Stirling Eyecare Jan/Feb 2019

Mom Really Does Know Best 3 Wives’ Tales Proven True

“Make a face like that, and it’ll stay that way forever.” You may have heard something like this from Mom’s book of wisdom. Maybe you never disputed the idea that mother knows best. But as you grew up, it slowly became clear that hair doesn’t grow back faster and thicker if you shave it, cracking your knuckles doesn’t cause arthritis, and gum doesn’t stay in your stomach for months after you swallow it. After a whirlwind of wives’ tales over the years, many common claims have been put under scrutiny. Wives tales have been known as pseudoscience and blind intuition, but even as many were disproved, some surprisingly proved to hold weight. Here are three wives’ tales that have proven to be true. Garlic Cures Colds For decades, moms have professed the healing properties of garlic, suggesting it can cure colds and help the body fight sickness. It turns out they were absolutely right. Garlic has antiviral properties that strengthen the immune system and nutrients that help combat illnesses. The effects of garlic can actually be more effective than over-the-counter flu medications. Some studies show that regular consumption of raw

garlic lessens the likelihood of getting a cold, so if you feel a tickle in your throat, try a clove before you open the medicine cabinet.

Heartburn Means a Hairy Baby It’s hard to list wives’ tales without bringing up one about pregnancy. Many are solely based on intuition, but a few that sound odd have proven to be true. In 2007, a study done by Johns Hopkins attempted to debunk the myth that heartburn during pregnancy would mean a hairy baby at birth. Instead of proving it wrong, they found that 82 percent of women with severe heartburn during pregnancy gave birth to hairy babies. Turns out the hormones that cause heartburn in pregnant women also affect fetal hair growth. Joint Pain Predicts the Weather Did you ever look at your mom with skepticism when she would predict rain because her knees hurt? If so, you might owe your mom an apology, because there is a scientific connection. The drop in barometric pressure that’s common during stormy weather causes pain in arthritic joints.

What Some People Are Saying Our Patients Say It Best

I’m impressed with the equipment and technology that this office provides. I have rheumatoid, had a virus which has my cornea scratched, and a thin spot which has concerned other doctors. My rheumatoid medication requires tests every six months. I used to get tested in another office for one portion of the test, and then had to go to AGH to get the rest of the tests. This office can do all the tests in one visit, which saves me money and time. I had an appointment to get my eyelid stitched shut to try repairing my cornea from another facility. I also had an appointment with Stirling Eye Care for my medication tests a few days before this eyelid surgery was about to take place. At this time, my appointment was with a new young doctor on their team, Dr. Frye. One of her specialties is the sclera contact lens, a large contact lens. You fill it with a pH solution and it covers the entire cornea. After only a week, it seems to be helping. The contact lens has increased my vision from 20/20, and at its worst, 20/30. It’s like a miracle being able to see again. I have been impressed with this office, the kind personnel that work there, and the doctors and their knowledge. Now, Dr. Frye has given me something I missed so much — my vision. Thanks to Dr. Frye, Stirling Eye Care, and their office personnel. –Bill H.

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