Common misconceptions about health during cold weather.

Cold air can make you catch a cold.

One last time, remember that a cold isn't caused by the cold weather. What makes you sick are germs, bacteria, and viruses that enter your body after you touch your nose, mouth, or eyes without washing your hands.

Drink alcohol to warm yourself up.

Drinking alcohol might make you feel warmer, but in reality, your body temperature is decreasing. Alcohol dilates blood vessels, bringing warmer blood closer to the skin's surface. This makes you feel hot for only a few seconds. As blood is diverted away from internal organs, your body temperature drops.

There's no need to apply sunscreen in winter.

Skipping sunscreen is a huge mistake. People don't realize that their skin is still at risk of UV exposure during the colder months. In fact, the risk remains the same 365 days a year. UV rays penetrate clouds and reach the skin without any difficulty.

You shouldn't exercise when it's cold.

Exercising in cold weather can offer more benefits than exercising in warmer weather. The body has to work harder in cold temperatures, leading to increased metabolism and higher calorie burning. Additionally, exercise releases endorphins and improves your mood, so exercising outdoors during the winter months may help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often referred to as winter depression.

Allergy symptoms disappear in the winter.

Colds are often accompanied by sneezing and a runny nose, but these symptoms can also be caused by allergies. Dust mites, mold, or pet dander are still a problem because when it's cold, these hardy creatures tend to stay indoors more and doors are closed, leading to poorer air quality. Allergy symptoms can resemble persistent sinusitis.

Cold temperatures cause hair loss.

Cold temperatures don't necessarily mean more hair loss. Cold weather can actually increase hair growth. Just like dogs grow thicker fur in the winter, people may notice more hair growth in cold weather to help keep them warm.

Lack of sunlight is a cause of winter depression.

You may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In some cases, a lack of sunlight can contribute to SAD because it causes the brain to produce less serotonin. Symptoms of “winter depression” include feeling constantly tired, low energy, weight gain, and decreased concentration.

The head is the area that loses the most heat.

It has long been believed that the head is the most heat-losing area, but studies show that when exposed to cold weather, only about 10% of body heat is lost through the head.

Women typically gain 5kg during the winter.

The only way you can harm your body on your days off is to not use it. This is true for both women and men. People who don't exercise, sit on the sofa all day, and snack will gain weight in the winter. People typically gain about 0.5-1 kg during the cold season. The problem is that most people don't lose this weight gain when the weather warms up, and the weight just keeps increasing.

Vitamin C cures the common cold.

This is only half true. Vitamin C has strong antiviral properties, and studies have shown that it can shorten the severity and duration of most colds and flu if you get enough of it. Foods rich in vitamin C help boost your immune system, protecting you from getting sick.

Eat when you have a fever, fast when you have a cold.

I don't know what doctor would advise you not to eat when you're sick. Your body is working to get better and it needs all the energy it can get – but from good sources. Your body needs the right components to fight disease and boost the immune system, not a lot of calories. Drink plenty of water and eat healthily.