Thursday, October 26, 2006

Can What You Wear Protect You from Catching a Cold or the Flu?

By the Vteam, Kamau Austin Publisher

It’s true that how you dress says much about the person you are. But can what you wear some how prevent you from coming down with a cold or the flu? Or vice versa – can not wearing enough clothing some how increase your chances of becoming sick?

Your mother seems to think so. Just think how many times you’ve heard her tell you to “put on your jacket when you go outside or you’ll catch a cold!” You might roll your eyes and think she doesn’t know what she’s talking about, but nonetheless, on goes your jacket! And if you have your own children, how many times have you caught yourself making that same statement to your kids?

The truth is, if cold and flu season is approaching, so is the holiday season. And right now, your mind is probably worrying more about how it’s going to get your body to squeeze into that brand new holiday outfit than it is about putting on a jacket so you don’t catch a cold. But guess what? You won’t be going anywhere nor doing anything if you or anyone in your family comes down with a cold or the flu anytime soon. So it’s time right now to set the record straight and answer this question once and for all.

Can the cold weather cause a cold?

Many have tried throughout the years to find a relationship between the body being cold and it developing a cold or the flu. The underlying belief is that when the body temperature is lowered, the change in temperature can cause extreme stress which in turn can cause the immune system to function less efficiently. Consequently, when the immune system is compromised, the belief holds that it is less effective at combating the influenza virus and any other virus or bacteria that may be lurking.

The reality is however, that going outdoors for 15 or even 30 minutes without adequate protective clothing isn’t going to cause the body temperature to drop. Neither is getting caught in a rain storm or going outside with a head full of wet hair. The body, being the amazing creation that it is, has a built-in protective measure that kicks in when it starts getting too cold: it begins to shiver. Shivering is the body’s way of attempting to generate heat.

It is true that prolonged exposure to the outdoor elements can eventually cause the body temperature to drop, but if that’s happening, the affected individual has far more to worry about than catching a cold. Frostbite or hypothermia could set in, situations that ultimately could lead to the loss of a limb or perhaps even death.

As Pediatrician Lynn Wegner states, "A winter virus is not caused by going out in the cold air. It's viral transmission."

And many doctors and immunologists agree with Dr. Wegner’s findings. It’s just not possible to catch a cold or the flu without first coming into contact with the virus. So why has your mother been lying to you all these years, and more importantly, why are you continuing that lie with your family? The need for a mother’s children to go outdoors with suitable clothing likely has more to do with her need to protect her children than anything else.

Catching a cold does occur more frequently during times of colder weather which is probably how this myth began. And there’s a reason for this. When it’s cold outside, people stay inside. When people are stuck together inside an office building or a classroom, there’s an increased chance of spreading germs.

If you want to lower your chances of coming down with a cold or flu this season, make sure you and your family give your immune systems what it needs to work right. The immune system needs adequate rest, good nutrition, less stress, a bit of exercise and plenty of fresh air.

Quality supplements that are reputed by credible sources to help boost the immune system is something you should strongly consider. We have heard about one product with quality ingredients you will want in an immune system support supplement. Immunitril™ can help support your immune system especially during the winter season. Check it out at select etailers and online stores like www.Amazon.com and the BODeStore.com.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It is not medical advice. Always consult with a health care professional if you think you have a cold or the flu and also before taking health or food supplements.

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