MYTH BUSTERS

If you swallow gum, it will sit in your body for seven years before you can digest it. When a jellyfish stings you, the first thing you should do is pee on the injury to neutralize the sting. And sitting too close to the TV can ruin your eyes!

At some point, you’ve probably heard these statements and others like them. Is there any merit to these wives’ tales, or are they merely stories passed down from generation to generation? We asked several experts to weigh in on whether you need to worry about the commonly heard statements below.

1. Coffee dehydrates you.

Caffeine is a mild diuretic, meaning it can stimulate your body to produce extra urine. However, research shows the liquid in coffee counteracts any dehydration effects.

2. Gargling with saltwater cures a sore throat.

Saltwater is a soothing solution that balances with the fluid in the back of your throat and the mucous membranes there. Mix a couple of tablespoons of salt in a moderate to large glass of water— preferably warm, which is closer to your body temperature and more soothing—and gargle with that at the first sign of a sore throat.

3. Everyone should take a daily multivitamin.

A 2022 review of 84 studies by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found no convincing evidence that multivitamins have any benefit for nonpregnant adults. You’ll get much more bang for your buck if you eat a healthful diet with plenty of fruits and different vegetables.

4. You need 10,000 steps a day to boost your longevity.

The latest research shows that as few as 6,000 steps a day can do it. One 2022 study found that adults 60 and older who clocked 6,000 to 8,000 steps daily had a 50 to 60 percent lower chance of early death.

5. If it’s an actual heart attack, you will have chest pain. About 42 percent of women and 31 percent of men don’t have chest pain during a heart attack, according to a study published in JAMA. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea and pain or discomfort in the back, neck, jaw, or one or both arms.

6. Air hand dryers are more hygienic than paper towels. They may save trees, but air hand dryers in public restrooms don’t remove germs as well as paper towels, according to research. Even worse, they may spread germs around. One study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that airborne bacteria counts were 27 times higher when jet air dryers were used.

Beverage Club

Blueberry Gin & Tonic

Ingredients

Spring Sips

Orange Crush Cocktail

Ingredients

Ice

2 oz. vodka or orange-flavored vodka

2 oz. triple sec

1 medium navel orange, juiced (about 1/4 to 1/2c.)

Lemon-lime soda, such as Sierra Mist or Sprite

A few dashes of orange bitters (optional)

Orange slice, for garnish

Directions

Fill a rocks glass with ice. Add vodka, triple sec, and orange juice and stir to combine. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with an orange slice.

1 c. fresh or frozen blueberries

2 tbsp. granulated sugar

1 tbsp. water

Ice

3 oz. gin

12 oz. tonic water

Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring blueberries, granulated sugar, and water to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, until most blueberries have burst, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and refrigerate until chilled. Divide 4 tbsp. blueberry syrup between 2 ice-filled glasses. Add gin and top with tonic water. Add more blueberry syrup or tonic water to taste. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Cottontail Margaritas

Ingredients

1/4 c. marshmallow fluff

2 c. sweetened shredded coconut

1 (14 oz.) can coconut milk

1 1/2 c. silver tequila

1 c. triple sec

1/2 c. pineapple juice

1/4 c. lime juice

Ice, for serving

Directions

Using a butter knife (or a small offset spatula), spread marshmallow fluff around rims of glasses. Add shredded coconut to a shallow bowl, then dip the tops of glasses in coconut, adhering the coconut to the fluff. In a large pitcher, stir together coconut milk, tequila, triple sec, pineapple juice, and lime juice. Add ice to glasses then pour over margarita mixture.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG)

After Puss accidentally gets crushed by a bell, his doctor informs him that he only has one of his nine lives left. Now-humbled, he decides to give retirement a shot, but when he hears about a magical Wishing Star that could possibly return his eight missing lives, he sets out for one last great adventure. Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek Pinault reprise their roles while new additions to the cast keep it light and fun.

Boston Strangler (R)

Based on the true story of the 1960s serial killer linked to the murders of 15 women, this film is told through the point of view of reporter Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley). The movie follows Loretta as she begins to connect the dots between each murder and gathers evidence. She fights for the perpetrator to be brought to justice while also fighting to be heard within her own newsroom.