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Should you put ice on a burn? Will too much sugar give you diabetes? There is a lot of fiction masquerading as medical “facts.” Some of these “facts” just refuse to go away, despite plenty of solid research to refute them.

Here’s the truth about 10 popular health beliefs that patients often ask me about. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to talk to your doctor before making a medical decision, especially when you’re simply going off passed-down folk wisdom.

1. Never apply ice to a burn.

Fact. Ice causes constriction of blood vessels and will make a burn deeper, because healing blood flow to the area burned will be restricted. You can also damage your skin by direct application of ice. Instead, immediately immerse the burn in cool water, or apply a cool, wet compress for at least 10 minutes. Then wash the area with soap and water, apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a dressing. Don’t break blisters – that’s an invitation to infection. If you see red streaking or redness spreading around the burn, you may have an infection and should see your healthcare provider. Read about caring for a minor burn.

2. Eating too much sugar will give you diabetes.

Fiction. Sugar becomes glucose in your bloodstream. In response, your body makes insulin to regulate blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes is a problem with insulin regulation, not sugar intake. Excessive sugar can lead to overweight and obesity, which are risk factors for type 2 diabetes. That makes eating a well-balanced diet, without a lot of added sugar, important for your health.

It isn’t possible to determine with certainty what specific foods or nutrients are increasing your risk for Type 2 diabetes. Read more about sugar’s role in the disease.

3. Eating carrots improves your vision.

Fiction. Carrots won’t improve your vision, but they’re good for your eyes as they’ll help improve overall good health. Carrots are orange because they contain beta-carotene, which your body converts into Vitamin A. The vitamin is important for vision. Give yourself half credit if you responded “Fact.” Read about foods with vitamin A.

4. A person having a seizure can swallow their tongue.

Fiction. A person having a seizure cannot swallow their tongue. Don’t put something like a spoon or tongue depressor in their mouth; it can lead to injury. Turn a person seizing on their side to assist breathing, help keep them from biting their tongue, and prevent them from breathing in vomit or excessive saliva. Use something like a pillow or folded clothing to cushion their head. Read more about first aid for seizures.

5. After a heart attack, you should usually return to your workouts.

Fact. Many people use a heart attack as their excuse to become less physically active. A lifestyle low in activity, however, may have contributed to the cardiac disease that led to a heart attack.

According to the American College of Cardiology’s Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Council, 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise can contribute to strengthening your heart. With your doctor, create a safe, effective exercise routine.

6. You don’t need eight glasses of water daily.

Fact. There is no scientific evidence that you need eight glasses of water daily. Your requirement depends on a number of factors including body size, climate, and activity level.

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine adequate fluid intake daily is about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women or 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for men. That includes food, water, and other beverages. We get about 20% of our water from food. Eight glasses of water usually refer to 12-ounce glasses, or 12 cups (2.84 liters.)

7. Sitting up straight can be bad for your back.

Fact. Sitting up straight for too long without a break can strain your back. When you’re sitting, keep your lower back supported and your legs uncrossed, knees at a 90-degree angle. It can also relieve back strain to sit with your knees higher than your hips. You can use a stool under your desk or in from of your chair on which to rest one or both feet.

8. Bar soap is covered with germs.

Fiction. You might leave germs on the soap when you’re handling the bar to wash up, but research has demonstrated that bacteria on a bar of soap die within minutes and are not transmitted to someone using the soap after you.

Another study in Epidemiology and Infection confirmed that bacteria transferred on soap are not transmitted by washing hands.

9. You cannot get the flu more than once a season.

Fiction. More than one flu strain is circulating every year. Being sick with one of them doesn’t protect you from the others. Also, not all the current circulating flu strains are covered by the flu vaccine – just the most prevalent strains. So, get your flu shot. Stay home when you’re sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze.

10. You should rinse the toothpaste from your mouth after brushing your teeth.

Fiction. If you’re using non-fluoridated mouthwash or water to rinse, you’re also spitting out the fluoride that’s protecting you from tooth decay before it can work. If you still feel that you need to rinse, use as little water as possible, swish, and spit out the foam, to keep as much fluoride on your teeth as possible. Studies show that leaving traces of toothpaste in your mouth can reduce tooth decay by up to 25%.

Did you learn or unlearn any facts or ideas? If you found one (or more) of the beliefs on this list surprising, then it’s likely others close to you might be just as surprised. Be sure to share this post with them so they too can make wiser decisions about everyday health.