Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that can be transmitted from person to person in several ways. One of the ways the virus is transmitted is by an uninfected person coming in contact with infected blood. Mosquitos feed on human blood and have been known to transmit other diseases like malaria. However, studies show that mosquitos are not able to carry HIV from an infected person to an uninfected person for several reasons. First, the virus is destroyed by their digestive system and does not stay inside the mosquito very long. Secondly, a mosquito does not consume enough of the virus to spread the infection. Thirdly, mosquitos do not inject blood into people before they feed.

Verdict: Myth. HIV cannot be transmitted from one person to another through a mosquito bite.

Sources:  Rutgers University, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet # FS736

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that is transmitted from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. There are many types of HPV. Some of these types cause genital warts. Some have no noticeable effects, and others may cause cancer. HPV may cause cervical cancer and it is also responsible for oral and penile cancers. Fortunately, for most people who get HPV, their bodies will destroy the virus. 

HPV is so common that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly all sexually active people will get the virus at some point in their lifetime. Want to avoid contracting a virus that could lead to cancer?  The CDC also recommends getting the vaccine, which will protect people from the most common types of the virus.  Talk with your health care provider about the vaccine.

Verdict: Truth

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

There are many different kinds of attraction and many uses of the word. Usually when people hear the phrase “attracted to”, they automatically think about a romantic attraction. It is possible to be attracted to another’s personal qualities in a non-romantic way too. Maybe you like working on a group project with a particular classmate because they are hard-working and honest.  Perhaps you are attracted to your group of friends because they share the same values as you or they can make you laugh; they welcome you into their group for the same reasons.

For some, the clothing they choose to wear is an expression of who they are. Others choose not to express their individuality by the way they dress. Since who someone is romantically attracted to is only one part of their individuality, there is no way to know everything about someone, including who they are attracted to, just by what they look like.

Talking about vaccines can be a controversial topic. Some individuals are convinced that vaccines cause long-term harm, despite medical research and science definitively proving otherwise.  Discussing sexuality can be controversial as well. There are some people who fear that talking about sexual activity encourages teens to become sexually active. The vaccine that protects against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been proven to prevent cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that girls and boys as early as 11 years old start receiving the three-shot series. 

Some adults fear that giving adolescents a vaccine that prevents a sexually transmitted infection gives teens permission to be sexually active. However, many scientific studies have shown this not to be true. In 2012, researchers published a report that followed 1,400 girls and found that those who had received the vaccine were not more likely to become sexually active earlier than those who did not receive the vaccine.

With so many yogurt options to choose from, it can be difficult to understand the differences between them. Greek yogurt involves thickening the yogurt by either removing the whey (liquid portion) or adding thickening powders. Both of these result in a higher protein content than regular yogurt. When it comes to fat and sugar content, Greek yogurt can vary just as widely as regular yogurt. The best tool for comparing yogurt is the Nutrition Facts label.

Verdict: It depends. Yogurt, even Greek yogurt, can vary significantly in its nutritional value. Therefore, it would not be accurate to say that Greek yogurt is better for you than regular yogurt. All yogurt contains an important mineral, calcium, and can be part of a healthy diet. Use the Nutrition Facts label to choose a yogurt with the amount of calories, fat, sugar and protein that meet the needs of you and your family.

Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

According to MyPlate, ice cream is placed in the milk group and milk products are generally considered to be good sources of calcium. In order to be considered a “good” source of calcium, a food or drink must contain at least 100 milligrams of calcium per serving. Children aged 5 to 8 need 1000 milligrams of calcium a day and children aged 9 to 18 need 1300 milligrams a day. According to Kidshealth.org, “more than 85% of girls and 60% of boys fail to get the recommended 1300 milligrams of calcium per day.” Those numbers are staggering.

Many foods and beverages count as good sources of calcium; some packed with other beneficial nutrients and some not! Looking at the food label, ice cream can count as a good source of calcium: a 1/2 cup serving of ice cream contains about 85 milligrams of calcium. However, ice cream does not contain an abundance of other beneficial nutrients. It is also high in saturated fat and sugar, which can be unhealthy for our bodies if consumed frequently. High saturated fat intake is related to obesity and cardiovascular disease. Another concern with the consumption of ice cream is the portion size. A serving size of ice cream is only half a cup and ice cream is often consumed in larger amounts in one setting, which increases the calories, saturated fat and sugar consumed.

