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Childhood medical myths debunked as experts weigh in on 5 common warnings

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Childhood medical myths debunked as experts weigh in on 5 common warnings

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Mothers might know best, but it’s not always easy to separate fact from fiction when it comes to health advice.

A new report from University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Health has broken down several common wellness myths that children often hear while growing up.

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Fox News Digital spoke with experts who revealed the truth behind common medical misconceptions.

PSYCHOLOGISTS REVEAL 7 WAYS PARENTS CAN DRIVE HAPPINESS BY HELPING KIDS FIND THEIR PURPOSE

Here are five.

Myth 1. Ginger ale relieves stomach aches

While actual ginger can help ease a stomach ache, most commercial ginger ales don’t actually contain the real thing, Michelle Jaelin, a registered dietitian practicing in Ontario, Canada, told Fox News Digital.

A new report from University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Health reveals the truth about several common wellness myths that children often hear while growing up. (iStock)

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This childhood myth persists as parents give ginger ale to children because it’s sweet and bubbly, she said.

“It makes parents feel better that they are doing something for their child when they aren’t feeling well, and the myth persisted as a drink that helps a stomach ache,” Jaelin said.

The carbonated beverages could actually make the stomach pain even worse by increasing gas in the digestive tract, according to Healthline’s website.

Kid eating chicken soup

Chicken soup has been viewed as a popular cold remedy since at least the 12th century, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). (iStock)

Drinks with real ginger also tend to contain excess added sugar, experts said – essentially the equivalent of soda that may worsen stomach pain. 

Myth 2. Gum stays in your stomach for seven years

“Swallowed gum does not stay in your stomach for [seven] years, as the myths suggest,” Su-Nui Escobar, a registered dietitian based in Miami, Florida, told Fox News Digital.

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“While swallowing gum is not recommended, if you do so accidentally, you will likely pass it like any other indigestible food.”

ASK A DOCTOR: ‘IS IT DANGEROUS TO SWALLOW GUM?’

The gum will pass through the stomach within two hours and be excreted in the stool after approximately two to five days, just like other foods, according to the recent UCSF report.

Although chewing gum can stick to many surfaces — including walls or desks — it travels mostly intact through the gastrointestinal tract without sticking to the intestinal walls, the report notes.

Kid chewing gum

“Swallowed gum does not stay in your stomach for [seven] years, as the myths suggest,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

But experts still caution against children swallowing gum, because substantial amounts might cause an intestinal blockage, Escobar warned.

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This is a particular concern among children who have underlying constipation, according to Mayo Clinic’s website.

“If you suspect a blockage, seek immediate medical attention,” Escobar advised.

Myth 3. You shouldn’t swim for 30 minutes after eating

As summer kicks into high gear, there is good news for any swimmer itching to get in the water after lunch. Yes, it is usually OK to swim right after you eat.

The myth that you shouldn’t swim immediately after eating stems from a theoretical concern that blood flow will be diverted away from the arms and legs to help digest food, potentially leading to an increased risk of drowning.

“Based on current research, eating before swimming is not affiliated with a risk of drowning, and can be dismissed as a myth.”

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But a comprehensive American Red Cross scientific review on the effects of eating before swimming showed no effect on performance in the water after a meal.

“A recent literature review did not provide any information related to an increased risk of drowning due to consuming food before swimming,” Jodi Jensen, PhD, member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council in Virginia, told Fox News Digital.

AS DROWNING DEATHS INCREASE, EXPERTS OFFER WATER SAFETY TIPS

“There is no supporting evidence from a major medical or safety organization that recommends refraining from eating before engaging in aquatic activities such as swimming,” added Jensen, who is also an assistant professor and aquatics director at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia.

little-girl-eating-ice-pop-by-pool

“There is no supporting evidence from a major medical or safety organization that recommends refraining from eating before engaging in aquatic activities such as swimming,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)

“Based on current research, eating before swimming is not affiliated with a risk of drowning, and can be dismissed as a myth.”

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Although study participants experienced “minimal” side effects at different time intervals after eating, some outside experts do recommend waiting a bit after a meal if you plan to swim laps or compete to avoid any stomach cramping or digestive issues.

Myth 4. Chicken soup cures a cold

Chicken soup has been viewed as a popular cold remedy since at least the 12th century, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

ASK A DOCTOR: ‘DOES CHICKEN SOUP REALLY HELP CURE A COLD?’

