Many parents face a dilemma in the Winter months: “to swim, or not to swim?”
Old wives tales concerning children’s health in the winter are often taken as fact. When it comes to telling the difference between health basics and popular mythology, parents don’t always have all the right information. Dr. Norris Payne of Payne Pediatrics offers some facts to dispel these myths.
MYTH #1: Going outside with wet hair will cause a cold.
FACT: Wet hair, icy temperatures, and exposed heads don’t cause colds. Only viruses do! Rhinovirus survives better from late spring through early fall, when humidity is high.
MYTH #2: Most colds are caught in the winter.
FACT: Don’t let the name fool you–most “colds” are caught in the spring and the fall. The virus which causes colds becomes largely dormant in the winter.
MYTH #3: Sudden changes in temperature or getting caught in the rain will cause colds.
FACT: If one becomes ill after experiencing these weather conditions, Dr. Payne believes the illness and the weather are just a coincidence. Viruses cause colds, not the weather. However, Dr. Payne does agree changes in weather conditions may cause allergies to flare up. Sneezing and runny noses lasting a few days are indications of an allergic reaction; colds last about 1-2 weeks.
MYTH #4: Swimming, cold, and wind can cause ear infections.
FACT: Middle ear infections (otitis media), common in small children, are caused by viruses and infectious colds. Typically, fluids from the Eustachian tubes in the ear drain through the nose and throat. During illness, passages constrict and the fluid builds up and may become infected. Swimmer’s ear seems to be a combination of factors. Warm humid air, warm water, length of time exposed to water, the natural enzymatic activity in the ear canal and the presence of bacteria are factors that predispose the ear to swimmer’s ear.
MYTH #5: A runny nose is not necessarily contagious.
FACT: A clear, runny nose does not necessarily indicate a lack of infection. On the other hand, a colored discharge does not necessarily mean infection. Other symptoms should be considered as well as the length of time the symptoms have been present.
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About Kids First Swim Schools:
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About Kids First Swim Schools:
Kids First Swim Schools are dedicated to teaching children to develop their natural instincts and to be safe and proficient in the water starting instruction with children as young as 3 months!
A wide variety of programs ensure that there is one just right for your child and your wallet.
- The popular Mommy & Me program offers you and your infant or toddler a chance to bond in the comfort of our 90 degree pools, while your child develops the three primary skills of buoyancy, breathe control and propulsion.
- Group Lessons in a small controlled environment begin at 3 years old. Our trademarked Kids First ® Kick First / Learn to Swim System™ has developed thousands of technically proficient swimmers.
- Personal Instruction begins as early as 2 years old. These one-on-one sessions often lead to a unique bond between swimmer and instructor that accelerates the learning process.
- At the more advanced level, Developmental Swim Team, is taught to children aspiring to swim on a swim team.
Robinson Crossing
470D Ritchie Highway
Severna Park, MD 21146
410-384-SWIM