The take home message is that ice cream is a good source of calcium, but should be consumed in moderation due to the high fat and sugar content. There are many good sources of calcium available, which are low in fat and sugar, and also potentially high in nutrients like fiber, vitamins and minerals. These include: low fat milk, low fat cheese, low fat yogurt and green leafy vegetables. Therefore, ice cream should not be the first choice for a parent to provide a child with the calcium they need, but should be eaten only on occasion.

Verdict: Truth, but it is also high in fat and sugar, and low in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Consume in moderation and not as the sole source of calcium.

Amounts of calcium in a variety of foods & drinks:

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health

Salt is composed of two elements: sodium and chloride. Chloride provides salt with that distinctive "salty" taste and sodium is the element which can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure if you consume too much. Sea salt is often promoted as more healthful than table salt, leading many to believe that it contains less sodium. This however, is FALSE! Sea salt contains about the same amount of sodium as table salt, between 400-590 mg per ¼ teaspoon, and therefore comes with the same health risks as table salt.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting sodium to less than 2300 mg/day, with more stringent recommendations for certain populations. The only difference between the two salts is that sea salt does contain a very small amount of other minerals which may offer different flavors and textures while cooking. These minerals do not significantly change the nutritional content of sea salt. One disadvantage to sea salt is that it is typically more expensive than table salt.

If you are looking for ways to help lower your sodium intake, your best options are to use a salt substitute or to use a variety of herbs and spices to season your food. Use caution with dried herbs or spices which contain the word salt, for example garlic salt, which still contain sodium.

Verdict: Myth. Sea salt is not better for you than table salt.

Sources: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010

Vitamins make people’s bodies work properly; they are essential for normal growth and development. If you look at any food section in nearly any store, you will find vitamins promoted. They are in breakfast cereals, canned foods, water, other beverages, etc. But how much, if any, do you need? Unfortunately, there is not one answer since nutritional needs, including the needs for vitamins and minerals, depends on your age, gender, diet and general health status.

Vitamins and minerals are micro-nutrients that are found either naturally in the food we eat or fortified in other foods. To break this down more, vitamins fall into one of two groups: water-soluble (e.g. B vitamins and vitamin C) and fat-soluble (A, D, E and K). The water-soluble vitamins are depleted much more rapidly than fat-soluble ones. You have to replenish the water-soluble vitamins daily. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins are stored in your body and thereby broken down much more slowly.

Eating a variety of foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein is the best way to get all of the vitamins and minerals you need in a day. However, if you are a vegan (vegetarian eating only plant-based foods, no animal products including dairy), you may very well need to take a multivitamin to meet your needs. Vegetarians will need to carefully plan their intake since the best sources for minerals, like zinc and iron, are in meat products.

Verdict: It depends. If you are in good health and eat a regular, well-balanced diet you probably do not need a multivitamin every day. Unfortunately, there is no one answer for all, as a lot of nutritional needs, including vitamins and minerals depends on age, gender, diet and general health status. For the best recommendations, ask your doctor or dietitian for advice to meet your specific needs.

Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Frozen and canned vegetables contain the same nutrients, in essentially the same amounts, as fresh vegetables. Vegetables are harvested and canned or frozen when their nutrient content is at its highest. Fresh vegetables often have a better flavor, but are usually more expensive than the canned or frozen varieties. It’s certainly better to eat frozen and canned over choosing not to eat vegetables at all. It is important to note that canned vegetables are higher in sodium so if you’re worried about your sodium intake, be sure to rinse the vegetables off in a colander before cooking; this will greatly reduce the sodium content.

