12 myths about cold weather: What you should not be afraid of and what you should avoid, doctors said

The yellowing of the leaves and the cooling of the air brings with it the well-known legends and sayings that come with the arrival of cold weather. From warnings about the dangers of going outside with wet hair to debates about using sunscreen in winter, these seasonal stories are passed down from generation to generation. To separate fact from fiction, experts examined the science behind some of the most common cold weather myths. Their findings make it possible to understand how our bodies actually respond to cold weather, USA Today writes.

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Primary care physician Dr. Jeffrey Linder, emergency medicine specialist Dr. Terry Chiganos and family medicine specialist Dr. Robert Litchfield weighed in on these seasonal explanations. His explanations, based on medical science, aim to eliminate misconceptions and clarify the subject. Whether it’s the risk of catching a cold in the cold or the effectiveness of outerwear in winter, their experiences help shed light on the truth behind these common beliefs. Understanding these aspects not only satisfies curiosity but also promotes better health and awareness during the colder months.

• Myth 1: Cold causes colds. Contrary to popular belief, going outside with wet hair or after a shower will not make you sick. Robert Litchfield explains that cold weather alone is not responsible for colds, but being indoors more often in winter and being in close contact with other people increases our chances of contracting viral diseases. So, you may catch a cold in the cold months, but the temperature is not to blame.
• Myth 2: Swimming in winter equals a cold. This is also a legend. Actually Dr. As Litchfield points out, healthy exercise like swimming strengthens the immune system and makes us less susceptible to disease. Beware of close contact in common areas such as locker rooms.
• Myth 3: The risk of ear infections increases when swimming in winter. Dr. Terry Chiganos explains that swimming can lead to an outer ear infection, but the risk is the same no matter what time of year.
• Myth 4: Wearing lots of clothes protects you from colds. Dr. As Jeffrey Linder confirms, dressing in layers is really effective for staying warm in winter, but it doesn’t protect against colds. He recommends using insulation layers to trap warm air, along with windproof and waterproof outer layers.
• Myth 5: Alcohol warms the body. NO. Dr. Litchfield warns that alcohol can dull our sense of cold and pain, leading to dangerous conditions such as hypothermia.
• Myth 6: There is no need for sunscreen in winter. In fact, sunscreen is necessary all year round. Dr. Chiganos explains that ultraviolet radiation can be enhanced by reflection in snow and ice.

• Myth 7: Heat loss from the head. Contrary to the belief that we lose most of our heat through the head, doctors say that it is only around 10%, which is proportional to the area of ​​the head.
• Myth 8: Instant hypothermia when falling into icy water. Dr. Falling into icy water is dangerous, according to Chiganos, but sudden hypothermia is not an immediate threat. The first danger is suffocation due to shock and loss of muscle control.
• Myth 9: Eating snow helps with hydration. Dr. According to Litchfield, in survival situations, eating snow can lower body temperature and should be avoided unless necessary.
• Myth 10: Fluid intake is not important in cold weather. Doctors say normal fluid intake levels should be maintained even in cold weather, especially due to dry air.
• Myth 11: Exercising in cold weather is risky. Exercising in cold weather isn’t inherently dangerous, but you should be careful about icing, Dr. Litchfield.
• Myth 12: Migraines are more likely to occur in cold weather. Dr. Chiganos notes that migraines can be triggered by a variety of environmental factors, including changes in weather conditions, but are not associated with cold weather.

That’s why many myths about cold weather remain myths. Understanding the facts can help us spend the winter months safer and healthier. Remember that awareness is the key to debunking misconceptions and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Previously Focus He wrote about the benefits of cold in extending life. Low temperatures could be key to discovering new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Moreover Focus He wrote about the health dangers of freezing winter weather. Researchers listed risks ranging from effects on the immune system to heart attack, anxiety and depression.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are having problems, contact an expert.