Medical Mythbusters

Plastic Surgery If a doctor says he is a plastic surgeon he must be.  Any doctor can claim to be a plastic surgeon. There is no legal requirement for doctors to have special training in cosmetic surgery before claiming to be a specialist. For this reason it is crucial that you research your doctor’s background and, at the least, verify that he has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.   Facials and microdermabrasions are good for your SkinCare routine.  Facials and microdermabrasions have no long term skin benefit beyond relaxation. Start taking care of your skin today.   Weight I was told you should drink at least 8 cups of water each day.  There is no medical evidence to support the claim that you should drink 8 glasses of water each day. In 1945, the Food and Nutrition Board recommended that adults consume 2.5 liters of water each day, but noted that most people already get that from the food they eat. It can be a good idea to drink more if you feel thirsty, are exercising, or are in extreme climates. Family Medicine I take calcium so I won't get Arthritis.  Calcium helps build strong bones and prevent the bone disease osteoporosis. Arthritis is a disease of the joints, not the bones, and doesn’t have any relation to calcium deficiency. With osteoarthritis, cartilage that acts as a cushion between the bones is worn down over time, resulting in pain. Attend an Arthritis 101 class to learn more.     I am always sick during the winter time; it is the cold, wet weather makes me sick.  Viruses cause colds and flus, not the weather. Because some viruses are more common in winter and people are indoors more often to spread them, more people may get sick during cold, wet weather.   Veins Sitting with my legs crossed has caused me to develop varicose veins.  Sitting with crossed legs does not cause varicose veins, a painful condition where blood pools in swollen, malfunctioning veins in your legs, feet and ankles. It can, however, cause low-back pain and increase the visibility of spider veins. Learn how to make those varicose veins vanish. Sleep Insomnia is not a serious medical condition and has no consequences.  Insomnia can be a serious medical condition characterized by difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep (waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep), waking up too early in the morning or feeling tired upon waking. Several consequences of insomnia are decreased work performance, depression or mood changes and increased risk of automotive crashes. Learn more about sleep medicine and how to get a good night sleep.