Doctors in UA
No, it’s not a new superhero franchise (but maybe someone should pitch the idea to Hollywood?)
Living in Ukraine, where so much of our collective medical knowledge is based upon myths and old wives’ tales, it can be hard to figure out what’s fact and what’s fiction. But @sviy.doc, a newly launched Instagram account, is here to educate, and make medicine fun while they’re at it. Below is a few of our top picks of debunked, myths to save us all from feeling like fools at the next doctor’s appointment!
Pregnancy is a magical cure-all for your medical condition
If you’ve ever suffered from ‘womens’ problems’, you might have heard your Ukrainian friends utter this mysterious phrase – ‘just have a baby and it will go away’. Confused? There is a myth in Ukraine that pregnancy can cure various conditions, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and even breast cancer. The reality is that pregnancy – just like any hormonal treatment – may temporarily suppress the symptoms of some of these problems, but of course does not eradicate the root cause. It goes without saying that an unwanted pregnancy to cure your ailments is a terrible idea…
Vinegar and alcohol rubdowns are a great antipyretic
If you have a fever, do NOT try to marinade yourself in vinegar – not only will it do little to reduce your temperature, it will not endear you to anyone in the same room. Better to rest, drink plenty of water and consult your doctor if your fever lasts longer than three days. We know this news might upset your babushka, so make sure she’s sitting down before you break it to her.
Immune support pills are the health profession’s silver bullet
Immune system booster supplements contain a combination of antioxidants, vitamins, electrolytes, herbs, and minerals thought to help support a healthy immune system. While anecdotal success stories abound, these supplements have not been proven to prevent colds, the flu, or any other illness. While we all need our vitamins, your doctor can give you a much better idea of where your deficiencies are and which supplements you should be taking.
37% of people believe that the medical reforms happening in Ukraine have had a negative effect, while 32% haven’t noticed any difference.
(Stats according to sociological company ratinggroup.ua)
Rinse and Repeat
Just like you, your hair is unique. Stylists and dermatologists say there’s no single answer to the question of how often you should shampoo but you might be doing it more often than you need. Washing too often can strip the natural oils in your hair, drying it out and making it prone to breakage. As a general rule, the thicker your hair, the less frequently you need to wash it. Many stylists advise leaving your hair as long as you feel comfortable between washes – you might even notice some improvement in the quality of your luscious locks.
Antibacterial soap is more effective than regular soap
There is not enough proof that products claiming to have ‘antibacterial’ properties are any better at preventing illness than plain old soap and water. In fact, some of the chemicals in these products can have a negative effect. Studies show that Triclosan, an antibacterial agent found in these soaps, could be making bacteria resistant to antibiotics. Its use as a pesticide raises environmental concerns and the potential risks of long-term exposure are not known. So grab that simple soap and clean up!
