Merck Manuals Medical Mythbusters

This episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast dives deep into the world of rosacea and dandruff. Dr. Jonette Keri, Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine is here to help dispel the myths and misconceptions of this skin condition. She is also Chief, Dermatology Service at Miami VA Hospital. Dr. Keri is a familiar face on the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast and joined us back in Season 3 to talk about anti-aging and skincare myths.  This episode begins with an introduction to rosacea overall.  Then Dr, Keri answers whether rosacea is a form of acne, whether certain foods or drinks can cause flare-ups and treatment options. The podcast then shifts to debunking myths about dandruff. She answers questions whether dandruff is contagious, impact of weather and if washing hair less often even helps.   To learn more about this condition, please visit merckmanuals.com

In this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, Dr. Bradley Kesser, MD, a specialist in congenital ear disease, ventures into the intricate world of ear health, exploring various types of ear infections and their treatments, Dr Kesser dissects symptoms, delves into the necessity of antibiotics, and uncovers why some children are more prone to ear infections than others. The episode also tackles common myths about ear cleaning methods, from Q-tips to ear candling. Join the conversation as they address crucial questions surrounding ear health, offering valuable information to empower listeners. Medical knowledge is power – pass it on. 

Dr. Leila M. Khazaeni, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, lends her expertise to demystify strabismus and dispel prevalent myths surrounding the condition. Delve into the different types of strabismus and understand key distinctions from amblyopia. Dr. Khazaeni addresses common misconceptions, such as the influence of screen time on strabismus and the belief that it will resolve on its own. Gain insights into screening, treatment, and the significance of early intervention. Medical knowledge is power – pass it on. 

Discover the progressive metabolic bone disease that affects bone mineral density and structure, leading to fragility fractures. Explore common myths surrounding osteoporosis and gain valuable insights into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Dr. Bolster, a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, separates fact from fiction, provides expert answers to key questions and leaves listeners empowered with the knowledge to take charge of their bone health. Don't miss this informative discussion on osteoporosis. Medical knowledge is power – pass it on.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and human metapneumovirus infection cause upper and sometimes lower respiratory tract infections.   On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, Dr. Brenda Tesini, of the University of Rochester Medical Center joins the show. Dr. Tesini's clinical interests include all aspects of infectious diseases in children with a particular focus on prevention and treatment.  Dr. Tesini explores the main symptoms of RSV and the differences between COVID-19, flu, and other respiratory illnesses.*This episode was recorded before the FDA approved a vaccine.

Halitosis, also known as bad breath, is a common condition that can be caused by poor oral hygiene, certain foods, medications, or more serious underlying health conditions. This podcast debunks common myths about halitosis and provides valuable information on how to prevent and treat it.  On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we welcome Doctor Bernard J. Hennessy, DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), Texas A&M University, School of Dentistry. 

Heart attack and cardiac arrest are two medical emergencies that often get confused with each other. While both are serious conditions that require immediate medical attention, the causes, symptoms, and treatments for each are different.   On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we welcome Ranya N. Sweis, MD, MS, an Associate Professor of Cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, with over a decade of experience in clinical care, research, and education.   Dr. Sweis explores the differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest, the causes, symptoms, and treatments for each, and how to reduce the risk of these conditions. 

Mental health affects every aspect of our lives: how we feel about ourselves and the world; solve problems, cope with stress, and overcome challenges. Mental health challenges can be difficult to define and address. Dr. Michael B. First joins this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast. Dr. First is a Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University and is the editor and co-chair of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision, known as DSM-5-TR. He joins the podcast to examine the misconceptions surrounding mental health. Dr. First will also highlight how to help you or someone you know who is dealing with a mental health crisis.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, we lose about 50 to 100 strands of hair from our head every day. But some people will experience even more significant hair loss in their lifetimes, which can be a source of anxiety and in some cases, an indicator of more serious medical issues. On this episode of the Merck Manuals, Wendy S. Levinbook, MD, Hartford Dermatology Associates, breaks down the most common misconceptions about hair loss – along with the facts people should know. About Merck For over 130 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world's most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships. Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals – including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases – as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Kidney stones are becoming more common in recent decades. Today, one in 10 Americans will suffer from one at some point in their lives. Kidney stones are hard masses that form in the urinary tract and may cause pain, bleeding, infection, or block of the flow of urine. Given the extreme pain that often accompanies kidney stones, many people are worried about getting them. That's led to a lot of myths and misconceptions around kidney stones, what causes them, and how best to prevent them. In a new editorial on MerckManuals.com, Glenn M. Preminger, MD, Duke University Medical Center, identifies some of the most common myths surrounding kidney stones. He sets the record straight on what patients need to know and how to talk to their doctors about this often-painful medical condition.

