Admit it, you’ve fibbed to your physician.
Maybe you told your doctor you exercise five days a week, when you actually only hit the gym a couple times a week.
Maybe you said you quit smoking, but you still smoke occasionally.
Or maybe you claim to eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day, but don’t say that you consider potato chips and French fries as vegetables.
Everyday Health talked to doctors and compiled a list of the top 10 lies they hear from patients.
Here are the white lies people often tell those in white coats:
- I quit smoking months ago.
- I rarely drink.
- I’m a fitness nut!
- I only take the medications I’m prescribed.
- I don’t skip any of my medications.
- I’m a healthy eater.
- Sexual problems? No way.
- Ouch, I feel awful! (Inventing or exaggerating symptoms)
- I’m not sure when my symptoms started (leading out details because you’re embarrassed).
- I have no family history of that disease.
Check out the story for more from the doctors, including how those lies can impact your health.
Marissa Harshman
I'm the health reporter for The Columbian newspaper in Vancouver, Wash. I started at The Columbian -- my hometown newspaper -- in September 2009. Reach me at marissa.harshman@columbian.com or 360-735-4546.