Fake news: COVID-19 and cancer

The news has been especially troubling lately. We feel it, too. While some say ignorance is bliss, it’s worth getting the facts right when it comes to your health. Let’s set the record straight on the rumors and misleading headlines you may have seen.

UV LIGHT PREVENTS OR TREATS COVID-19

Though there’s no evidence that UV radiation can protect you from COVID-19, it can pose a serious risk to your health. Whether through exposure to the sun or through a tanning bed, exposure to UV radiation significantly increases your risk for skin cancer. Wearing protective clothing (sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved clothing), using sunscreens and lip balms (with UVA/UVB protection and at least 30 SPF) and seeking shade when outside can protect you from the sun’s powerful UV rays. When using sunscreen, make sure you reapply every 2 hours.

5G CAUSES CANCER AND COVID-19

There have been rumors circulating the internet claiming that 5G technology (housed in cell towers that deliver high speed internet) is dangerous and responsible for diseases and health problems. Last year, a foreign media outlet published an article linking 5G to cancer. The featured hashtag in the piece appeared to be popular on Twitter, but further investigation revealed the tweets mostly came from bots.

In January, conspiracy websites began posting about a link between 5G and COVID-19, suggesting there could be a connection, and the rumors snowballed from there. Three months later, cellphone towers in Europe began going up in flames.

There is no scientific or medical connection between 5G technology and COVID-19 or cancer.

INJECTION OF DISINFECTANTS CAN TREAT OR PREVENT THE

CORONAVIRUS

In April, the country erupted with confusion over whether or not disinfectants could be used as a potential treatment for the coronavirus. While disinfectants have been successful in stopping the virus on surfaces, ingesting or injecting these chemicals into your body can be incredibly dangerous and is not recommended or endorsed by medical professionals.

TAKE A BREAK FROM THE NEWS

In times of stress, it’s important to take care of yourself and prioritize your mental health. If the news is clouding your day or bringing you down, follow these tips to refocus and rise above.

1. Make it a mid-day affair. Avoid reading headlines or tuning into news stations first thing in the morning or right before bed. This will help from putting a downer on your day or keeping you up at night.

2. Limit your intake. Set a limit on the amount of time you plan to spend watching or reading the news. Find an amount of time you’re comfortable with and turn it off once you reach the limit.

3. Seek out good news.

Big news stations tend to focus on the worst, but there are plenty of positive news sites dedicated to featuring feel-good stories. Check out tanksgoodnews.com, goodnewsnetwork.org or Some Good News

YouTube channel for the latest stories of positivity.