Top Medical Myths

The Times Online published a list of commonly believed medical myths; I've posted a few of them below (for full explanation of each myth you'll have to jump over to the Times--don't want to steal their thunder):

-------------

HAVING SEX CAN CAUSE A HEART ATTACK IN MEN

How wrong is this? Fairly. The risk is hugely exaggerated by the familiar portrayals of men in books, films and dramas gasping their last in flagrante.

What are the facts? Research shows that the chances of a 50-year-old non-smoking male suffering a heart attack is about one in a million in any hour. Having sex increases these odds to two in a million, but doubling a barely existent risk means that risk is still negligible.

Any related myths? That sex is a form of exercise. In fact, it equates only to climbing two flights of stairs.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE CAUSES HEADACHES

DIABETICS CRAVE SUGAR

WOMEN NEED TO EXAMINE THEIR BREASTS

DIETS CUT CHOLESTEROL

HEADACHES ALONE CAN BE A SIGN OF A BRAIN TUMOUR

YOU SHOULDN'T MIX ANTIBIOTICS AND ALCOHOL

YOUR TIREDNESS MAY BE CAUSED BY ANAEMIA

FLU JABS GIVE YOU FLU