Ok. So maybe swimming into the school of jellyfish was NOT a good idea. Using some pop culture knowledge, some may think the best way to fight off these harmful stings is to have someone pee on the wounds. However, experts say that urine is not an effective way to treat the sting most, if not all, the time. They advise using vinegar instead.
This is just one of several “medical myths” that have circulated waiting rooms, classrooms, and even bedrooms. And after compiling this list from a variety of sources such as redcross.org, these are some first aid myths, and the real procedure that should be done. And though some of these may be fun to try, don’t expect them to have any healing powers.
1. Myth – Drinking will help warm up the body
Truth – Beer: The cause, and solution, of all life’s problems as Homer Simpson would say. But warming up the body, it does not. Though the body does feel a bit warmer when it’s cooler out, in cold weather it can lead to hypothermia.
2. Myth – Butter can help treat a burn
Truth – It may be tempting to try whatever measures possible when the Neosporin is MIA, but butter, and oils, are just a bad idea. Think of everything that a medical gel is supposed to when applied. Now think the opposite of that. Yes, this includes margarine.
3. Myth – Leaning back when having a nose bleed will help slow down a bloody nose.
Truth – It would seem natural to lean back so the blood doesn’t continue flowing out of your brain, but leaning back only causes it to go somewhere else: your stomach. Unless you are a vampire, the stomach doesn’t particularly like your blood and could possibly cause you to vomit. Situation has gone from bad, to worse.
4. Myth – Putting raw steak on a black eye will help treat it.
Truth – Though this is one of the more delicious alternatives we’ve heard, it just doesn’t cut it compared to a bag of ice. In fact, the only thing it’s going to do is give you whatever possible e coli it has. That is the last time you will ever cook.
5. Myth – If a rattlesnake bites, one can suck the poison out like a badass
Truth – By the time this idea would come across to someone’s mind, the poison would already be in the bloodstream. And if someone did think of it, the venom’s only going to be absorbed by the mouth. The only thing that should be done is calling 911.
Reach the reporter at gralbovs@asu.edu.
