As it turns out, the cold hard facts about winter don’t always line up where we think they will! Check out these common myths about winter health:
Can’t exercise in cold weather, so squirt some more whip cream on the cocoa!
Cold weather exercises burn more calories. Your body has to expend more energy (and thus, calories) to keep warm. So don’t avoid it -take that daily walk or run and torch those calories!
Winter is hard on the body.
It can be, but there are also benefits. An ice pack can reduce inflammation in, say, a sprained ankle or stubbed toe. Winter’s chilly blasts can reduce general inflammation and pain all over your body.
Staying home and hiding under the covers is isolating.
When the weather is frightful and the warm cozy couch is delightful, people tend to call friends and family more than ever, staying on the phone for longer conversations, studies show. It can actually bring us closer!
Winter = allergy relief!
Not so fast. With pets inside more, no fresh air circulating, and molds thriving everywhere from the heating system to the holiday greenery, indoor allergies can be even worse than their summer counterparts.
At least we don’t have to worry about sunburn.
Think again.The Earth’s surface is actually closer to the sun during the winter months, so harmful rays abound. And snow and ice can reflect even more harmful UV rays so that they can hit your skin twice, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. So even in winter, cover exposed skin with sunscreen.
Make mine a double–it will will warm me up!
Alcohol can make you toasty on the inside, but it’s causing your blood to rush toward your skin and away from your internal organs. That means your body temperature actually drops. Also, alcohol impairs your body’s ability to shiver, which helps you create extra heat. So, drink wisely and stay warm in other ways. But push the healthy fluids. The dry air of winter can be very dehydrating, so make sure to keep chugging water.