“Chicken soup is warm and comforting when you’re sick, but it’s not a cure,” Jaelin told Fox News Digital.

“Chicken soup is warm and comforting when you’re sick, but it’s not a cure.”

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“Drinking any hot broth when your sinuses are stuffed can help to clear them out.”

The steam from the chicken broth may relieve a sore throat and congested sinuses, the NIH noted.

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When battling a cold, get plenty of clear fluids to help regulate body temperature and promote improved immune system function, said Jaelin.

“Chicken soup counts toward overall fluid intake,” she added.

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It also helps prevent dehydration and clear out mucus, the NIH noted.

Myth 5. You will ruin your eyes if you sit too close to the TV

Sitting too close to the TV will not damage your eyes, though it may cause eye strain, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

NEBRASKA BABY BORN WITH CATARACTS HAS 3 EYE SURGERIES TO SAVE HER SIGHT: ‘I JUST KEPT PRAYING’

To prevent eye strain while watching television, experts recommend keeping the room well-lit and taking occasional breaks from the screen.

little-kid-watching-TV

Sitting too close to the television will not damage your eyes, but may cause eye strain, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. (iStock)

“Children can focus at very close distances better than adults, and may not develop the same eye strain symptoms,” Nishika Reddy, M.D., assistant professor of ophthalmology at Moran Eye Center’s Midvalley Health Center at University of Utah in Murray, Utah, told Fox News Digital. 

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It may be a red flag, though, if children are watching television too closely, experts warned.

The behavior may indicate an underlying vision issue that should be addressed, the UCSF report noted.

kids-closely-watching-TV

The American Academy of Pediatrics says high-quality digital media can be introduced to children between 18 and 24 months of age (only when supervised by parents or caregivers). The academy also recommends limiting screen time to one hour a day for children ages 2 to 5. (iStock)

“See an eye care provider to perform an eye exam for your child,” Reddy recommended.

A more concerning issue is the indirect effect of too much screen time, according to the report.

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Although experts say there is no one-size-fits-all guideline when it comes to children and screen time, the American Academy of Pediatrics says high-quality digital media can be introduced to children between 18 and 24 months of age (only when supervised by parents or caregivers). 

The academy also recommends limiting screen time to one hour a day for children ages 2 to 5.

Fox News Digital reached out to UCSF for additional comment about its new study.

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Health weekend roundup includes service dogs, medical misinformation, amazing surgery and more key stories

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Health weekend roundup includes service dogs, medical misinformation, amazing surgery and more key stories

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Fox News Digital publishes an array of health pieces all week long to keep you in the know on key wellness topics: disease prevention, nutrition, medical research, health care and more. We also share personal stories of people and families overcoming great health obstacles.

Check out some of the top stories of the week in Health that you may have missed or have been meaning to check out. 

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These are just a few of what’s new. There are many more to see at Fox News Health.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

Without further ado, dive right into these eight stories. 

1. Service dog gives peace of mind to woman with epilepsy

Channing Seideman, 30 — who has lived with daily seizures since childhood — revealed that her life has been changed by her dedicated service dog, Bishop. “In addition to bringing peace of mind, the dogs make epilepsy approachable to the public,” she said. Click here to get the story.

Channing Seideman, pictured with her service dog, Bishop, said he’s given her peace of mind amid her daily epileptic seizures. (Channing Seideman)

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2. Doctor shares 10 big ‘lies’ he says health care is telling

Dr. Robert Lufkin, a California physician, said he “woke up” to flaws in the medical system when he himself was diagnosed with four chronic diseases. He shares what he believes are the 10 biggest lies told to patients. Click here to get the story.

"Lies I Told in Medical School"

Dr. Robert Lufkin, pictured at left, was diagnosed with four chronic diseases, which inspired him to write a book, “Lies I Taught in Medical School.” (Dr. Robert Lufkin/iStock)

3. Sleep apnea patients could soon have solution

In a Finland study, a new breathing device showed promising results in reducing symptoms of sleep apnea, according to researchers. The device, called WellO2, uses resistance training to strengthen throat muscles and steam breathing to humidify airways. Click here to get the story.