In this bonus episode, Dr. Richard Schwab, chief of the Division of Sleep Medicine and professor of Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania discusses dreams. Dr. Schwab explains the nature of dreams as well as other sleep-related phenomena such as nightmares, sleep paralysis, sleepwalking, and lucid dreaming.

In this episode of Merck Manuals Medical Myths, Dr. Richard Schwab, the chief of the Division of Sleep Medicine and professor of Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania discusses the importance of sleep health. Dr. Schwab shares insights on the numerous factors that can affect sleep patterns and tips for getting a good night's rest.

As we approach hot summer days, we are excited to welcome Dr. Diane Birnbaumer, Emeritus Professor of medicine at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, to discuss some myths about heat strokes and staying healthy in extreme temperatures. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information. 0:00 – 0:54 Introduction of Dr. Diane Birnbaumer, Emeritus Professor of medicine at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and a senior clinical educator for the Department of Emergency Medicine at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center 0:55 – 3:30: Are heatstroke and heat exhaustion the same? 3:31 – 4:35: Ages affected by heat strokes 4:36 – 5:33: Can heatstroke occur at any temperature? 5:34 – 6:27: Warning signs of heatstroke 6:28 – 7:33: Body temperature to characterize heat strokes 7:34 – 8:45: Common signs of heatstroke 8:45 – 9:34: Common signs of heat exhaustion 9:35 – 10:23 Can you suffer from heatstroke if you are hydrated? 10:24 – 11: 45: Steps to cool down 11:46 – 13:27: Techniques used in the ER 13:28 – 15:12: Does having a sunburn affect body temperature? 15:13 – 16:16: Does Advil help to lower body temperatures caused by heat? 16:17 – 17:34 Suffering heat strokes indoors (in places without AC) 17:35 – 19:35: Hypothermia and its effects on the body 19:36 – 21:18: The process of frostbite 21:19 – 22:08: Conditions of frostbite 22:09 – 23:22: Resources to learn more 23:23: Closing

Now that many COVID-19 travel restrictions are loosening and people are beginning to travel once again, we're thrilled to welcome back Dr. Christopher Sanford, author of “Staying Healthy Abroad: A Global Travel's Guide”, to talk about some more myths about staying safe and healthy while traveling abroad. Click here to learn more about health and travel. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Many of us want to look younger and have beautiful skin, but what kind of myths are we believing on how to achieve that? Do anti-aging creams actually work? Are the more expensive or luxury skincare products more effective than cheaper alternatives? Is sleeping in your makeup bad for your skin? On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we welcome back Dr. Jonette Keri, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. She is also Chief, Dermatology Service at Miami VA Hospital. This is the final part of a three-part series on dermatology. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Most people (hopefully) know the dangers involved with smoking. But is vaping just as bad for your health as smoking? Is actually worse for you as some say? Is vaping more harmful for younger people than it is older people? Is there an effective way to quit? What's the best way to kick this habit and talk to teens about why it's dangerous? On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we welcome Dr. Judith Prochaska, Professor in the Department of Medicine at Stanford University with the Stanford Prevention Research Center and a member of the Stanford Cancer Institute. Dr. Prochaska is a licensed clinical psychologist with a focus in addiction medicine. Click here to learn more about vaping and click here to learn more about smoking. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

In Part 2 of our discussion on children's mental health, the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast welcomes back Dr. Josephine Elia, psychiatrist with a specialty in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Nemours, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware. On this episode, Dr. Elia discusses some ways parents can manage and address some of the mental health difficulties that children face, with practical tips anyone can use. Click here to learn more about mental health disorders in children. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

