Katie Couric's Notebook: Medical Myths

Could it be that Mom wasn't always right?

Two myth-busting pediatricians from Indiana University say some of her pearls of wisdom just don't hold up to science. For example, she probably always said to wear a hat because we lose 40 percent of our body heat through our heads, right?

Well, no.You'll lose just as much if you leave some other body part uncovered.Here's another one. Kids are more hyperactive after eating sugar. Well, actually, the researchers say a dozen different studies prove sugar makes no difference.

You've probably heard that you'll put on more weight eating late at night. Wrong again.
Studies conclude it's your total calorie intake that matters, not the timing. So much for all that butter at breakfast.

But whatever you do, just don't tell Mom she was wrong about all this. She wouldn't buy it – and besides – she'd just insist you put your hat on when you leave.