I saw it on the internet
Social Networking Sites: Benefits, Problems, and “Facebook Depression”
For better or worse, social networking is an almost unavoidable part of everyday life. The number of people joining social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google Plus is growing exponentially, especially among youth. Due to the prevalence of social media usage among youths, many parents wonder if it is having beneficial or negative effects on their children. Like many things in life, the answer is not so clear-cut: it's yes and no. Facebook both promotes mental well-being and undermines it. | more
Laser Liposuction—Weight Loss Tool or Scam?
As American waistlines have expanded, the attraction of a quick weight loss fix has increased. Diet and exercise are the key to safe weight loss, but for many of us, the results are discouraging. As a result, liposuction is the third most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States, after breast augmentation and nose reshaping. However, the procedure can result in severe though rare complications including infection, cardiac arrest, blood clots, excessive fluid loss, fluid accumulation, damage to the skin or nerves, seizures, bruising, swelling, and damage to vital organs. Plastic surgeons often present laser liposuction as a safer, effective alternative which works by inserting a laser beneath the skin and liquifying fat. But does it work and is it really safe? | more
Do Lemons Prevent Cancer?
A widely circulating e-mail claiming to be from the Institute of Health Sciences in Baltimore states that lemons are a "proven remedy against cancers of all types" and that lemons are 10,000 times stronger than chemotherapy. The claims this e-mail makes are not correct. Although lemons have many health benefits, no study has ever been done that would compare the effectiveness of a lemon to chemotherapy. | more
The National Research Center for Women & Families is on your side!
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is an agency of the U.S. government which informs and protects American consumers through research, policy-making, and law-enforcement. They can help you get your money back! Ever been ripped off? The FTC can reimburse you for items that didn’t live up to their advertisements. Get money back for [...] | more
Are Antiperspirants Safe?
A widely circulating e-mail article claims that antiperspirant use causes breast cancer. The e-mail says that since antiperspirants prevent your body from sweating out toxins, the toxins then build up in your lymph nodes and result in breast cancer. However, these claims are NOT correct. | more
Will Acai Help Me Lose Weight?
Many sellers of health foods and supplements claim that the acai (AH-sah-EE) berry will help you lose weight. Dieters beware: these claims are false. | more
Is Plastic Safe to Use in the Microwave?
Everyone knows that you can't heat aluminum foil in the microwave, but if you think plastic wraps are a safe alternative, you might want to think again. | more
Is it Dangerous to Pump Gas while Doing Other Things?
We recently received an email warning about gas pump fires caused by cell phones or static electricity. The email falsely claims that the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) found that fires were caused by individuals using a cell phone while pumping gas. | more
Will pills or creams increase breast size?
Question: I got an email about a cream that will make my breasts grow. Then I saw an ad for a different cream in a magazine. My mother says that those products don't really work. Is that true? Why are they allowed to sell them if they don't work? | more
Is There a New Kind of Breast Cancer?: Paget’s Disease
Many women have received an email warning that a "new form of breast cancer" starts as a rash on a woman's breast, instead of showing up as a lump. This Internet story is actually based on truth. | more
