Merck Manuals Medical Myths

In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, Dr. Bradley Kesser, MD, a specialist in congenital ear disease, ventures into the intricate world of ear health, exploring various types of ear infections and their treatments, Dr Kesser dissects symptoms, delves into the necessity of antibiotics, and uncovers why some children are more prone to ear infections than others. The episode also tackles common myths about ear cleaning methods, from Q-tips to ear candling. Join the conversation as they address crucial questions surrounding ear health, offering valuable information to empower listeners. Medical knowledge is power – pass it on. 

Dr. Leila M. Khazaeni, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, lends her expertise to demystify strabismus and dispel prevalent myths surrounding the condition. Delve into the different types of strabismus and understand key distinctions from amblyopia. Dr. Khazaeni addresses common misconceptions, such as the influence of screen time on strabismus and the belief that it will resolve on its own. Gain insights into screening, treatment, and the significance of early intervention. Medical knowledge is power – pass it on. 

Discover the progressive metabolic bone disease that affects bone mineral density and structure, leading to fragility fractures. Explore common myths surrounding osteoporosis and gain valuable insights into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Dr. Bolster, a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, separates fact from fiction, provides expert answers to key questions and leaves listeners empowered with the knowledge to take charge of their bone health. Don't miss this informative discussion on osteoporosis. Medical knowledge is power – pass it on.

In the latest episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, Dr. Brenda Tesini from the University of Rochester Medical Center sheds light on the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). As hospitals grapple with an unprecedented surge in respiratory illnesses, Dr. Tesini, with a focus on infectious diseases in children, explores the symptoms of RSV and distinguishes it from COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory illnesses. Uncover the truths behind RSV myths, including its impact on premature babies, parental susceptibility, and the misconception of letting it run its course like a common cold. Gain valuable insights into prevention, risk factors, and effective strategies for treating RSV. Medical knowledge is power – pass it on. *This episode was recorded before the FDA approved a vaccine.

In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, Dr. Bernard J. Hennessy, DDS, from Texas A&M University, School of Dentistry, unveils the truth about halitosis, commonly known as bad breath. The discussion dives into the basics of halitosis, its prevalence, and the myths surrounding its causes and cures. Dr. Hennessy dispels common misconceptions about mouthwashes, breath mints, and the effectiveness of brushing teeth in curing bad breath. Explore the impact of diets on halitosis, debunked myths, and discover natural remedies like parsley, probiotics, and peppermint oil. Gain insights into recognizing and preventing halitosis, understanding its potential links to medications and underlying health issues. Medical knowledge is power – pass it on for a breath of fresh insight. 

In this informative episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, Dr. Ranya N. Sweis, an Associate Professor of Cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, joins to unravel the distinctions between heart attack and cardiac arrest. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Sweis clarifies the causes, symptoms, and treatments for each condition, debunking common myths that could hinder prompt action during emergencies. Delve into risk factors, warning signs, and immediate treatments, gaining practical advice for maintaining a healthy heart. Medical knowledge is power – pass it on for heart health awareness. 

Mental health affects every aspect of our lives: how we feel about ourselves and the world; solve problems, cope with stress, and overcome challenges.  Mental health challenges can be difficult to define and address. Dr. Michael B. First joins this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast. Dr. First is a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University and is the editor and co-chair of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision, known as DSM-5-TR.He joins the podcast to examine the misconceptions surrounding mental health. Dr. First will also highlight how to help you or someone you know who is dealing with a mental health crisis.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, we lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair from our head every day. But some people will experience even more significant hair loss in their lifetimes, which can be a source of anxiety and in some cases, an indicator of more serious medical issues.On this episode of the Merck Manuals, Wendy S. Levinbook, MD, Hartford Dermatology Associates, breaks down the most common misconceptions about hair loss – along with the facts people should know. About MerckFor over 130 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals – including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases – as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Kidney stones are becoming more common in recent decades. Today, one in 10 Americans will suffer from one at some point in their lives. Kidney stones are hard masses that form in the urinary tract and may cause pain, bleeding, infection, or block of the flow of urine. Given the extreme pain that often accompanies kidney stones, many people are worried about getting them. That’s led to a lot of myths and misconceptions around kidney stones, what causes them, and how best to prevent them.In a new editorial on MerckManuals.com, Glenn M. Preminger, MD, Duke University Medical Center, identifies some of the most common myths surrounding kidney stones. He sets the record straight on what patients need to know and how to talk to their doctors about this often-painful medical condition.

In this bonus episode, Dr. Richard Schwab, chief of the Division of Sleep Medicine and professor of Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania discusses dreams. Dr. Schwab explains the nature of dreams as well as other sleep-related phenomena such as nightmares, sleep paralysis, sleepwalking, and lucid dreaming.

In this episode of Merck Manuals Medical Myths, Dr. Richard Schwab, the chief of the Division of Sleep Medicine and professor of Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania discusses the importance of sleep health. Dr. Schwab shares insights on the numerous factors that can affect sleep patterns and tips for getting a good night's rest.

