry. “DTP Immunization and Susceptibility to Infectious Diseases. Is There a Relationship?” Am J Dis Child 145, no. 7 (1991): 750–4.

Deforest, A., S. S. Long, H. W. Lischner, J. A. Girone, J. L. Clark, R. Srinivasan, T. G. Maguire, S. A. Diamond, R. P. Schiller, and E. P. Rothstein et al. “Simultaneous Administration of Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine with Booster Doses of Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis and Poliovirus Vaccines.” Pediatrics 81, no. 2 (1988): 237–46.

Destefano, F., R. A. Goodman, and G. R. Noble. “Simultaneous Administration of Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccines.” JAMA 247 (1992): 2551–54.

Giammanco, G., S. Li Volti, L. Mauro, G. G. Bilancia, I. Salemi, P. Barone, and S. Musumeci. “Immune Response to Simultaneous Administration of a Recombinant DNA Hepatitis B Vaccine and Multiple Compulsory Vaccines in Infancy.” Vaccine 9, no. 10 (1991): 747–50.

Gregson, A. L., and R. Edelman. “Does Antigenic Overload Exist? The Role of Multiple Immunizations in Infants.” Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 23, no. 4 (2003): 649–64.

Hilton, S., M. Petticrew, and K. Hunt. “‘Combined Vaccines Are like a Sudden Onslaught to the Body’s Immune System’: Parental Concerns About Vaccine ‘Overload’ and ‘Immune-Vulnerability.’” Vaccine 24, no. 20 (2006): 4321–7.

Leask, J., S. Chapman, and S. C. Cooper Robbins. “‘All Manner of Ills’: The Features of Serious Diseases Attributed to Vaccination.” Vaccine 28, no. 17 (2010): 3066–70.

Offit, P. A., J. Quarles, M. A. Gerber, C. J. Hackett, E. K. Marcuse, T. R. Kollman, B. G. Gellin, and S. Landry. “Addressing Parents’ Concerns: Do Multiple Vaccines Overwhelm or Weaken the Infant’s Immune System?” Pediatrics 109, no. 1 (2002): 124–9.

Otto, S., B. Mahner, I. Kadow, J. F. Beck, S. K. Wiersbitzky, and R. Bruns. “General Non-Specific Morbidity Is Reduced After Vaccination Within the Third Month of Life—The Greifswald Study.” J Infect 41, no. 2 (2000): 172–5.

Shinefield, H. R., S. B. Black, B. O. Staehle, T. Adelman, K. Ensor, A. Ngai, C. J. White, S. R. Bird, H. Matthews, and B. J. Kuter. “Safety, Tolerability and Immunogenicity of Concomitant Injections in Separate Locations of M-M-R Ii, Varivax and Tetramune in Healthy Children vs. Concomitant Injections of M-M-R Ii and Tetramune Followed Six Weeks Later by varivax.” Pediatr Infect Dis J 17, no. 11 (1998): 980–5.

I have just the thing for that cold … Vitamin C

Douglas, R. M., H. Hemila, R. D’Souza, E. B. Chalker, and B. Treacy. “Vitamin C for Preventing and Treating the Common Cold.” Cochrane Database Syst Rev 4 (2004): CD000980.

Gorton, H. C., and K. Jarvis. “The Effectiveness of Vitamin C in Preventing and Relieving the Symptoms of Virus-Induced Respiratory Infections.” J Manipulative Physiol Ther 22, no. 8 (1999): 530–3.

Masek, J., F. Hruba, M. Neradilova, and S. Hejda. “The Role of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Acute Infections of the Upper Respiratory Pathways.” Acta Vitaminol Enzymol 28, no. 1–4 (1974): 85–95.

Strohle, A., and A. Hahn. “Vitamin C and Immune Function.” Med Monatsschr Pharm 32, no. 2 (2009): 49–54; quiz 55–6.

Van Straten, M., and P. Josling. “Preventing the Common Cold with a Vitamin C Supplement: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Survey.” Adv Ther 19, no. 3 (2002): 151–9.

Vitamin E helps scars heal

Baumann, L. S., and J. Spencer. “The Effects of Topical Vitamin E on the Cosmetic Appearance of Scars.” Dermatol Surg 25, no. 4 (1999): 311–5.