In a brief break from the traditional look into medical myths, this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast will delve into the difficult and sometimes taboo topic of children's mental health. Especially during 2020 and into 2021, children were forced to confront challenges and disruptions that no one could've imagined. And while adults have their own way of dealing with trauma, stress and mental health in general, children can be much different. To help us unpack some of the challenges children face, we welcome Dr. Josephine Elia, psychiatrist with a specialty in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Nemours, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on children's mental health, with Part 1 focusing on identifying some of these issues. Part 2 will delve into how parents and guardians can manage and address some of the mental health difficulties that children face. Click here to learn more about mental health disorders in children. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

As the summer season approaches and many of us head outside to bask in the sun, what sorts of myths have we been telling ourselves about the best ways to protect our skin from the sun? Is 100 SPF really necessary? How long can you be outside before the sun starts to damage your skin? Do you only need sunscreen in the summer? How much is enough sunscreen to put on your skin? On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we welcome back Dr. Jonette Keri, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. She is also Chief, Dermatology Service at Miami VA Hospital. This is Part 2 of a three-part series on dermatology. Stay tuned for the final episode of the series where we talk about skincare beauty myths. Click here to learn more about skin damage and how to properly protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

This podcast has covered a handful of travel health myths before, but the way people travel has changed drastically in the COVID-19 world. While the world is beginning to work its way back to normal thanks to increasing vaccinations, that only means there are more questions as people look to resume their travels once again. What is the safest way to travel? Are airplanes really cleaning out air better than we think? Are masks enough on public transit? DO we need to wear masks inside our own cars? On this episode, we welcome back Dr. Christopher Sanford, author of “Staying Healthy Abroad: A Global Travel’s Guide”, to discuss myths about protecting yourself during travels in a COVID-19 environment. Click here to learn more about health and travel. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Acne is a skin condition so many of us encounter during our lives. But the severity of the condition can differ greatly from person to person, and it's led to a number of myths surrounding what causes it? Is chocolate the culprit? Is fatty and unhealthy foods the issue? Is acne only something that pubescent teens have to deal with? On this episode of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths podcast, we talk all things acne with Dr. Jonette Keri, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. She is also Chief, Dermatology Service at Miami VA Hospital. This is Part 1 of a three-part series on dermatology. Stay tuned for future episodes where we get into the topics of sun protection and skincare beauty myths. Click here to learn more about acne, what causes it and how to treat it. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Coming soon: the Merck Manuals, one of the world’s most widely used medical resources since 1899, will be releasing the 3rd season of the Merck Manuals Medical Myths Podcast! All new episodes coming the week of May 10, 2021! Season 3 once again dispels common medical myths and misconceptions through revealing conversations with nationally recognized physicians. These new episodes encompass just the first half of Season three and address a number of topics that are top of mind for today’s medical consumers: Vaping and Smoking Myths featuring Dr. Judith Prochaska, Professor in the Department of Medicine at Stanford University with the Stanford Prevention Research Center and a member of the Stanford Cancer Institute Travel in 2021 Myths featuring Dr. Christopher Stanford, Associate Professor in the Departments of Family Medicine and Global Health at the University of Washington Acne Myths featuring Dr. Jonette Keri, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Chief, Dermatology Service at Miami VA Hospital Sun Protection Myths featuring Dr. Jonette Keri, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Chief, Dermatology Service at Miami VA Hospital Skincare Beauty Myths featuring Dr. Jonette Keri, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Chief, Dermatology Service at Miami VA Hospital Topics for the podcast were developed based on the most popular web searches for key medical topics, along with common questions physicians received when talking to patients. The podcast is the latest offering in support of the Manuals’ ongoing commitment to make the best current medical information accessible globally and in relevant formats. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Spending a fun night out has no regrets until it's met with that dreaded familiar feeling the next morning. Can coffee cure hangovers? What about the old “hair of the dog” trick? Is the saying “beer before liquor never been sicker” really true? Dr. Rika O’Malley, physician at Albert Einstein Medical Center joins us to debunk some of these myths and tells us how to deal with (or prevent) a hangover after drinking alcohol. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