Verdict: Myth

Source: MedlinePlus

If a snow or ice storm knocks out the power in your home, do not put food outside to keep it cold. The sun’s rays, even in cold weather, can warm the food to temperatures where bacteria can grow. It may also be exposed to outdoor animals that want to take a bite out of your food. One safe alternative is to make homemade ice packs to keep your food cold in a freezer, cooler or refrigerator. To make the homemade ice packs, fill an empty carton with water and leave it outside to freeze before placing it in the refrigerator, freezer or cooler. Be sure to leave the refrigerator door closed – this will keep the food cold for about 4 hours. The freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours if unopened.

Verdict: Myth. When the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer closed – do not move the food outdoors.

Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FoodSafety.gov

Nuts and nut butters do have a high amount of fat and calories compared to many foods, but most of the fats are “healthy” fats (also known as unsaturated fats).  Most nuts contain a large amount of monounsaturated fatty acids, and walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids. These types of fats can be beneficial for one’s cholesterol level and heart. Nuts also contain protein, fiber and several vitamins and minerals.  

The key is to eat nuts and nut butters in moderate amounts to avoid eating more calories than our bodies need. A golf ball size serving of nuts or nut butter is one serving and contains around 160 – 200 calories and 10 – 16 grams of fat. We may run into trouble if we eat larger serving sizes or add these foods to an already high-fat diet. A great strategy for including these foods in our diets in a healthy way is to trade them for other sources of fat such as high-fat meats, cheeses, chips or desserts.

Verdict:  Myth. Nuts and nut butters may be chosen in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Source: TeensHealth from Nemours

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend making at least half of the grains you eat whole. Whole grains are important because they provide iron, B vitamins and fiber. When browsing the bread aisle, follow these two steps to help you choose a whole-grain high-fiber wheat bread:

Step 1: Check the ingredients list for the words “whole wheat” listed as the first or second ingredient. Ensure that the word “whole” appears.

Step 2: Use the Nutrition Facts label to locate breads which are good sources of dietary fiber, defined as containing 10-19% of the Daily Value per serving.

Verdict: Myth. By using the two steps above, you can confidently locate a whole-grain high-fiber wheat bread.

Source: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Celiac disease is a hereditary autoimmune disease that leads to intestinal damage and improper nutrient absorption when foods or other products containing gluten are eaten. A gluten-free diet is the appropriate treatment for celiac disease and has been shown to improve symptoms and quality of life for individuals with the disease.

A gluten-free lifestyle has been endorsed for weight loss purposes. However, research does not support this diet for purposes other than treating celiac disease. For weight loss, you need to burn more calories than you take in. Omitting gluten does not guarantee a calorie deficit. In fact, some gluten-free products may contain even more sugar, fat and carbohydrates than their gluten-containing alternatives. Additionally, a gluten-free diet may lack certain nutrients, but contain more fat. 

For weight loss, instead of unnecessarily restricting gluten, look at your current meal pattern and see where you can make changes. Aim for a balanced diet that emphasizes moderation, and partake of regular physical activity. 

Verdict: Myth. Following a gluten-free diet will not necessarily promote weight loss.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Most people think of animal meat when they consider protein sources. However, protein can be found in meatless sources. Some vegetarians consume dairy products and eggs for protein. Others eat plant-based sources of proteins including nuts, seeds, beans, soy products and whole grains. Plant-based proteins contain fiber and less saturated fats than meat, making them part of a heart healthy diet.

Verdict: Myth

Source: eatright.org

Eating a vegetarian diet can increase fiber intake and lower cholesterol. Vegetarian diets are not always nutritious. For example, just like other packaged foods, some vegetarian products contain added sugars, saturated fats and sodium or salt. Many vegetarian products, such as veggie burgers, are processed. The best way to assure that a food is a healthy choice is by reading the Nutrition Facts Label. Look for:

• Lower amounts of added sugar and sodium, saturated fats and cholesterol.
• Higher amounts of fiber, vitamins and minerals

These are the best indicators whether or not a food is more healthy or less healthy.

Verdict: Myth

Source: eatright.org

Verdict: Truth. Youth who have never smoked cigarettes but use e-cigarettes are almost twice as likely to smoke cigarettes in the future. E-cigarette use may serve as a gateway or introductory product for youth to try other tobacco products which are known to cause disease and lead to premature death. 

