Sorting Out Medical Myths

Posted by Anthony Lee Aug 23, 2008

I like to first take this opportunity to mention a particular book. Nancy L. Snyderman, M.D., has written Medical Myths That Can Kill You and the 101 Truths That Will Save, Extend, and Improve Your Life. It has her insights into some incorrect medical assumptions and some useful medical advice, covering the strange but amusing and the serious and potentially harmful. The book is a worthy read, especially in this age where false medical information runs rampant on the Internet. In case you don't immediately recognize Dr. Snyderman, she is an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat surgeon) at the University of Pennsylvania and the chief medical editor for NBC.

As someone who also comes with a medical background, here's my take on medical myths. They can be a major problem. People following wrong and unsubstantiated information will only do themselves harm. It's disheartening for doctors, who have studied evidence-based medicine, to see this happen. It's even more sad when such actions are taken out of distrust in the medical profession.

When I look at the issue, I can agree with both sides. It's ideal to trust doctors because they have expertise, but we also want to have control over our own health. I think the best way to reconcile the two is this. When looking up health information, take everything with a grain of salt and stick with trusted sources. Remember that many diseases cause the same symptoms, so it's easy to stay too focused on one diagnosis. That's where your doctor can sort it all out for you. Be open to what your doctor says. And if necessary, you have the right to additional opinion from another doctor.

Remember, this is your health we're talking about. You need the right information to live long and healthy.