Oooh, Burn! Summer Myths Busted

Should you pee on a jellyfish sting?
Yes
No
Should you pee on a jellyfish sting?
Urine, or things like vinegar or alcohol, can make skin hurt even more. Use plain hot water and a pain reliever like lidocaine to numb the area. Saltwater also works. To avoid getting stung, keep an eye out for jellyfish while you’re swimming and on the beach. Even a dead one can sting you if you step on it.

What can you eat to keep mosquitoes away?
Garlic and onions
Bananas and pineapples
All of the above
None of the above
What can you eat to keep mosquitoes away?
Garlic wards off vampires in the movies, but there’s no proof it keeps real-life bloodsuckers at bay. Eating bananas, onions, or other foods won’t do the trick either. Use bug spray and wear pants and long sleeves when you’re outside to protect yourself.

Can you catch poison ivy from someone else?
Yes
No
Can you catch poison ivy from someone else?
Nope, not even if you touch someone’s ivy-inflicted skin. You get an allergic reaction by touching the sticky oil that oozes from the plant itself. You’ll have an itchy, blistery rash that looks like streaks or lines.The saying about poison ivy goes, “Leaves of three, let them be” -- so watch out for plants with three-leaf clusters.

How long should you wait to swim after you eat?
About 15 minutes
30 to 45 minutes
Dive in as long as you’re not stuffed
How long should you wait to swim after you eat?
Turns out mom was wrong. You don’t need to wait a specific amount of time before going back in the water. You should be fine to swim after a small meal or snack. Use common sense, though. If you jump back in after a big meal, you could get cramps or heartburn.

Soak a washcloth in this to soothe sunburn pain:
Skim milk
Olive oil
Red wine
Soak a washcloth in this to soothe sunburn pain:
The milk makes a film that will ease the discomfort. And the coolness will dial down the hot feeling. Next time you go outside, cover up, use sunscreen, or head into the shade. And remember: Even a tan means your skin is unhappy.

What kills more people each year than shark attacks?
Treadmill workouts
Holiday lights
Sparklers
What kills more people each year than shark attacks?
Sharks don’t usually hunt people. When they do, it’s often because they mistake us for sea turtles or other prey. But the reality is, more people die each year from accidents involving Christmas lights than shark attacks. Still, if they’ve been spotted in the water, stay away. And don’t take a dip in the ocean early in the morning, at dusk, or at night. That’s when they tend to look for food.

Try this to help get water out of your ear:
Pull your earlobe
Use a hair dryer
Both
Try this to help get water out of your ear:
If water stays in too long after a swim, you could get an ear infection. Tilt your head so it can run out. You can also pull your earlobe gently in different directions to drain the liquid. If that doesn’t work, use a blow dryer. Put it on the lowest heat and speed, and hold it a few inches away from your head. To keep water out in the first place, wear ear plugs or a swim cap.

Can you get a cold from air conditioning?
Yes
No
Can you get a cold from air conditioning?
You can’t blame your sniffles and sneezes on going from outdoor heat to indoor chill. Colds are caused by viruses, not by changes in the temperature. So just wash your hands often and stay away from sick people to help keep yourself healthy.

Can chlorine in pools kills germs on the spot?
Yes
No
Can chlorine in pools kills germs on the spot?
Yes, chlorine kills some germs, but it won’t get rid of everything -- and it doesn’t work right away. So shower off before and after you take a dip. And try not to swallow the water, since it could make you sick if it has sweat, pee, or other yucky stuff in it. Also, stay out of the pool if you have diarrhea.

Which of these body parts can get sunburned?
Fingernails
Eyes
Hair
Which of these body parts can get sunburned?
Protect your peepers when you go outside, because too much sun can make them red, painful, and sensitive to light. They may also tear up a lot and feel like there’s dirt in them. Wear sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection and a wide-brimmed hat or cap to shield your face.