From debunking ginger ale's mythical powers to confirming the safety of post-meal swimming, we're busting health myths that make Mom's warnings seem like outdated legends.

In a surprising twist that may leave mothers everywhere clutching their pearls, recent findings have upended long-held beliefs about everyday health hacks. Despite your mom's best efforts, ginger ale won't save your stomach, swallowing gum won't make you a human gumball machine, and you don't need to wait after meals to swim without turning into a cautionary tale. Turns out, chicken soup is just mom's way of saying 'hydrate,' and watching TV up close is more likely to strain your attention than your eyes. So, take a plunge into these debunked myths and get ready to serve your mom a healthy helping of reality.

First on the chopping block is ginger ale. Many of us have turned to this fizzy beverage in times of stomach distress, hoping it would calm the storm within. However, most commercial ginger ales today do not contain actual ginger, rendering them useless as a remedy for stomach aches. It's mostly carbonated water with a splash of sweeteners and artificial flavoring, so if you're feeling queasy, your best bet is to look elsewhere for comfort.

Next up, the dreaded swallowed gum myth. You've likely heard that if you swallow gum, it will sit in your stomach for seven years—a notion that has haunted childhoods for generations. In reality, your digestive system is more efficient than the rumor mill gives it credit for. Gum will pass through your system in about two to five days, just like most other swallowed substances. So, while it's not advisable to make a habit of swallowing gum, you can rest easy knowing it won’t set up permanent residence in your stomach.

It's also time to clear the waters regarding the age-old warning about swimming post-meal. Contrary to parental mandates to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before diving back into the pool, there is no scientific evidence to support an increased risk of drowning. Digesting food doesn't magically drain the body's ability to swim. So feel free to enjoy that sandwich before making a splash.

Ah, chicken soup—the cornerstone of many a home remedy arsenal. While it doesn’t cure a cold, chicken soup does offer comfort and some practical benefits. It's warm, which can be soothing, and it helps on the hydration front. Chicken soup enables the body to stay hydrated and can assist in loosening mucus, making you feel a bit better when you're under the weather, though don’t count on it for a miracle cure.

The television warning of 'Don’t sit too close!' has left many children worried about damaging their precious peepers. In reality, sitting close to the TV does not cause permanent damage, though it can result in temporary eye strain. The cause for concern might be redirected; children who sit too close might simply need an eye exam. They tend to focus at closer distances better than adults, which may indicate that they need a prescription— not that the TV will ruin their vision.

To mitigate the risk of eye strain, it's a good idea to follow a few simple steps. Ensure the room is well-lit while watching television, which can help reduce eye strain. Also, remember to take periodic breaks to give your eyes a rest. Staring at any screen for extended periods can lead to discomfort, so a quick walk around the room can make all the difference. After all, your eyes deserve a little R&R too!

So what have we learned, fellow myth-busters? Ginger ale won't work as a medical panacea, swallowed gum is not building a condo in your digestive tract, swimming post-meal won't morph you into a headline, chicken soup is a hydrator more than a healer, and sitting too close to the TV won’t damage your eyes, although it might indicate a trip to the optometrist is in order. These revelatory corrections might shake up a family dinner conversation or two.

Still, in the grand adventure of life, it’s essential to take these debunked myths with a pinch of humor and perhaps even a bigger pinch of reality. So go ahead, tell your mom the good news—you won't mutate from a gum overload, and that post-dinner swim looks like the perfect way to enjoy the afternoon. Just don’t expect her to give up on the chicken soup any time soon.