Chen, M. A., and T. M. Davidson. “Scar Management: Prevention and Treatment Strategies.” Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 13, no. 4 (2005): 242–7.

Curran, J. N., M. Crealey, G. Sadadcharam, G. Fitzpatrick, and M. O’Donnell. “Vitamin E: Patterns of Understanding, Use, and Prescription by Health Professionals and Students at a University Teaching Hospital.” Plast Reconstr Surg 118, no. 1 (2006): 248–52.

Draelos, Z. D. “The Ability of Onion Extract Gel to Improve the Cosmetic Appearance of Postsurgical Scars.” J Cosmet Dermatol 7, no. 2 (2008): 101–4.

Khoosal, D., and R. D. Goldman. “Vitamin E for Treating Children’s Scars. Does It Help Reduce Scarring?” Can Fam Physician 52 (2006): 855–6.

Koc, E., E. Arca, B. Surucu, and Z. Kurumlu. “An Open, Randomized, Controlled, Comparative Study of the Combined Effect of Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide and Onion Extract Gel and Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide Alone in the Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids.” Dermatol Surg 34, no. 11 (2008): 1507–14.

O’Connor, A. “The Claim: Vitamin E Helps Remove Scars.” New York Times (2007), http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/13/health/13real.html?_r=1.

Palmieri, B., G. Gozzi, and G. Palmieri. “Vitamin E Added Silicone Gel Sheets for Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids.” Int J Dermatol 34, no. 7 (1995): 506–9.

Perez, O. A., M. H. Viera, J. K. Patel, S. Konda, S. Amini, R. Huo, D. Zell, S. Tadicherla, and B. Berman. “A Comparative Study Evaluating the Tolerability and Efficacy of Two Topical Therapies for the Treatment of Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars.” J Drugs Dermatol 9, no. 5 (2010): 514–8.

Zurada, J. M., D. Kriegel, and I. C. Davis. “Topical Treatments for Hypertrophic Scars.” J Am Acad Dermatol 55, no. 6 (2006): 1024–31.

You will get warts from handling frogs or toads

“Does Touching Toads Gives You Warts?” NineMSN.com http://health.ninemsn.com.au/whatsgoodforyou/theshow/693981/does-touching-toads-gives-you-warts. (Accessed 7/1/10.)

Clark, J. “Do Toads Cause Warts?” HowStuffWorks.com http://animals.howstuffworks.com/amphibians/toads-cause-warts3.htm. (Accessed 7/1/10.)

Krautwurst, T. “Nature Myths, Debunked.” Mother Earth News, http://www.motherearthnews.com/Nature-Community/2006-04-01/Nature-Myths.aspx. (Accessed 7/1/10.)

Prinalgin. “Warts—Don’t Blame Frogs and Toads!” AssociatedContent (2006), http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/96945/warts_dont_blame_frogs_and_toads.html?cat=70. (Accessed 7/1/10.)

Going outside with wet hair will make you sick

Douglas, R. G., Jr. “Pathogenesis of Rhinovirus Common Colds in Human Voluteers.” Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 79, no. 3 (1970): 563–71.

Eccles, R. “Acute Cooling of the Body Surface and the Common Cold.” Rhinology 40, no. 3 (2002): 109–14.

Lee, G. M., J. F. Friedman, D. Ross-Degnan, P. L. Hibberd, and D. A. Goldmann. “Misconceptions About Colds and Predictors of Health Service Utilization.” Pediatrics 111, no. 2 (2003): 231–6.

Mirkin, G. “Catch a Cold.” http://www.drmirkin.com/morehealth/9941.html. (Accessed 6/1/10.)

Zuger, A. “‘You’ll Catch Your Death!’ an Old Wives’ Tale? Well…” New York Times, 4 March 2003.

You should uncover a wound at night to let it air out and heal

Beam, J. W. “Occlusive Dressings and the Healing of Standardized Abrasions.” J Athl Train 43, no. 6 (2008): 600–7.

Benabio, Jeffrey. “Skin Care Myths: Cuts Heal Better When You Let Air at Them.” Dermatology Blog, http://thedermblog.com/2008/05/28/skin-care-myths-cuts-heal-better-when-you-let-air-at-them/. (Accessed 7/7/10.)