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2013 National Youth Tobacco Survey

Smoking can cause serious, long-term illness to those who smoke.  Lung disease, heart disease and cancer are some of the most common illnesses.  

Verdict: Truth. Smoking may even lead to type 2 diabetes.  In fact, individuals who smoke are 30 percent to 40 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than non-smokers. Smoking may also make type 2 diabetes harder to control. Quitting smoking can help a person with diabetes have better control of their blood sugar levels. 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

A lit cigarette contains over 7,000 chemicals.  Many of those chemicals are toxic and 70 are cancer-causing. Smoking cigarettes dramatically increases the users’ risk of developing many different types of cancer.  In fact, nine out of 10 cases of lung cancer are related to cigarette smoking.  

E-cigarettes are marketed as a safe alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. Because e-cigarettes do not burn like traditional cigarettes, many are convinced that there is no secondhand smoke associated with an e-cigarette. 

Verdict: Myth. Individuals who are nearby the exhaled vapor from e-cigarette users are being exposed to low levels of nicotine, aluminum, and other chemicals thought to cause cancer. The exposure to chemicals is less than that of secondhand smoke from traditional cigarettes, but it is still concerning.

Source: Circulation, Vol. 129, 2014.

Smokeless tobacco, also called chew or dip, is not a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco use, like smoking cigarettes, can cause cancer, oral health problems and nicotine addiction.

Verdict: Myth

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

In the book Creating Emotionally Safe Schools, Jane Bluestein explains that when a student feels afraid, the brain’s fight or flight response kicks in, and being safe and calm become its top priorities. When this happens, the student becomes less able to learn or remember information. Extreme stress can also cause the same response.

When a student believes that school is positive and safe, the brain releases chemicals that assist with both learning and memory. Fostering a positive and safe school climate is not just important for the physical and emotional safety of students. It also helps their brains to process information and learn more effectively.

Verdict: Truth

Source: Creating Emotionally Safe Schools: A Guide for Educators and Parents by Jane Bluestein, Smart Moves: Why Learning is Not All In Your Head by Carla Hannaford

Stanford University’s Center of Internet and Society have published many studies about people’s use of social networking site, games, and other online activities. One study found that every hour people spent socializing online replaced 24 minutes of face-to-face conversation, games, or interaction.

The Internet has made reaching people faster and easier than ever before. Of course, maintaining healthy relationships take time and effort. Balancing digital connection with face-to-face connection can help relationships to build empathy and meaning.

Verdict: Truth.

Source: IT & Society, Vol. 1, 2002.

The part of a human's brain that regulates the flight or fight response is called the amygdala. When a person becomes aware of an emotion like fear, they can begin to process it instead of simply reacting.

Self- awareness and the ability to identify our own emotions is helpful, because it can lead to understanding and problem solving.   “Checking in” with oneself can be one way to stay calm and increase emotional intelligence. 

Verdict: Truth

Source: Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman

Anthropologist Edward Hall said that the space two people use between them is determined by how well they know each other and what they are talking about. People prefer to have only those they know and trust positioned in the closest space around them. Hall refers to this as “intimate space,” and it includes the space 0-18 inches from a person. When another person breaks this space, it can make someone feel uncomfortable.

Verdict: Truth.

Source: The Hidden Dimension by Edward T. Hall

Research has shown that the brain senses pleasure from many actions. Some of these actions include basic desires like eating or listening to music. Other activities meet more complex desires such as wanting to help others. An example of this is when a person holds a door open for another person or gives money to a charity. Whether basic or complex, both types of activities allow the brain to experience pleasure in the same way. As a result, the same areas of the brain turn on.

Verdict: Truth

Source: Pleasures of the Brain by Morten L. Kingelback

The vast majority of young people who are bullied do not become suicidal. Most young people who die by suicide have multiple risk factors, including mental illness, substance abuse family challenges or other health challenges.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises educators and parents to talk about the variety of factors that may in place in a young person’s life that could lead to suicide. Linking bullying to suicide may “perpetuate the false notion that suicide is a natural response to being bullied which has the dangerous potential to normalize the response and thus create copycat behavior among youth.”

