Do you remember all those things your grandmother taught you about staying healthy in the winter?  Many of them hold true (chicken soup really is good for you!), but there are some commonly held beliefs about cold weather and health that just don’t hold up to scientific scrutiny.  Here are three.

1. “Stay inside, because cold air will make you sick.”  Viruses and bacteria cause illness, not air temperature.  Chilly weather shouldn’t keep children from getting the exercise they need.  Just be sure to dress them warmly and use common sense.  Don’t forget that cold and wet together (think playing in the snow) can cause frostbite fairly quickly.

2. “Never go out without a hat—you’ll lose all your body heat through your head.”  Well, not exactly.  Yes, staying covered keeps you warm.  And yes, staying covered includes wearing a hat.  But if your child got on the bus without her hat, she’ll be okay unless it’s super cold.  You lose heat through any exposed skin, but no more through the head than through any other part of the body.  Just keep your children warmly dressed.  A hat or hood is often a good way to feel (and be) warm.

3. “Allergies go away in the winter.”  Maybe.  If your child has pollen allergies, those will likely improve.  But if he has allergies to dust mites or pet dander, those may worsen because of increased time spent indoors.  Many people with allergies have a sensitivity to live Christmas trees, not only because of the greenery, but because of outdoor allergens that cling to the needles.

Stay warm and healthy this winter!

Artwork by Damion

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