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We are changing our name, and changing our focus!

We will soon be The Health Busters and focus our attention on medical myths, misnomers, and plain bad health science.

If you have any questions you would like us to answer, let us know by submitting your question on our “Submit Questions Here” page.

Myth: If swallowed, chewing gum stays in your stomach for seven years

As a child, I remember friends saying that you shouldn’t swallow chewing gum because it stays in your stomach for seven years. The outcome of swallowing chewing gum regularly would result in a ball of gum in your stomach. I asked Jennifer Anderson, the diabetes education coordinator at Boone Hospital Center, for the truth behind this myth.

The truth behind health drinks, energy drinks, and soda

As a college student, many of my friends live on carbonated-beverages, especially during midterms and finals. At the Rec Center and in vending machines, there are sports drinks, Vitaminwater, and sodas in many varieties and colors. I asked Kristy Lang, a clinical dietitian and diabetes educator at Boone Hospital Center what kinds of effects these beverages have on us.

Best foods for exercising

As a person who values an active, healthy lifestyle, I have read numerous articles on the best foods and beverages to consume before, during and after you exercise.

Myth: You should wait one hour after you eat to swim

After working as a lifeguard and swim instructor for five years, I have heard numerous times that one should wait an hour after eating to swim in order to avoid dangerous cramps. I asked Jennifer Polniak, a clinical dietitian at Boone Hospital Center for the truth behind this myth.

Myth: Eating before bed contributes to weight gain

When talking with friends and family about eating habits, I found that many people believe that eating before going to sleep contributes to gaining weight. I interviewed Judy Arnet, the clinical nutrition manager at Boone Hospital Center to find out the truth.