Summer Mythbusting (Part 2)

In our last blog, we pointed out a few of the summer myths that we hear so often. Today we are picking that back up. We were surprised how many of these pieces of advice that we have been told our entire lives, but they simply aren’t true.

You can’t get a sunburn on a cloudy day

The myth: It’s an overcast day, and the clouds are blocking the harmful UV rays.

The truth: We don’t know if anyone believes that clouds block the UV rays that cause sun burns. But we do believe that people are way more likely to forget to put on sunscreen if the sun is not out. Even if there is cloud cover, you still need to put sunscreen on and use adequate coverage if you are out and about on a cloudy summer day.

Wait 30 minutes after eating to swim

The Myth: If you go swimming before the prerequisite 30 minutes your muscles will spasm, and you will drown. Pretty strong warning there!

The Truth: Where the body does send more blood flow to your digestive system after eating it is not enough to cause your other muscles to stop working. As long as you feel well enough to swim on a full stomach, feel free to do so. If you do get a cramp, they are usually not so severe that you would not be able to exit the pool easily.

Peeing on a Jellyfish sting

The Myth: You’re swimming in the ocean and encounter a jellyfish who stings you. You get out of the water and have someone pee on the area that got stung.

The Truth: Jellyfish venom is highly alkaline and can be neutralized with acidic compounds. Urine changes from person to person and has a higher probability of adding more basic compounds leaving the person in more pain. Instead, try using salt water or vinegar and baking soda.

We hope this summer myth-busting has been helpful and that you have a delightful and healthy summer!

Summer Mythbusting (Part 1)

The summer season is in full swing. Being from Southern California, we will most likely continue to feel the summer heat well into September. Every year you eventually, begin to hear advice or life hacks to survive the summer. But some of these pieces of advice are dead wrong! So here is a blog about which summer myths have been leading you astray:

You can catch a cold from air conditioning:

The myth: You’re in your nice chilled office or storefront, and then you go outside to the scorching heat. Your immune system just can’t keep up with the two extremes back to back leading to you getting sick.

The truth: You can’t catch a cold unless bacteria or a virus is present. However, you will want to ensure that your air conditioning is not a breeding ground for bacteria. Changing your filters is key! But as long as you are continuing to wash your hands regularly and not spend an inordinate amount of time with someone who is sick, you should have a beautiful sick free summer.

Any drink can rehydrate you:

The myth: If you need some hydration any liquid will do the trick.

The truth: We’re not even sure how this became a summer myth because it doesn’t make any sense. If your body needs to be hydrated, you need to drink water. Drinks that are high in sugar (soda, juice, alcohol…) will dehydrate you. You do need to ensure that you are drinking enough water each day, especially during warm summer months when you are sweating more. A good rule of thumb for water consumption is to drink half your weight in ounces. For example, if you weighed 160 pounds you would need to drink 80 oz of water a day.

Category: Summer Mythbusting