The claim “Never leave a charger in an outlet without your phone” is overstated. Modern phone chargers are designed to remain plugged in when not in use, and they draw very little electricity when idle. However, there are a few reasonable reasons to unplug them. 1. Small amount of electricity use Most modern chargers consume …
The headline “Ringing in Your Ears: Your Body’s Surprising Explanation” refers to tinnitus—the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds when there is no external source. While tinnitus can sometimes signal an underlying condition, there is usually no single surprising explanation. Common causes include: Age-related hearing loss Exposure to loud noise (such as concerts, …
The headline “12 nasty things you do in old age that everyone notices, but no one dares to tell you” is designed to attract clicks. It unfairly stereotypes older adults. Many of the behaviors it refers to are not universal and may be related to normal aging, health conditions, hearing or vision changes, medications, or …
The headline “Signs You Have Too Much Blood Sugar” refers to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). While these symptoms can suggest high blood sugar, they are not specific and can have other causes. A blood glucose test is needed to confirm it. Common signs of high blood sugar include: Increased thirst Frequent urination, especially at night …
The headline “Atorvastatin Side Effects: 15 Hidden Dangers Your Doctor Might Not Tell You About” is sensationalized. Doctors routinely discuss the most important risks and benefits of medications like atorvastatin, and for many people the benefits of reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke outweigh the risks. Atorvastatin is a statin used to lower …
The claim “Just a teaspoon, and your orchid will miraculously bloom with lots of flowers” is very likely an exaggeration. There is no single teaspoon of any ingredient that can reliably make an orchid suddenly produce many flowers. Flowering depends on the plant’s overall health and growing conditions. To encourage orchids (especially common Phalaenopsis orchids) …
The headline “High blood pressure, high cholesterol: Avoid these 3 habits in the morning” is a simplified health claim. While no three habits guarantee good or bad health, some morning routines can affect blood pressure and overall heart health. Three habits worth avoiding are: Skipping your prescribed medications If your doctor has prescribed blood pressure …
A mini stroke, also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA), happens when blood flow to part of the brain is briefly interrupted. Symptoms usually resolve within minutes to hours, but a TIA is a medical emergency because it can be a warning sign that a full stroke may occur soon. Five important symptoms that should …
The headline “Combine these 3 ingredients and you’ll thank me later…” is a classic clickbait phrase. By itself, it doesn’t provide enough information to judge whether the claim is true or safe. Whether mixing three ingredients is a good idea depends entirely on what the ingredients are and what the mixture is supposed to do …
The claim “If your feet swell, it is a clear sign that…” is misleading. Swollen feet (foot or ankle edema) are not a clear sign of one specific condition. They can have many different causes, ranging from harmless to serious. Common causes include: Standing or sitting for long periods Hot weather Pregnancy Minor injuries (such …
