Most Michigan residents know how unpredictable winter weather can be. Freezing temperatures can shake the state one day, and then record-highs can melt it all away the next.
One thing you might not know about this season is how the weather affects your body so you can make the best choices for you and your family's health. Here, Alexis Federman, D.O., a primary care physician at Henry Ford Health, debunks six wintertime myths so that you can stay healthy this time of year.
Myth #1: You lose most of your body heat through your head.
The truth: It depends.
While it may look like your head is releasing steam after a long jog on a cold day, you don't lose any more heat out of the top of your head compared to the rest of your body. In fact, you can shed heat from any part of the body that is facing the elements.
That said, children tend to lose a higher percentage of body heat through their heads. The reason? Compared to adults, their heads are larger in relation to their bodies.
Throwing on a hat before going outside can help avoid the chill air. Many people have hair too, which adds a protective layer from the winter cold. If you want to avoid messing up your hair with a hat, try earmuffs or headbands as an alternative.
Myth #2: Going outside without a coat will make you sick.
The truth: Not true.
When you step outside and notice your nose starts running and you feel congested – that isn’t because you are suddenly coming down with something. It is because of the cold air.
“You get sick in the winter because you get a virus or bacteria – not because you spent time in the cold,” Dr. Federman says. “During winter months, people are inside more, which allows germs to spread easily. When one person gets sick, the likelihood that others will get sick increases.”
There are more than 200 viruses that can cause a cold. So, there is a chance that any one of them can spread in the winter as people spend more times indoors. This increased exposure to germs transmitted through air or when in contact with infected surfaces can eventually make it into your nose, mouth and eyes.
Focus your attention on keeping your indoor spaces clean. Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces and wash your hands often to avoid spreading germs.
Myth #3: Drinking hot liquids warms you faster than cold liquids.
The truth: Not true.
While drinking a cup of hot chocolate or other warm beverage after spending time outside is a winter activity many people enjoy, it doesn’t really warm you up any faster than drinking cold liquids. Adding a hot liquid to your body does increase body temperature slightly, but the warming effect is minimal.
“Drinking warm liquids actually could be cooling your body,” Dr. Federman says. “Your body senses the warm liquid and thinks the body temperature has increased so it works to lower it by producing sweat.”
That’s not to say you can’t enjoy a warm beverage during the winter. In fact, hot drinks have a psychological effect that can improve your mood and emotional well-being. Additionally, staying hydrated is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. When it is cold, your body doesn’t recognize it is thirsty as well. If you plan to spend time outside this winter, make sure you are consuming enough fluids and eating plenty of hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables.
Myth #4: Vitamin C prevents colds.
The truth: Not true.
We know that vitamin C does help your immune system function well. It helps with wound healing and even collagen, joint and tendon protection. Overall, though, vitamin C taken in extra doses to prevent common colds hasn’t proven to be true.
“It won’t usually hurt you to take vitamin C, but it doesn’t significantly help you, either,” Dr. Federman says. “It won’t prevent you from getting a cold, but it could speed up the recovery process in some people.”
For most people, a healthy diet provides an adequate amount of this vitamin as well as other essential nutrients that can boost your immune system. It’s best to talk with your health care provider before adding any type of supplements to your diet.
Myth #5: Women are colder than men.
The truth: It’s tricky.
“The core body temperature of women is a bit warmer than men, but studies have found that a woman’s exterior body temperature can be up to 3 degrees colder than a man’s,” Dr. Federman says.
Core body temperature may also change during perimenopause and post menopause as well. Declines in estrogen can contribute to hot flashes, night sweats and temperatures sensitivity.
A cooler external body temperature helps explain why many women tend to have colder extremities – like hands and feet, while men don’t often experience this sensation. If you do find that you’re cooler than you are comfortable with during the winter, consider dressing in layers so you can control how warm or cold you feel.
Myth #6: Fluctuating temperatures make you sick.
The truth: It depends.
Viruses and bacteria are the main culprits of wintertime illnesses, not the extremes in climate. So, while mid 60-degree days in February are uncommon in Michigan, they aren’t to blame for your runny nose and sore throat.
However, if you have conditions like seasonal allergies or asthma, the varying temperatures could cause some issues that may present challenges for your immune system. Sometimes our bodies have a difficult time adjusting, which can trigger an illness.
If you struggle with allergies or asthma, pay attention to the weather and make sure you are prepared by having any prescribed medication for your condition on hand. Also, be sure to change heating or air filters in your home every six months.
Mucus in the nose also plays an important part in you avoiding illness. “Mucus helps trap bacteria we breathe in before it can cause an infection,” Dr. Federman says. “However, low humidity in heated environments can cause the lining in our noses to get dry, making it easier for germs to invade the body.” An easy remedy? Consider using a humidifier in your home to moisten the air.
Staying healthy during the winter can be a challenge, but not impossible. Keeping your body nourished, hydrated and active can help you feel your best regardless of the time of year. If you do begin feeling under the weather during the winter months, fortunately there are plenty of best practices to follow to help you recover quickly.
Reviewed by Dr. Alexis Federman, a primary care doctor who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center - Livonia.