From questions about how to get the whitest teeth to what the proper brushing and flossing techniques are, there are a number of questions out there surrounding dental care. Is flossing good or unnecessary? Does charcoal toothpaste clean your teeth or do the opposite? Is it really necessary to remove our wisdom teeth? And why do they call them that anyway? On this episode, we welcome Dr. David F. Murchison, a practicing dentist for more than 40 years and a professor at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. He'll explain to us some of the best ways to care for our teeth and gums and debunk some common myths about dentistry. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

The entire world is grappling with how to deal with COVID-19, from what precautions we should take to how it affects each of us differently. But children are different. From the way COVID-19 affects childrens' bodies to how parents should approach the virus in kids, there are a lot of myths out there. On this episode, we talk to Dr. Catherine Soprano, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, about what parents should think about when it comes to Coronavirus and their children. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Eyesight is extremely valuable, and we are constantly being told what is bad and what is good for our eyes. Well, how many of those myths are true? Dr. Sunir Garg, retina physician and surgeon, debunks those myths with us and provides us with some much-needed clarity on the subject. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Stomachs can be very sensitive. Factors such as what you eat and how fast you eat can cause issues from indigestion to ulcers and more. Dr. Jonathan Gotfried joins us to share his insights and help us digest some of the biggest myths around gastrointestinal problems, while also sharing tips for how to keep a healthy gut. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

High blood pressure can often be associated with aging or with being a hot head, but there are a number of other causes of high blood pressure that should not be overlooked. Dr. George Bakris joins us to share some insights and breaks down the biggest myths around high blood pressure, cholesterol and hypertension. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

You’ve heard of “Vertigo” the movie, and it’s likely that everyone has experienced the sensation before. But do you know what it is and why we feel it? Dr. David Kaylie discusses the differences in dizziness and vertigo, hearing loss and treatments that can help and the myths associated with Vertigo. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

Cracking your joints can often bring a feeling of relief or satisfaction, but are you doing damage to your joints? And while the term arthritis is typically used as a catch-all for joint issues, rheumatoid arthritis and osteo arthritis are not interchangeable, and in fact, they’re quite different. Dr. Brian Mandell explains these differences as well as addressing the many myths that surround joint pain and stiffness. For listeners in the U.S. and Canada, visit MerckManuals.com to learn more. For those outside the U.S. and Canada, visit MSDManuals.com for more information.

When traveling to foreign lands, you want to embrace local customs and “do as the locals do.” But is it safe? Dr. Christopher Sanford, author of “Staying Healthy Abroad: A Global Travel’s Guide”, discusses common myths about staying safe and healthy while traveling abroad.

Hearing loss is often thought of as an inevitable part of getting older. But how much do things such as noisy entertainment venues, audio devices, and powered recreational equipment expose people to damaging levels of sound– especially the younger generation? Dr. Lustig is here with us today to discuss and break down the biggest myths around hearing loss and how consumers can prevent it.

Providing medical care to older people can be complicated. People often see multiple specialists and take various different medications. Dr. Michael Wasserman joins us to share some insights and break down the biggest myths around aging, while also sharing tips for how family members and caregivers can take a more active part in older people’s care. Click here for more information on the health issues older individuals face.

Trying to lose weight can be extremely frustrating. With so many new diet myths and trends hitting the market, it’s hard for anyone to determine which are right for them. Some of these fad diets and weight-loss myths are not only unhealthy ways to quickly lose weight, but could actually cause long-term problems for your health. Dr. Adrienne Youdim is our guest today to break down today’s most popular diet myths and share tips for healthy, sustainable weight loss.

When you're pregnant it seems like everyone you know has advice, and it can be overwhelming. You may expect some of the changes that occur during your pregnancy, but others may seem fascinating or even surprising. The internet is full of conflicting information about how to stay healthy during your pregnancy and today we invite Dr. Lara Friel to dispel some of the biggest pregnancy myths and help listeners have the healthiest possible experience for them and their future baby.

Knowing whether that red bump is a serious issue or merely an irritation can be difficult. Dr. Gerald O'Malley shares the importance of identifying bites and stings in order to get the right treatment. Join us as we debunk common myths related to spider bites, snake bites, jellyfish stings, and more.