Chvapil, M., H. Holubec, and T. Chvapil. “Inert Wound Dressing Is Not Desirable.” J Surg Res 51, no. 3 (1991): 245–52.

Field, F. K., and M. D. Kerstein. “Overview of Wound Healing in a Moist Environment.” Am J Surg 167, no. 1A (1994): 2S–6S.

“First Aid: Cuts, Scrapes and Stiches.” FamilyDoctor.org, http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/firstaid/after-injury/041.html. (Accessed 7/7/10.)

O’Connor, A. “The Claim: Wounds Heal Better When Exposed to Air.” New York Times (2006), http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/01/health/01real.html.

Vogt, P. M., C. Andree, K. Breuing, P. Y. Liu, J. Slama, G. Helo, and E. Eriksson. “Dry, Moist, and Wet Skin Wound Repair.” Ann Plast Surg 34, no. 5 (1995): 493–9; discussion 99–500.

Winter, G. D. “Some Factors Affecting Skin and Wound Healing.” J Tissue Viability 16, no. 2 (2006): 20–3.

You should lick a wound or put a cut finger in your mouth

Associated Press. “Board Reprimands Oregon Teacher for Licking Students’ Wounds.” Seattle Times (2005).

Davies, R. “True or False: Licking a Wound Can Promote Healing.” Aurora Health Care, http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/yourhealth/healthgate/getcontent.asp?URLhealthgate=%22157011.html%22. (Accessed 7/8/10.)

Jorge, M.T., and L.A. Ribeiro. “Infections in the Bite Site After Envenoming by Snakes of the Bothrops Genus.” Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins 3, no. 2 (1997).

“Licking Your Wounds: Scientists Isolate Compound in Human Saliva That Speeds Wound Healing.” ScienceDaily.com (2008), http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723094841.htm. (Accessed 7/8/10.)

Oudhoff, M. J., J. G. Bolscher, K. Nazmi, H. Kalay, W. van ’t Hof, A. V. Amerongen, and E. C. Veerman. “Histatins Are the Major Wound-Closure Stimulating Factors in Human Saliva as Identified in a Cell Culture Assay.” FASEB J 22, no. 11 (2008): 3805–12.

Shmerling, R. “Licking Your Wounds.” Aetna InteliHealth.

Warner, J. “Rare Circumcision Ritual Carries Herpes Risk.” WebMD.com, http://www.webmd.com/genital-herpes/guide/20061101/rare-circumcision-ritual-carries-herpes. (Accessed 7/8/10.)

Weil, H.-P., and U. Fischer-Brugge. “Potential Hazard of Wound Licking.” New Engl J. Med 346, no. 17 (2002).

“Wound-Licking Dangers—Medical News from Around the World.” CBSMoneyWatch.com (2002), http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0876/is_2002_Fall/ai_95147891/.

I have just the thing for that cold … Zinc

Alexander, T. H., and T. M. Davidson. “Intranasal Zinc and Anosmia: The Zinc-Induced Anosmia Syndrome.” Laryngoscope 116, no. 2 (2006): 217–20.

Caruso, T. J., C. G. Prober, and J. M. Gwaltney, Jr. “Treatment of Naturally Acquired Common Colds with Zinc: A Structured Review.” Clin Infect Dis 45, no. 5 (2007): 569–74.

“Does Zinc Help Fight Colds?” Mayo Clin Womens Healthsource 13, no. 12 (2009): 8.

Eby, G. A. “Zinc Lozenges: Cold Cure or Candy? Solution Chemistry Determinations.” Biosci Rep 24, no. 1 (2004): 23–39.

Eby, G. A., III. “Zinc Lozenges as Cure for the Common Cold—A Review and Hypothesis.” Med Hypotheses 74, no. 3 (2010): 482–92.

Hulisz, D. “Efficacy of Zinc Against Common Cold Viruses: An Overview.” J Am Pharm Assoc 44, no. 5 (2004): 594–603.

“Zinc for Colds: Not Much Benefit … But There Is a Way to Prevent Flu.” Child Health Alert 25 (2007): 2–3.