There are a lot of health myths floating around out there, thanks to old wives’ tales and marketing ploys. It can be hard to get accurate information, so we’ve gathered a list of some of the most common women’s health myths - and what the truth really is!

1.Lifting weights will only make women bulk up.

If you’re putting off lifting weights because you don’t want to “bulk up,” it’s time to get to the gym! It turns out that it’s a lot more difficult for women to put on muscle as quickly or heavily as men do. High testosterone levels in men make gaining muscle easier; without that level of testosterone, women won’t get bulky.

Regular weight lifting is beneficial for the whole body. It can increase metabolism, improve your heart health, and, yes, make you stronger without making you bulky.

2.Feeling sad after giving birth is normal and not a big deal.

Giving birth takes a huge physical and mental toll on a person, so it’s expected that you’ll feel a little off as you recover and bond with your baby.

However, if you notice that you feel extremely low after giving birth or have intrusive thoughts, it’s possible that you may be experiencing postpartum depression. There’s no shame in seeking help for this as your body and mind recover from labor and delivery.

3.If you go out with wet hair, you’ll get sick.

Even if it’s freezing outside, you won’t automatically catch a cold if you go out with wet hair. Instead, the sniffles, sneezing, or other cold-like symptoms that may appear after being out in the cold with wet hair are the body’s reaction to the weather. Cold, dry temperatures can irritate the nasal passage, mimicking symptoms of viral infection, but once you warm up, those symptoms will disappear.

4. Women don’t get heart disease.

Heart disease doesn’t discriminate: both men and women can get it. And while it’s often seen as a man’s disease, more women die from it each year!

The best way to prevent heart disease is to stay within a healthy weight range, get 30 minutes of heart-healthy cardiovascular exercise each day, and avoid smoking.

5.Wearing bras causes breast cancer.

Lots of things can make you more susceptible to developing cancer, but wearing a bra isn’t one of them. If you want to reduce your chances of getting breast cancer, focus on eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, and staying within a healthy weight range. Catch any potential issues with monthly self-exams and yearly mammograms after 45 years of age.

6.You’ll definitely know if you have an STI/STD.

While some sexually transmitted diseases make their presence known with visible symptoms, others can linger for a while without showing. The only way to know for sure that you do not have an STD is to get tested.

Don’t worry if this is the first time, you’re hearing the truth about these myths! If you have any more health concerns or need preventative care, STD testing, or more, check out your nearest urgent care center for fast treatment.      

Women’s preventive health services are available at AFC Urgent Care Shelton today to ensure that you get the care that you need right away for STD testing, minor injuries, seasonal illness symptoms, and more!