Many of our age old beliefs about children's health have been shown to be untrue, but because we have heard them all of our lives, we continue to repeat these myths. Our children will benefit if we recognize these myths and don't pass them on to future generations.

1. No sugar. It makes you hyperactive.
Sugar will not make your child hyperactive. What made your son bounce off the walls at the Halloween party then? Probably the party itself - with the added excitement and attention drawn by the child's acting out. Numerous studies have failed to find a relationship between sugar intake and hyperactivity. There are lots of good reasons for your child to cut back on sugar, but less sugar intake will not necessarily make your child calmer.

2. Stop slouching. You'll get scoliosis.
Good posture will not prevent scoliosis. About 2 out of 100 children under the age of 16, (girls more than boys) are afflicted with scoliosis or curvature of the spine. In most cases, science provides no proven answers as to causes, but doctors do know that slouching is not a cause. Make sure your child gets plenty of calcium and vitamin D to help protect her from bone problems.

3. Put on your coat or you'll catch a cold.
Colds are caused by viruses. Colds are not caused by playing outside without a coat or going outside with wet hair. Feeling cold does not cause a cold. Usually, your child catches a cold from someone else who has a cold. Kids frequently get colds at school and more frequently in winter because they are inside more. It's also proven that if your child is tired, stressed, or poorly nourished, she will be more susceptible to catching a cold.

4. It's OK, you're no longer contagious.
It is generally believed that colds are no longer contagious after symptoms appear. Not true. Colds spread most easily when symptoms are at their worst. The likelihood of catching (or passing) the virus peaks when kids are most miserable. This is because coughs and sneezes spray the air around them with virus-laden droplets. Even though your child may be almost over his cold, he can still pass on the virus if a runny nose persists. Keep your child away from other children until all symptoms are gone. His teacher and other moms will appreciate it.

5. This antibiotic will make you get well quicker.
Antibiotics won't help your child recover any faster. Most colds take 7 to 10 days for symptoms to go away. Remember, common colds and stomach flu illnesses are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are used in treating bacteria. Your body builds immunity to antibiotics, so using this powerful medicine when it's not necessary can make it more difficult to treat serious bacterial infections in the future.

6. Mommy can't kiss you, because she has a cold.
It's actually difficult to spread a cold by kissing. (We're not talking about French kissing here.) Saliva in and around the mouth contains very little cold virus. A peck on the lips, probably won't hurt. It is sneezes and coughs, both laden with viral droplets from deep in your airway, that transmit colds and flu. Washing your hands, is the best way to keep your child from catching your cold.