Health and the 5 Winter Myths

What are the 5 Winter Myths that Health.com think people should stop believing?

Myth 1: People Shouldn’t Exercise in Cold Weather

Fact: In cold temperatures, people’s running times in race events – and during training – are actually faster than in warmer temperatures. Quicker paces means that the body burns more calories in less time.

Myth 2: Allergies Go Away in Winter

Fact: One in 5 people suffer from indoor/outdoor allergies in America. Indoor allergies can be worse in winter.

Myth 3: Sunscreen is Not Needed in Winter

Fact: Due to Earth’s surface being closer to the sun during the winter months, people are exposed to more harmful solar rays. Snow and ice reflect 80% of ultraviolet (UV) rays so skin is doubly affected: by direct sun and by reflection. Therefore, sunscreen is still required in winter on exposed skin.

Myth 4: Vitamin C Prevents Colds

Fact: Studies suggest that Vitamin C may reduce the length or severity of a cold, but it does not stop colds from occuring.

Myth 5: Drinking Alcohol Warms Up the Body

Fact: Alcohol causes blood to rush to the surface of the skin and away from internal organs. Therefore, core body temperature actually drops.

So says Health.com.

www.usatoday.com

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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