MYTH: Catching a chill or going out in cold weather with wet hair will cause one to catch a cold

FACT: A cold is a virus. Despite what anyone tells you, you can only catch a cold by contracting that virus.

MYTH: Drinking milk is bad for a cold

FACT: Many people believe that drinking milk causes a person to develop more mucus. Studies show that this claim is untrue and that even people that drink large quantities of milk do not develop an overabundance of mucus, even when they have a cold.

MYTH: Smoking is nothing more than a bad habit; anyone can quit cold turkey

FACT: Substances in cigarettes, mainly nicotine, are highly addictive. Beating any addiction is difficult and in most cases requires help of some sort, including professional help, prescription replacement therapies, or a support group.

MYTH: Being overweight is the greatest threat to health

FACT: This is not necessarily true. Many people are in good shape even though they weigh more than recommended. If one eats healthfully, exercises, and takes care of him or herself, a little extra weight should not pose a serious health threat. Other issues that usually correlate with overeating and being overweight, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, can affect even the thinnest people.

MYTH: Feed a cold; starve a fever

FACT: There is no evidence to prove this theory, and the fact is that eating healthy foods helps a person keep up his or her strength, which often helps people fight off disease and heal more quickly.

Written by: Sherry Holetzky