Sleep anea split

In a Finland study, a new breathing device, shown at right, showed promising results in reducing symptoms of sleep apnea, according to researchers. (iStock/WellO)

4. Researchers announce progress against Parkinson’s

An experimental drug is showing promise in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease in clinical trials. Researchers and Parkinson’s experts discuss what this could mean for patients. Click here to get the story.

Nurse supporting senior patient walking up the stairs

In a new study, Parkinson’s patients reported improved daily movement after being administered UB-312, an experimental drug.  (iStock)

5. ‘Is it ever OK to take someone else’s prescription?’

In this week’s installment of Ask a Doctor, two pharmacists weigh in on whether it’s ever safe to share medications. Click here to get the story.

For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health

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Health weekend read

This week’s health stories included a story of a service dog helping a woman with epilepsy, a doctor’s take on 10 medical “lies,” an amazing kidney transplant, and more. (Channing Seideman/iStock/Northwestern Medical)

6. Good news revealed for diabetes patients

Most of the 38 million people living with diabetes in the U.S. use daily injections or insulin pumps to keep glucose at safe levels — but new research suggests that an inhaler could be just as effective. Researchers and doctors weigh the benefits and limitations. Click here to get the story.

Diabetes insulin inhaler

An inhaled form of insulin worked just as well as injections or pumps to control type 1 diabetes in a recent study. (iStock/MannKind)

7. Chicago man gets kidney transplant while wide awake

John Nicholas, 28, called his organ transplant surgery “a pretty cool experience.” Surgeries without general anesthesia can increase access to care for patients who are considered high-risk or have phobias surrounding anesthesia. Click here to get the story.

Transplant team

John Nicholas, the patient, is pictured with his surgeons in the operating room after a kidney transplant. (Northwestern Medicine)

8. Daily multivitamins not shown to increase longevity, study finds

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health found that taking multivitamins did not reduce mortality risk, but a longevity doctor has questions. Click here to get the story.

Woman taking pill

Those who took daily multivitamins were actually found to have a 4% higher mortality risk, according to the study published in JAMA Network Open. (iStock)

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Doctors express concern about Biden’s apparent cognitive issues during debate: 'Troubling indicators'

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Doctors express concern about Biden’s apparent cognitive issues during debate: 'Troubling indicators'

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The first presidential debate of 2024 left many Americans and even some traditional Democratic allies wondering about President Biden’s mental fitness for office based on what appeared to be his unclear train of thought at times and his raspy voice on Thursday night.

The White House responded to these concerns, claiming that the president, who is 81, was fighting a cold, but some doctors said they perceive the health issues go beyond the sniffles — with one noting that “it is an issue of fitness, not of age.”

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Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurosurgeon who specializes in cognitive function, told Fox News Digital on Friday about his concerns. 

IN ALZHEIMER’S BREAKTHROUGH, RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY ‘PROTECTIVE GENE’ THAT DELAYS DISEASE IN HIGH-RISK FAMILY

“President Biden’s performance in [Thursday] night’s debate reignited longstanding discussions about his cognitive abilities and his overall leadership capacity,” Osborn told Fox News Digital. 

“Throughout the evening, Biden struggled to maintain a coherent narrative, often losing his train of thought mid-sentence, and providing vague, rambling and undecipherable answers to highly critical questions,” said Osborn, expressing his professional opinion.

Joe Biden is shown on Friday, June 28, the day after the debate, at a rally in Raleigh, North Carolina. Dr. Marc Siegel, inset left, and Dr. Brett Osborn, inset right, weighed in on President Biden’s performance during the Thursday night presidential debate, sharing concerns about his health from their point of view. (Fox News; Getty Images; Dr. Brett Osborn)

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“His frequent pauses, stumbling over words and reliance on notes underscored concerns about his mental acuity,” Osborn added. 

“Biden struggled to maintain a coherent narrative, often losing his train of thought mid-sentence.”

These seeming signs of cognitive decline highlight a “growing inability” to manage the complexities required by the job of the presidency, according to the neurosurgeon.

“His difficulty in articulating clear, concise responses and his apparent disorientation during the debate were seen by many – including his own constituents – as very troubling indicators of his overall health and an obvious decline in his cognitive function,” Osborn said.

presidents trump and biden during the debate

Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are shown during the first presidential debate of the 2024 election at CNN’s studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday, June 27, 2024. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

“President Biden lacks the mental sharpness required for the highest office in the land … especially amid [today’s] current national and international crises.”

