We’ve all probably heard common myths such as, “going out in the cold with wet hair will get you sick,” or “sugar makes people hyper.” Usually, these myths are harmless, but some can impact your health in small and big ways. Knowing the facts is important before believing something without proof.

Myths about food and your body can be harmful because it directly affects your organs and insides. Some myths give false hope about pains and assure people which makes them less inclined to see a doctor if they feel anything different. Other myths like eating only organic foods will cause you to spend a lot of extra money that you should

Following fitness lies can be dangerous to your body because many of them could cause injury; like doing static stretching before a workout. Static stretching can cause injury when working hard. Instead, substitute static stretching with dynamic stretches or do a ten minute run to warm up your muscles.

Myths like these should be considered carefully before you waste your time or potentially hurt a muscle. They can also be a commitment depending on the myth, like only exercising in the morning because you will lose more weight.

“I don’t follow them because I tend to forget to follow them and you have to put a commitment and I do not have that,” junior Sahara Sarker said.

Going by other false myths about exercise can also counteract your workout. Following myths like “you can eat whatever you want as long as your exercise” while trying to lose a few pounds will make it seem like you never exercised at all. Exercise does not negate poor eating habits.

It can sometimes be difficult to know what rumors are true and false. Knowing your facts before hand can save you a lot of time and possibly your health.

Do a little research before following a myth religiously. Make sure that there have been studies done and this is backed up by a certified physician. You can also ask your doctor to help differentiate any strange myths you hear.

Many students choose not to follow any myths.

“I do not follow them at all, I just do not believe most of them are true and I don’t see why I should follow them,” senior Amber Scaff said.

Those who choose not to follow them are afraid that they are false.

“I don’t follow them because it is not proven, so I won’t believe them unless they are proven,” junior Kyung Jin Yoon said.

When hearing a weird myth it is best not to follow them until you know what is true and what is false.

A lot of myths could have started as truths but because of mass media and the passing down advice from older generations, they could have mixed up them created variations of the myths.

Stick to what you know is true and remember to do your research.