As we approach hot summer days, we are excited to welcome Dr. Diane Birnbaumer, Emeritus Professor of medicine at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, to discuss some myths about heat strokes and staying healthy in extreme temperatures.   For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information. 0:00 – 0:54 Introduction of Dr. Diane Birnbaumer, Emeritus Professor of medicine at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a senior clinical educator for the Department of Emergency Medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center 0:55 – 3:30: Are heatstroke and heat exhaustion the same? 3:31 – 4:35: Ages affected by heat strokes 4:36 – 5:33: Can heatstroke occur at any temperature? 5:34 – 6:27: Warning signs of heatstroke 6:28 – 7:33: Body temperature to characterize heat strokes 7:34 – 8:45: Common signs of heatstroke 8:45 – 9:34: Common signs of heat exhaustion 9:35 – 10:23 Can you suffer from heatstroke if you are hydrated? 10:24 – 11: 45: Steps to cool down 11:46 – 13:27: Techniques used in the ER 13:28 – 15:12: Does having a sunburn affect body temperature? 15:13 – 16:16: Does Advil help to lower body temperatures caused by heat? 16:17 – 17:34 Suffering heat strokes indoors (in places without AC) 17:35 – 19:35: Hypothermia and its effects on the body 19:36 – 21:18: The process of frostbite 21:19 – 22:08: Conditions of frostbite 22:09 – 23:22: Resources to learn more 23:23: Closing

Now that many COVID-19 travel restrictions are loosening and people are beginning to travel once again, we're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Christopher Sanford, author of “Staying Healthy Abroad: A Global Travel’s Guide”, to talk about some more myths about staying safe and healthy while traveling abroad. Click here to learn more about health and travel. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Many of us want to look younger and have beautiful skin, but what kind of myths are we believing on how to achieve that? Do anti-aging creams actually work? Are the more expensive or luxury skincare products more effective than cheaper alternatives? Is sleeping in your makeup bad for your skin?On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we welcome back Dr. Jonette Keri, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. She is also Chief, Dermatology Service at Miami VA Hospital.This is the final part of a three-part series on dermatology.For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Most people (hopefully) know the dangers involved with smoking. But is vaping just as bad for your health as smoking? Is actually worse for you as some say? Is vaping more harmful for younger people than it is older people? Is there an effective way to quit? What’s the best way to kick this habit and talk to teens about why it’s dangerous? On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we welcome Dr. Judith Prochaska, Professor in the Department of Medicine at Stanford University with the Stanford Prevention Research Center and a member of the Stanford Cancer Institute. Dr. Prochaska is a licensed clinical psychologist with a focus in addiction medicine. Click here to learn more about vaping and click here to learn more about smoking. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

In Part 2 of our discussion on children's mental health, the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast welcomes back Dr. Josephine Elia, psychiatrist with a specialty in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Nemours, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware. On this episode, Dr. Elia discusses some ways parents can manage and address some of the mental health difficulties that children face, with practical tips anyone can use.  Click here to learn more about mental health disorders in children. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

In a brief break from the traditional look into medical myths, this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast will delve into the difficult and sometimes taboo topic of children's mental health. Especially during 2020 and into 2021, children were forced to confront challenges and disruptions that no one could've imagined. And while adults have their own way of dealing with trauma, stress and mental health in general, children can be much different. To help us unpack some of the challenges children face, we welcome Dr. Josephine Elia, psychiatrist with a specialty in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Nemours, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on children's mental health, with Part 1 focusing on identifying some of these issues. Part 2 will delve into how parents and guardians can manage and address some of the mental health difficulties that children face. Click here to learn more about mental health disorders in children.  For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

As the summer season approaches and many of us head outside to bask in the sun, what sorts of myths have we been telling ourselves about the best ways to protect our skin from the sun? Is 100 SPF really necessary? How long can you be outside before the sun starts to damage your skin? Do you only need sunscreen in the summer? How much is enough sunscreen to put on your skin? On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we welcome back Dr. Jonette Keri, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. She is also Chief, Dermatology Service at Miami VA Hospital. This is Part 2 of a three-part series on dermatology. Stay tuned for the final episode of the series where we talk about skincare beauty myths. Click here to learn more about skin damage and how to properly protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

This podcast has covered a handful of travel health myths before, but the way people travel has changed drastically in the COVID-19 world. While the world is beginning to work its way back to normal thanks to increasing vaccinations, that only means there are more questions as people look to resume their travels once again. What is the safest way to travel? Are airplanes really cleaning out air better than we think? Are masks enough on public transit? DO we need to wear masks inside our own cars? On this episode, we welcome back Dr. Christopher Sanford, author of “Staying Healthy Abroad: A Global Travel’s Guide”, to discuss myths about protecting yourself during travels in a COVID-19 environment. Click here to learn more about health and travel. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Acne is a skin condition so many of us encounter during our lives. But the severity of the condition can differ greatly from person to person, and it's led to a number of myths surrounding what causes it? Is chocolate the culprit? Is fatty and unhealthy foods the issue? Is acne only something that pubescent teens have to deal with?  On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we talk all things acne with Dr. Jonette Keri, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. She is also Chief, Dermatology Service at Miami VA Hospital. This is Part 1 of a three-part series on dermatology. Stay tuned for future episodes where we get into the topics of sun protection and skincare beauty myths. Click here to learn more about acne, what causes it and how to treat it. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.