Mothers Myths; they are out there whether we know it or not. These are mothers myths that have been busted!

• Cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis. 

Experts state that there is no connection between cracking knuckles and arthritis. They do however say that doing this, ¨… can do some damage to the soft tissue of the joint. It may also lead to a weak grip and a swelling hand.¨ Although doing this to your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis, it’s still not recommended. 

• If you cross your eyes, they’ll stay that way!

No way! There are no medical studies that prove this point to be true. If you keep crossing your eyes however it can lead to physical disorders, such as, ¨… eye injuries, cerebral palsy, or stroke. You may also develop crossed eyes if you have a lazy eye or are farsighted¨. 

• Once you shave your hair it will grow back thicker. 

It has been proven by experts that shaving your hair doesn’t change the color, thickness, or rate of growth. It may seem this way, when your hair is growing out the tip is blunt which causes it to look thicker and darker. This myth even though proven false still lives on hundreds of years later. 

• If you swallow your gum it will take seven years to digest.

 You can digest gum the same as normal food, it gets moved through your body in a timely fashion. It  is true that you cannot digest gum properly, it could get stuck in your digestive tract and cause blockage. 

• Drinking coffee will stunt your growth. 

Your height depends on your genes and your lifestyle. When it really comes down to it, keeping a balanced diet and exercising can affect your growth. Eating junk food and unhealthy foods do not promote healthy physical  development. 

• If you pick up a toad you will get warts. YUCK!

Experts state that there are no amphibians that will give you warts. This myth most likely came around because toads have verruca like bumps on their backs. These bumps are glands and they do not secrete anything that could give you warts. 

• Carrots improve your vision. 

It is hypothesized that this myth was made up as a result of World War II propaganda. The US Army Airforce  stated that a steady diet of carrots was the reason their pilots had excellent vision and could locate German bombers. In reality, they had radars that helped them spot the bombers. Carrots do have many health benefits and can help protect your eyes, they do not improve your vision.   

• Going outside with wet hair causes a cold.

Germs do not attract when you have wet hair. Colds are caused by viruses and have nothing to do with your hair. If you go outside with wet hair you might be cold, but it ends there. 

So, don’t believe everything you hear. Mothers tell their kids myths and legends to protect them and teach them lessons. Some myths may be passed down from their mothers. These eight myths are only some of the many out there. So watch out, mothers – your secrets are being revealed.