8 myths related to health and weather

Arabia Weather - Many myths related to health and weather are spread among people, and this is due to the transmission of false information across generations from parents and grandparents. As time progressed, the science of weather forecasting witnessed tremendous development, making available information about health and weather more extensive and accurate.

8 myths related to health and weather

Myth: Lightning never strikes in the same place twice

The myth that lightning never strikes the same place twice is a common myth among people. In fact, lightning can strike the same place over and over again, especially if the struck target is tall, straight, and defenseless. For example, the Empire State Building experiences more than 100 lightning strikes per year.

Myth: Cold weather causes illness

Viruses are the main cause of disease, not directly cold weather. However, cold days may make people more susceptible to illness if they are exposed to pathogenic germs. It appears that cold weather causes constriction of blood vessels in the nose, which leads to dryness and reduced immunity in this area, and thus the individual becomes more susceptible to viral infections such as colds and influenza.

Since people tend to stay indoors in cold seasons, gathering occurs in enclosed spaces, increasing the chances of diseases being transmitted easily.

Myth: There is no need to use sunscreen in the winter

The skin is more sensitive to sunlight in winter, because ultraviolet radiation in summer increases the production of melanin in the skin, which works to protect skin cells from damage resulting from radiation.

With the onset of winter, ultraviolet radiation decreases, and thus melanin production in the skin decreases. This change increases the risk of damage to skin cells as a result of exposure to sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended that we adhere to using sunscreen even on cloudy days during the winter.

Myth: Cold makes migraines worse

Many migraine or migraine patients suffer from being affected by weather changes, as some notice an increase in headache attacks during certain periods. Although cold weather is often not considered a direct trigger for migraine attacks, there are other weather factors that may contribute to triggering migraine attacks, including:

• Humidity in the air: Dryness or excess humidity may affect some individuals and increase the occurrence of headaches.
• Atmospheric pressure: Changes in atmospheric pressure can affect blood vessels and cause headaches in some people.
• Large weather changes: Large weather fluctuations over a short period can be a trigger for headache attacks.

It is recommended that migraine patients talk to their doctors to understand their triggers and take measures to avoid or deal with them effectively.

Myth: You should wait at least half an hour after eating before swimming safely

Eating before swimming and its effect on muscles is a topic of concern to many during the summer when swimmers abound. Some believe that eating before swimming can trigger strong muscle contractions, increasing the risk of drowning. However, scientific evidence shows that this concern is not based on facts.

Although circulation can shift toward the digestive tract after eating, no drownings have been reported associated with eating before swimming. It appears that eating food before swimming does not cause serious problems, and if muscle cramps occur, a person can easily get out of the water, especially in pools that are controlled and regulated.

On the other hand, swimming after eating a heavy meal can cause feelings of tightness and discomfort, which is similar to the experience of exercising after eating.

Myth: Sunburn turns tan

Sunburn causes skin damage, and is not a stage of tanning, but rather a negative effect of excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Myth: People with dark skin do not need sunscreen

People with light skin have a lower amount of melanin than people with dark skin, as melanin is a means of absorbing ultraviolet rays and protecting the skin from damage. Although people with fair skin appear to be more sensitive to UV rays and more susceptible to skin damage from sun exposure, people with darker skin also appear to be susceptible to skin damage caused by UV rays.

Therefore, it is highly recommended for all people to use sunscreen, regardless of their skin tone, to ensure effective sun protection and maintain healthy skin.

Myth: Watermelon seeds grow in the stomach if they are swallowed

This is not true, as watermelon seeds do not produce growth and sprout in the stomach if swallowed, however, swallowing seeds is generally not advisable.

There is a small possibility of intestinal damage from ingesting the seeds, as infections, blockages, or seeds can cause ruptures.

However, the real danger is that a watermelon seed or any other type of seed may become trapped in the appendix, which can lead to appendicitis, but the chances of this happening are very small.

The benefits of adding fruits and vegetables to the diet far outweigh the potential risks of eating them, so it is encouraged to continue eating them without hesitation.

Source: altibbi