Medical Myths, Shifting Knowledge

Volume 25, No. 2 – February 2023

mYTH AND REALITY

Medical myths are ageless, and thanks to the Internet they have multiplied exponentially—some are benign and humorous, some turn out to be true, and some are potentially lethal. Moreover, medicine is—as it has always been—an ever-evolving science. Knowledge shifts constantly; medicines and therapies improve, and what was “certain” a decade ago might be seriously questioned or refuted today.


The sheer volume of information offered by Dr. Google is daunting. And the task of distinguishing myth from valid information is a formidable challenge. In the following pages, local healers examine the myths, misinformation, and truths about the health issues that concern so many of us: including weight loss, cancer, sleep problems, hormone therapy, and osteoporosis. Their overriding message: The causes of health problems are complex and there are no simple answers. Additionally, they repeatedly remind us that how we experience health or illness is very personal—shaped by the many things that make each of us unique. So, beware of the easy, one-size-fits-all “solutions” so often offered on the Internet.


Many valuable insights and useful guidelines for discerning myth and reality await you. Enjoy!

Correcting Myths About Hormone Replacement Therapy

Jennifer Burch, PharmD
CENTRAL COMPOUNDING CENTER

Magical Thinking & Misinformation About Cosmetic Surgery

Cynthia Gregg, MD, FACS
CYNTHIA GREGG FACE & BODY SPECIALISTS

The Plastic Brain

Dan Chartier, PhD
LIFE QUALITY RESOURCES

Weight Loss: Healthy Solutions, Not Simple Ones

Bhavna Vaidya-Tank, MD, and Lea Lott, PA-C
REGENESIS MD

Clarifying Organic and the Myths of Organic

Steve Long
HARMONY FARMS NATURAL FOODS

Can’t Sleep? How Are You Breathing?

Charles Ferzli, DDS, FAACP
TMJ & SLEEP THERAPY CENTRE

Understanding Skin Cancer

Eric Challgren, MD
SOUTHERN DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER CENTER

How Families Can Avoid Digital Manipulation

Ruffin Powell, MS
CAROLINA FRIENDS SCHOOL

Integrating Anguish and Awe

Karen Stewart, MA
STEWART PSYCHOLOGISTS

Yoga for Osteoporosis Safely Rebuilds Strong Bones

Carol Verner, LMBT, RYT
MOVING INTO WHOLENESS

A.I., Predictive Diagnostics & Therapeutic Technologies

Joanne Pizzino, MD, MPH
SELF-EMPOWERED HEALING

Medical Myth: Aging Is Inevitable. Medical Fact: You Have the Power to Live to 100 and Beyond!

Joanne Pizzino, MD, MPH
SELF-EMPOWERED HEALING