July Health Myth Busters: Facts Should Be Funnier than Fiction!
Your health deserves the truth—Enjoy a summary of the Medicall health focus topics this July.
1. Myth: "The Sun Can’t Harm Me – I’m Melanin-Blessed!"- Black don’t crack, right?"
Busted: Sorry fam, but melanin is not SPF 100. While it provides some natural UV protection, you can still get sunburned, hyperpigmented, or even develop melanoma. The sun doesn’t discriminate.
Fact: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, even when it’s cloudy this summer. Wear shades, rock that floppy hat, for UV safety.
" Wearing sunscreen doesn’t make you less African. It makes you less crispy."
2. Myth: "I Only Need to Drink Water When I’m Thirsty"
Busted: Your body is already dehydrated by the time you feel thirsty. In hot months like July, that’s a slippery slope to dizziness, constipation, and kidney complaints.
Fact: Sip water throughout the day, even if you’re not “feeling it.” Especially if you sweat more, eat salty foods, or talk too much (we see you).
"Water is the only drink where refilling is encouraged by doctors"
3. Myth: "If I Can’t See the UV Rays, They Can’t See Me!"- “I’m indoors; I'm safe from UV.”
Busted: UVA rays pass through glass—yes, even the windows of your fancy office or matatu. Long-term exposure can still damage your skin and eyes.
Fact: Apply sunscreen and wear UV-blocking sunglasses even indoors if you’re near sunlight. Protect those corneas and your skin barrier.
"If UV rays could talk, they’d say: “I see you through the glass"
4. Myth: "Eating Carrots Will Make Me See in the Dark Like a Bat"- “More carrots = night vision mode unlocked.”
Busted: Carrots help your overall eye health thanks to Vitamin A, but they won’t give you superpowers.
Fact: Eat a balanced diet with leafy greens, eggs, fish (omega-3), beware of too much light from your gadgets, wear protective eyewear in the sun or dusty areas, and do not strain in the dark.
5. Myth: "Natural Sugar is Healthier, So I Can Eat All the Mangoes/sugary fruits I Want" - “If it grows on a tree, it’s medicine.”
Busted: While fruits are healthy, natural sugar is still sugar. Overeating fruits can spike your blood sugar—especially dangerous for diabetics.
Fact: Balance is key. Choose whole fruits over juices, and combine them with protein or fiber to avoid sugar spikes.
"Mangoes are sweet. But your pancreas still needs a break"
6. Myth: "Fever = Malaria. Let Me Swallow My Coartem Quickly!"- “Why waste money on a test?”
Busted: Fever is a common first sign of illness. It can have many causes;COVID-19, flu, typhoid, UTIs, fatigue/strain and more. Taking anti-malarials without a test is like shooting mosquitoes witth a rifle.
Fact: Get a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) first. Avoid self-medicating, and don’t “diagnose” with vibes and Google.
"Not every fever is malaria. Sometimes it's your body telling you to log off social media and sleep"
7. Myth: "Mental Health Issues Are for the Weak or the Rich" - “You’re just being dramatic.”
Busted: Mental health doesn’t care about your status, tribe, or title. Stress, anxiety, depression—even burnout—can affect anyone, including that “strong African dad”.
Fact: Talk to someone. Seek therapy. There’s no shame in saying “I need help.” Beware of silent depression habits!
" You don't need to be rich to see a therapist. Just honest—and maybe a little tired of pretending you're okay.
8. Myth: "I’m Clean Because I Use Hand Sanitizer Every Hour" - “My hands smell like gin – I’m safe.”
Busted: Hand sanitizer only works if it’s 60% alcohol or more and used properly. Sticky, scented lotions labeled “sanitizer” from unknown kiosks don’t count.
Fact: Wash your hands with soap and water when you can. Save sanitizer for when water isn’t available.
" If your sanitizer smells like coconut and glitter, it’s probably perfume. Wash your hands, please"
N/B: July is hot, dusty, and full of health risks—but even more full of health myths! Fact-check always!
You can always share us #MedicallSpaceMythBusters on socials to educate others or reach out for inquiries!