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The neurosurgeon, who has not treated Biden personally, also mentioned the 46th president has undergone multiple surgeries for brain aneurysms.

EXPERIMENTAL ALZHEIMER’S DRUG GETS FDA ADVISORY PANEL’S THUMBS-UP: ‘PROGRESS IS HAPPENING’

There is a famous saying in neurosurgery, Osborn noted: “When the air hits your brain, you’re never the same.” 

The surgeon surmised, “The odds have been stacked against him for years, long before his presidency.”

joe biden ahead of debate in georgia

Joe Biden reacts as supporters greet him at his debate watch party at Hyatt Regency Atlanta on June 27, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Derek White/Getty Images for DNC)

Dr. Marc Siegel, physician, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, also spoke with Fox News Digital about concerns from his end.

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“The debate is, in a way, a psychiatric or cognitive stress test,” he told Fox News Digital. 

         

Although Biden was able to respond to questions and seemed to be spatially aware, according to Siegel, the president did display “frequent disorientation” and had “problems with spontaneity or redirecting,” the doctor said. 

He has not personally examined Biden.

split image of joe biden and dr. marc siegel

Dr. Marc Siegel, at right, joined “Fox & Friends” on Friday, June 28, to discuss the presidential debate on Thursday evening.  (Kevin D. Liles for The Washington Post via Getty Images; Fox News)

Siegel described Biden’s speech as “meandering,” noting that he ended sentences in different places than intended, and “often mixed up ‘trillions’ and ‘billions’ and ‘millions.’”

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Siegel confirmed that a physical illness, even with a cold, can bring out cognitive issues “even more.”

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“Even so, it’s hard to believe this is all from a cold,” Siegel told Fox News Digital. “Either way, we need someone who is sharp despite a cold.” 

The NYU Langone physician noted that cognitive issues “wax and wane,” so they won’t always present the same way.

Biden looking dazed

President Joe Biden looks over at former President Donald Trump during the first presidential debate of the 2024 election season on June 27, 2024.  (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

While the age of both candidates has been raised as a concern, Siegel countered that what’s important is a president’s physical and mental fitness.

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“It is an issue of fitness, not of age,” he said. “It is an issue of mental acuity, which is especially important if there is a crisis.” 

While Biden is 81 (he turns 82 in November), Trump is 78 years old. 

During an appearance on “Fox & Friends” on Friday morning, Siegel also spoke about the possibility of cold medications impacting Biden’s performance.

“It is an issue of fitness, not of age. It is an issue of mental acuity.”

“None of the medications that he would be taking for a cold, except something that might make him drowsy, would be relevant here,” he said. 

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“And I don’t think they would give him something that would make him drowsy before a debate,” he said.

He added, “We’ve been watching this a long time. This is something progressive.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the Biden campaign and to the White House press office for comment.

President Biden speaks

Earlier this year, concerns emerged about Biden’s age and memory after the release of a special counsel’s report.  (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

Earlier this year, concerns emerged about Biden’s age and memory after the release of a special counsel’s report. The report described the Democrat’s memory as “hazy,” “fuzzy,” “faulty,” “poor” and having “significant limitations,” the Associated Press noted at the time.

The report indicated that Biden could not recall certain milestones in his own life, such as the date his own son Beau died of brain cancer, as Fox News Digital reported at the time. (Beau Biden passed away on May 30, 2015.)

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“My memory is fine,” Biden responded afterward from the White House. 

“A person with growing problems of memory and judgment is frequently the last to acknowledge it.”

The New York Times editorial board and others have called on Biden to step out of the race after his debate performance. 

Vice President Kamala Harris acknowledged that Biden had a “slow start” to the debate, but she defended his performance overall and his record during his time in the White House.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health

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Said Dr. Siegel in a New York Post opinion piece that ran in the publication on Saturday morning, “This isn’t a question of age. Cognition varies widely with age, and it isn’t fair to say that executive function is automatically impaired at a certain point in life. But it’s a sad medical fact that a person with growing problems of memory and judgment is frequently the last to acknowledge it.”

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Learn About the Real Life Spouses of the 'Yellowstone' Cast

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Learn About the Real Life Spouses of the 'Yellowstone' Cast



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