Timely test: Cold-weather myths squashed!

This weekend was filled with sunshine and almost record-breaking temperatures, but from Saturday to Tuesday, our high temperatures will drop almost 40 degrees.

With cold weather comes some old wives tales, but some winter wisdom is about as real as Frosty the Snowman.

Let’s start with the classic: Being cold will give you a cold, true or false?

False. In fact, the opposite is true: The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease says cells that fight infection increase when you go out in the cold. Also, cold viruses grow best at 91 degrees.

True or false, drinking warm coffee or tea makes you warmer?

False. While drinking something hot might make you feel warmer, it’s usually because of the caffeine.

Caffeine increases blood flow to the skin, which makes you feel warmer, but your body is actually losing heat. And yes, that goes for alcohol, too.

True or false, body heat is mostly lost through your head?

False! There is nothing special about your head.

A New York Times study says you will lose heat through any uncovered part of your body. Your hands can actually lose a disproportionate amount of heat when you forget your gloves.

True or false, allergies are worse in the winter?

Trick question! People with indoor allergies can suffer much worse in the winter because of poor air circulation in their house.

To name a few more:

Exercising in the winter is completely safe; just make sure you wear the right gear.

And yes, you do have to wear sunscreen in the wintertime — if anything, it’s more important.

Be safe — and stay warm!