Old Wives’ Tales have been around for centuries. These are claims or sayings are meant to promote a specific behaviour, such as eating carrots to improve eyesight. And they often have a long history of being passed from one generation to the next. Many of these Tales started without any facts or science to support them (such as bulls hating the colour red). And while following some may be harmless, others are not (you should [not] pee on a jellyfish sting). Yet still, some do have a kernel of truth to them. Here are four Old Wives’ Tales fact checked.
It is Better to Give than Receive
This Tale likely came out of the notion of trying to get people to be less selfish. And on the surface one might think receiving things makes you richer. The more you’re given, the more you have, whether it be money or material goods. Having people give you things may also reflect love, or praise, such as when you get promoted. And indeed, receiving things can make you happier. But the giver may end up being happiest.
Whether it’s opening a door for someone, or donating to charity, giving can lower anxiety and increase happiness. In one study, spending money on others resulted in greater happiness than spending money on yourself. Even something as simple as smiling at another person can put you in a better mood.
When you help others, your body releases oxytocin, which in some cases can enhance social and bonding aspects of human behaviour. This is what may be involved in the stress reducing aspect of helping others. Giving to others also stimulates areas of the brain associated with happiness and empathy.
No Pain, No Gain
“No pain, no gain” became a go-to phrase for exercise in the 1980s and has stuck with us ever since. It suggests that one cannot get gains in fitness or strength without some sort of pain or suffering. Meaning, it has to hurt, or it isn’t doing any good. This Tale has its origins in the Bible in which pain and suffering is the route to greater spirituality.
When it comes to exercise, this Tale has it all wrong. Exercise doesn’t have to hurt. Either when you’re doing the activity or the day after. If you’re new to exercise or switching up your routine, you may feel some soreness or discomfort the day or two after. This is likely due to delayed onset muscle soreness (or DOMS), the result of microscopic tears in the muscle. It isn’t harmful and will usually go away in a day or two. It’s common when exercising muscles that aren’t used to it. It can occur right at the start of your program, or if you change up your exercise routine.
But it’s not a sign of a great workout. Nor a sign of your fitness. It can happen to new exercisers and athletes, alike. And as your muscles get used to the activity, they’ll adapt and will be less likely to feel sore. Even if you are stressing them more. If you are sore, listen to your body. Active movement, staying hydrated and quality sleep can help. However, if it lasts longer than a week or if you get sharp pain or numbness, you may want to take some time off and go see your doctor.
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
This Tale was first coined by Benjamin Franklin in 1736. He said it regarding fire safety in Philadelphia, meaning that some simple steps taken in the present could prevent a catastrophic fire in the future. Since then, it has been adapted to many other contexts, including health. I first heard it as a child from my grandmother in relation to preventing a cold.
In terms of disease prevention, there’s truth in this saying. Being regularly active and getting exercise are well-known to prevent diseases and can add years to your life. Healthy nutrition, and quality sleep are also key prevention strategies. Vaccinations are proven to ward off infectious diseases such as the flu, polio and measles. And screening for colorectal cancer is effective at preventing, or a least minimizing, the impact of this cancer.
Of course, the saying is only as valid as the prevention strategy it’s applied to. Being cold doesn’t lead to getting a cold, so being told to zip up your jacket to prevent getting sick isn’t going to work (sorry grandma). Likewise, many supplements that make (unproven) claims to boost your immunity and make you healthier indicate that this is a Tale that can be right some of the time, but not always.
An Hour Before Midnight is Worth Two After
Based on an English proverb that’s been around for over three centuries, this Tale relates to sleep. Its message is pretty clear- having more sleep time before midnight is better than after. And there might be some truth to this. Sort of.
We all have a sleep cycle. Prior to indoor lighting and other technology, the sleep cycle was closely tied to the sun. For most of us it still is. People generally wake up early in the morning, and that’s when this Tale has some meaning. If you need to be up around 6 am or 7 am, going to bed after midnight could comprise how much sleep you get. If this happens, you could go into sleep debt, leading to fatigue and potentially worse physical and mental health.
But there’s nothing inherently special about midnight. One hour of sleep before midnight, is the same as one hour after. It’s just that if you do get to bed before midnight, you’re likely to get more sleep than if you go to bed after.
Do you have some Old Wives’ Tales you grew up with? Put them in the comments below and I can incorporate them in a future blog post.
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