Two years into the pandemic, but we still have not learned our lessons. Pandemic taught us to be careful, aware and well informed about the microorganisms that live with us in the same environment. However, despite several science backed theories and research efforts to bring forward the mystery and unsolved questions around COVID, many of us prefer to believe the myths that have been spread all around about the infection, the vaccine and the treatment process.

As coronavirus is spreading across the world, with rising number of infections and fatalities in European countries as well, and as it is wrecking havoc on global economy, it has posed challenges on several fronts—economy, public health and even livelihood. A new form of challenge has also emerged: That of myths and misinformation on how people contract COVID-19 and what they should do to avoid it.  People have created such myths out of fear and panic.  Such myths are good only so long as they encourage people to adopt preventive measures but can also drive the people to take measures that could potentially harm their own health. One such myth circulating in social media recently is about cow urine. Recently, an Indian lawmaker reportedly recommended that people should consume cow urine and dung to avoid infection. In Nepal too, including in Kathmandu Valley, such myths are making rounds.

While this is true to some extent, caffeine is not addictive like drugs and other indulgences. Consuming it regularly might induce some dependence.

Skin is very sensitive organ and any harmful chemical can damage your skin, hence there are numerous things that should be considered before buying cosmetic products.

With the increase in the use of smartphones and internet penetration, mobile banking has a huge scope in developing countries. Various research and studies have been published in African countries such as Kenya, Nigeria and other countries which shows mobile banking has decreased corruption and increased transparency.

We all love a good story. Which is probably why we are so fascinated by myths and legends. Our cultures and histories have so many of them that it’s hard to know everything. But if you want a better understanding of some common folklore then there are some great podcasts that you can tune into. Here are some podcasts on the topic that we are currently in love with.

Superstitions make us do weird things. We stop abruptly on our paths if a cat crosses the road in front of us, we hesitate to walk underneath a ladder and take great pains to go around it, and we knock heads again if we accidently bump our head with someone. That’s not all. It seems each and every one of us has our own set of superstitions, or beliefs as we would like to call them. It might have no logic behind it but, in its own way, it makes you feel good and gives you strength and that’s what’s important.

There are millions of makeup tutorial videos and articles on the internet, but your skin needs a comprehensive care.  Any bad makeup advice can damage your skin.

In conversation with My City’s Aditya Neuapne, Chief of Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Dr Sher Bahadur Pun debunked five myths that are commonly heard in Nepal.

Nepali modelling industry is still in its developing phase and has been a hot topic of gossips. There are different myths associated with modeling,creating confusion among new comers.

As dogs’ biological system is not similar to that of humans. They need comprehensive care.

The importance of pregnancy care cannot be stressed enough. There are so many books and articles already written about it that the information available is often contradictory. Also, there are many people who depend on traditional practices and act against the advices of professionals. Dr Rangina Laikangbam (Shah), an obstetrician and laparoscopic gynecologist at Alka Hospital in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, says it’s quite alarming how people don’t know even the basics of pregnancy care.

In a conversation with My City’s Aditya Neupane, famous Fitness YouTuber and the Founder of The Physique Workshop, Sushant Pradhan shared some common myths related to fitness.

Are you worried about not being able to be a parent?? It may be because you’re simply taking considerations into common myths about infertility.

KATHMANDU, Dec 25: Irritated with common cold and flu?? And just continuing taking antibiotics?? It may be because you’re simply taking considerations into common myths about common cold and flu preventive measures.

KATHMANDU, Dec 11: Are you tired of trying losing your weight but not being able to? It may be because you’re simply taking considerations into common myths about weight loss.

KATHMANDU, Nov 27:  Does workplace harassment only refer to physical touch?

Literature hasn’t been far behind in incorporating myths into its stories. Authors have also taken to making their own characters out of the mythological gods and goddesses in their books (Yes, Rick Riordan, we’re talking about you). There have been many fascinating books written over the years that do justice to the already-rich stories of the myths. Here are some we highly recommend.

I am sure that most of us have heard about the story of King Midas. According to the myths, when the god granted king Midas one wish, he wished for the touch of gold. The wish was granted and he started turning trees, rocks, and building into gold. But soon, he found himself in a horrible situation because he couldn’t eat as a result of his boon. The food he touched turned into gold as well.

Smoking hookahs has been a leisurely activity for centuries, and is popular even today at nightclubs and hookah bars. Snehal Singh, senior lifestyle and wellness management consultant at Healthians, and Sargam Dhawan, director, Planet Herbs Lifesciences list major myths about the hookah:

Western feminism started in the late 19th century. Hindu societies had ensured women’s rights during the Vedic age.

Science and technology revolutionize our lives, but memory, tradition, and myth frame our responses. Yes, you read it right- myths frame our responses and that further results in opinion formation. So, it is necessary to clear the myths on time.

From using the right hair pack to restore its shine and smoothness to buying good quality products for our skin, there are many things we do to make sure our skin and hair are in top-notch shape. While some tricks are really good for us, there are quite a few myths that guide our beauty rituals as well. To separate facts from fiction, The Week sought the help of Hair and Skin expert Sanjana Pandey of Berry Beautik in Satdobato, Lalitpur. Here she sheds light on a few beauty beliefs that are indeed myths and tells us what we should be doing instead.

Cancer is a scary thing but, with the advance in medical technology, a lot of cancers are now treatable and that is true of breast cancer as well, which is one of the most common types of cancers in women. But as with all types of cancers, early detection and treatment play a huge role in effectively getting rid of the cancerous cells. Though there is a lot of awareness now about breast cancer, there are still some myths that blind side you from the risks.

Young girls need your love and support to face this ordeal which frightens them already

The word ‘metabolism’ is thrown around a lot whenever there is any discussion on any issues around weight. While some enthusiastically give it full credit for their enviable figures, there are others who simply throw up their hands and blame their excess weight on their slow metabolism. So by now we have clearly established the importance of metabolism. However, it seems there are still many facets of the process that remains a little sketchy for many people.

Her friends and relatives often tell her that they don’t know what to feed her when they invite her for dinner. Her answer is always the same: I’ll eat anything and everything that grows in the fields and isn’t sourced from animals. Shristi Shrestha, animal rights activist, freelance writer, and fitness instructor, has been vegan for five years now and says that it isn’t a difficult lifestyle, despite what many might think, if you educate yourself and realize how your choices affect every living being. Here, she joins The Week to talk about her vegan lifestyle and how those who are interested can join her in this noble path. ​

From picking the fanciest pair of sunglasses on offer to not caring about the UV protection index of the accessory are some of the several myths and misconceptions that prevent people from purchasing healthy sunglasses and wearing them in the right way, says an expert.

Around 67 percent people do not trust the police and 78 percent believe the police do not understand their issues

If language learning is a greater objective than learning math and science, we wouldn’t need schools and colleges. Language institutes would suffice

In this digital age, there seems to be an abundance of information. We want to know so much about self-improvement and how to meet our career goals. The truth however is that, amidst all the information there are lies that distorts the facts.

There are some misconceptions and mistaken ideas about beauty care. Since wrong beauty habits and ideas are not clarified, people continue to make some common beauty mistakes. Here are some common beauty blunders that need to be clarified.

DR KC's movement has strengthened those in favor of sending students abroad for medical education and work.