8 Wellness Myths to Bust this April Fools

You have probably heard some of the common health myths we're debunking in this article, maybe even suggested some of them yourself! Don't worry, here to separate fact from fiction is Dr. Phillip Dixon with Cone Health Reidsville Primary Care in this WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation.

Myth 1: You Only Need a Doctor if You're Sick.

This couldn't be further from the truth. While primary care providers (PCPs) certainly treat illnesses and chronic conditions, they also play a vital role in preventative care and wellness. Dr. Dixon emphasizes that PCPs are partners in your wellness journey, helping with:

• Annual checkups.
• Vaccinations.
• Age-appropriate cancer screenings.
• Weight loss strategies.

Everyone, regardless of age or health status, benefits from having a PCP. Schedule an appointment today!

Myth 2: My Only Care Option is at the Doctor's Office.

This is another misconception. Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare access. Dr. Dixon sees patients virtually multiple times a day. This is great for:

• Preventing the spread of contagious illnesses.
• Young mothers who prefer not to bring their children to a doctor's office.

Cone Health also offers mobile health throughout the community to meet you where you're at.

Myth 3: Heart Disease Doesn't Run in My Family, So I Don't Need to Worry.

While family history can contribute to heart disease risk, 80% of heart disease is preventable. Focus on modifiable risk factors like:

• Quitting smoking.
• Weight loss.
• Managing high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Exercising.
• Eating healthy.

Myth 4: Exercise Has to Be High Intensity to Get Any Health Benefit.

Moderate-intensity exercise is sufficient. National guidelines recommend 150-300 minutes of moderate exercise per week, such as:

• Brisk walking.
• Dancing.
• Swimming.
• Strength-training.

Consider joining Sagewell Health & Fitness and check out Walk With A Doc.

Myth 5: Always Wait and See if Aches and Pains Improve Before Seeking Care.

This can be dangerous. Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention:

• Chest pain.
• Acute shortness of breath.
• Numbness or weakness in limbs.
• Facial drooping.
• Vision changes.

These could indicate serious conditions like a stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism. If symptoms interfere with your quality of life, seek care right away.

Myth 6: If You're Not Having Symptoms, You Don't Need Cancer Screenings.

Early detection is crucial for cancer treatment. Regular screenings for colon, breast, and lung cancer can identify problems before symptoms appear.

"Oftentimes, if you're having symptoms, it could represent something going on that is at an advanced stage," warns Dr. Dixon, "and a lot more difficult to treat."

Detect cancer in its earliest stages—before symptoms appear—by getting screened.

Myth 7: "All Natural," "Low Fat," or "Organic" is Always Healthy.

Don't blindly trust food labels. The food marketing industry often uses these terms loosely.

• "All natural" has no FDA definition.
• "Low carb" and "light" also lack strict definitions.
• "Gluten-free," "low fat," and "organic" have some regulations, but they don't guarantee overall healthiness.

Always read nutrition facts labels carefully.

Myth 8: Vaccines Are Just for Kids.

Children and adults need to stay up to date on their vaccinations. Pneumonia, RSV, shingles, and flu vaccines are recommended for adults, especially older adults. 

Get your vaccine at one of our convenient Cone Health Community Pharmacy locations.

Key Takeaway

"View wellness as more of a lifestyle, not a destination," says Dr. Dixon, "You can't expect to make several changes at once and make it sustainable. It's something you need to gradually chip away at."