Myths Meet the Facts with Dr. Darwin Ferrolino of Variahealth

Growing up in a Filipino family could mean religiously following all the superstitious beliefs possible. These mysteries that we’ve been too curious to uncover involves numbers of myths on life, spirituality, and even healthcare. On the other hand, living in this age requires the balance between cultural myths and the scientific facts. And nobody stands more reliable on healthcare opinions than the medical experts like those of Variahealth.

Dr. Darwin Ferrolino serves as the head dentist of Variahealth and medical technologist, thus holds the perfect voice to collide the ever-mysterious healthcare myths to its scientific counterparts. Now that disinformation and misinformation is everywhere, living a life in facts is a must, especially when it involves our health.

Here are some myths to meet the facts with Dr. Darwin Ferrolino of Variahealth

Cotton swabs are the best ways to clean your ears

Ear cleaning is probably one of the most satisfying hygiene routines ever, especially when done with the lightest touch. On the other hand, there is always a thin line between satisfaction and caution in keeping our health at the right path. Cotton swabs could be helpful, but Dr. Darwin reminds us to be careful when using such.

Our ears has it’s self cleaning abilities. However the external ear can be cleaned using a thin towelette or cloth. Using a cotton swab if done improperly, may cause ear wax to get impacted and cause more harm.
Dr. Darwin on the use of cotton swabs

The harder you brush, the cleaner teeth you’ll get

Our simplest of smile speaks volume of how we feel about a person. And for sure, nobody likes to smile with all teeth out while having something stuck in between them. So, most of the time, we brush harder thinking that it could get our teeth cleaner. But Dr. Darwin thinks the opposite.

Our teeth are protected with a tough enamel layer, but this layer can still be damaged when too much force is applied. Brushing too hard may cause serious damage, so better if we practice the proper strokes and not too much on the pressure.
Dr. Darwin on brushing teeth hard

Menstrual blood for clearer face

it’s long been a rumor that the elder’s secret for fresh and young-looking faces is the not-so-hygienic menstrual blood! The first time I heard it was years ago but every time I get to encounter such a narrative, I can’t help myself to being “too stunned to speak.” And to officially break through the hearsay, Dr. Darwin spills with us the scientific tea on this!

Menstrual blood is just blood contaminated with bacteria. Usually our body excrete its waste materials, and waste materials should be discarded; not placed on the face that is delicate. There are a lot of creams available in the market nowadays that can be compatible with your face.
Dr. Darwin on menstrual blood for skin care

Regularly pinching your nose to make it pointed

Referencing to all the conventional beauty standards, a lot of us at some point, aimed for a pointed nose. During our younger days, even when we were literally “babies”, regularly pinching the nose is the only way to achieve such a goal. On the other hand, time has proven us wrong! And to further support time, Dr. Darwin has something to say on this practice.

Healthy Ways to Deal with Academic Burnout

Our nose normally is made up of a cartilage which is designed to bend slightly when there is external pressure applied. This is a form of protection for our nasal bones found inside which are very thin and fragile. Pinching may temporarily change the shape for a very quick time, but eventually will revert back after a short while.
Dr. Darwin’s medical opinion on nose pinching

Facial massage can tighten skin

Although most healthcare myths seem to be in contrast of what science says, there are some that are backed up by logical explanations that can be supported by the professional medical experts. One of these is massaging the face to tighten its skin. Even if it may sound uncanny at first, Dr. Darwin shared an explanation to why it could really happen.

Facial massage when done properly can stimulate lymphatic drainage which can relieve swelling if or when there is blockage. This may help in making the face look thinner and not swollen but no direct effects on the skin. Using moisturizers during the facial massage may bring back the moisture of the skin. A balanced skin moisture can make the skin look tight, healthy and bright.
Dr. Darwin on the myth on facial massage

Myths and superstitious beliefs are manifestations of the rich cultural background that we have as Filipinos. On the other hand preserving such culture does not need to put our healths at risk. We have to move forward and recognize the essence of facts, especially on health matters.