Verdict: Myth

Source: Stopbullying.gov, cdc.gov

Most youth want to help the person who is the target of the bullying. Some witnesses are afraid the offender will start bullying them. It is important to make sure youth have two or more trusted adults both inside school and outside to confide in.

Verdict: Myth

Bullying is repeated, unfair words or actions that cause someone to feel hurt, scared or embarrassed and includes an imbalance of power.  Arguments also include harmful behavior that is repeated, but only bullying includes an imbalance of power.

Verdict: Myth

Many families may feel there are few physical activities everyone will enjoy. Busy schedules can make finding time to be active together challenging. There are a variety of ways to enjoy exercise as a family. Thinking outside the box will help identify ways to be active as a family all year. See the graphic below for family activity ideas for each season of the year:

Verdict: Myth. As you can see, there are many ways for families to stay active together.

Source: Eatright.org

Sports drinks should not replace regular water intake during exercise. Nutrient and hydration needs can be met by eating healthy foods and drinking water before, during and after workouts. Sports drinks can be beneficial for athletes, who perform high-intensity activities longer than one hour. This aids in replacing electrolytes lost from heavy sweating, such as sodium or potassium. Most Americans consume more sodium than they need, so the average person will not benefit from the extra sodium in sports drinks. Sports drinks also contain calories from added sugars. These calories can be beneficial for an endurance athlete, but may add extra calories for the average person who is trying to lose or maintain weight.

Verdict: Myth. The bottom line is that water is the best beverage choice while exercising.

Source: Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010, KidsHealth from Nemours

Exercise can be achieved through various activities that do not require a gym membership or expensive equipment. Some examples include: taking a walk around your block or neighborhood, riding your bike, dancing, gardening and jumping rope.

Verdict: Myth. You do not need to join a gym in order to exercise.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 60 minutes of exercise for children and teens each day. The 60 minutes may be broken into shorter time periods throughout the day. For example, you could walk your dog before school, walk around the playground at recess and play basketball after school, as long as it totals 60 minutes.

Verdict: Myth. Daily exercise does not need to be done all at one time.

Multiple studies have shown that physical activity improves a child’s ability to concentrate and make decisions at school. This may result in greater academic achievement. 

Verdict: Truth. Physical activity has many benefits for the mind and body.

Source: Journal of School Health, Vol. 81, 2011.

We should all try to get 60 minutes of movement every day. Even for children and teens, exercises that build strength are recommended at least 3 days a week. Examples of exercises that build strength include squats, pushups, crunches and dips. Adding variety in physical activity helps build strong muscles and bones.  

Verdict: Truth

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

There are many ways to move our bodies, all of which improve health. Some exercises build strength, others build endurance and still others improve flexibility. Some people think flexibility is not as important as strength but this is not the case. Flexibility allows our bodies full range of motion which prevents injury and promotes circulation. Stretching can also help our mental health.  The increased blood flow and endorphins released help us to feel more alert.

Verdict: Myth

Source: healthfitnessrevolution.com

Verdict: Myth

Source: American Lung Association

Long-term marijuana use can lead to addiction; that is, people have difficulty controlling their drug use and cannot stop, even though it interferes with many aspects of their lives.

Estimates suggest that about 9 percent of users become addicted to marijuana. This number increases among those who start young (17 percent) and among those that use daily (between 25 and 50 percent).

Verdict: Myth

Source: drugabuse.gov

Youth who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol dependence or abuse later in life than those who begin drinking at or after age 21.

Verdict: Truth

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Prescription drug abuse is when someone takes a medication that was prescribed for someone else or takes their own prescription in a manner or dosage other than what was prescribed.

Verdict: Truth

Source: teens.drugabuse.gov

Nearly 19,000 people die annually from prescription pain medications, which is greater than the deaths from heroin and cocaine combined.

Verdict: Truth

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

In one small study, researchers measured the effect of secondhand marijuana smoke on non-marijuana smokers by taking blood and urine samples from them.  Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) was present, but the amount was well below the level needed to fail a drug test. Testing positive would be rare and limited to the hours directly following exposure. To avoid any risk of testing positive or harming your health, remove yourself from the environment if at all possible.

Verdict: Truth

Source: Drugfree.org