BMJ Mixed messages Medical myths

Festive medical myths.

In the pursuit of scientific truth, even widely held medical beliefs require examination or re-examination. Both physicians and non-physicians sometimes believe things about our bodies that just are not true. As a reminder of the need to apply scientific investigation to conventional wisdom, we previously discussed the evidence disputing seven commonly held medical myths. The holiday season pre...

Urological myths.

Introduction A myth is defined by the Collins English Dictionary as "a fictitious or unproven person or thing." Aspects of medical practice are sometimes based on historically perpetuated customs which may seem logical or justified but do not stand up to the test of scientific scrutiny. This paper presents some customs in the field of urology which are still passed on as recommendations of acce...

Systematic reviews from astronomy to zoology: myths and misconceptions.

Depictions of substance use in reality television: a content analysis of The Osbournes.

OBJECTIVE To determine the source and slant of messages in a reality television programme that may promote or inhibit health related or risky behaviours. DESIGN Coding visual and verbal references to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) use in The Osbournes. REVIEW METHODS Three reviewers watched all 10 episodes of the first season and coded incidents of substance use according to the su...

Secure messaging: myths, facts, and pitfalls.

January/February 2013 | www.aafp.org/fpm | FAMILY PRACTICE MANAGEMENT | 21 atients today tweet, text, chat, and email more often than they talk on the telephone, and many want to communicate electronically with their doctor’s office as well. However, many medical practices are not eager to join the electronic age. Our large multispecialty group was no exception. We assumed that our patient pane...