Fact vs Myth: Holiday Health

You may have heard rumours about the holidays and the way they can affect different aspects of your life and health – but rest assured, it’s not all true. Take a look at these myth-busting insights to help you get a better idea into the holiday season and stay healthy.

1. Eating at night makes you fat

MYTH!

Eating at night has long been associated with weight gain, but there is no evidence to support this belief. More than the time of day, what’s important is what and how much you eat and how much physical activity you do during the day. There are also benefits to eating your meals at consistent times, as it can help limit your overall intake of daily calories. 

 

2. People gain weight during holidays

FACT!

It’s true that people tend to gain weight after indulging over the holidays. Studies have shown that the gain is about one to two pounds on average. The main problem is that one or two pounds a year can add up, and people who are overweight are more likely to gain more weight – up to five pounds. Just be conscious of this before you decide to overindulge, and remember to stay active.

 

3. Sugar makes kids hyperactive

MYTH!

Research has shown that sugar does not appear to affect behavior in children. The misconception comes from the idea that increased blood sugar levels translate into hyperactive behavior. Parents do appear to perceive that sugar affects their children’s behaviour, but the energy that children show is more likely to come from feelings of excitement, not from sugar in their system.

 

4. Holidays are stressful

FACT!

Research has found that stress is heightened during the holidays, with causes of stress including financial worries, things not matching up to expectations, fatigue and the inability to be with one’s family and friends. It’s important to keep your expectations manageable, and remember there are things you can do to better cope with holiday stress.

 

5. You lose most of your body heat through your head           

MYTH!

Many of us have been led to believe that hats are a must when it comes to wrapping up for cold winter days. However, the claim that most of our body heat is lost through our heads isn’t true. The face, head and chest are more sensitive to temperature changes than other parts of our bodies, but the fact is that covering one part of the body has as much effect as covering any other.

 

6. There are many health hazards

FACT!

Unfortunately, many items that are typically used during festivities can pose a health or safety risk. Injuries can happen anywhere, and some often occur around the holidays. In fact, the festive period is one of the busiest times for emergency room visits. It’s particularly important to keep an eye on children, and keep potentially dangerous objects such as candles, batteries, drinks and choking hazards out of their reach.

 

_{Source: Based on information from The guardian, Health.com, BHSN, Live Science, CNN, Entrepreneur and WebMD.}

_{© Cigna 2017}

_{Information provided in this article is available for informational purpose only and should not be relied upon as medical advice. We recommend that you consult with your independent medical advisor. Any information provided in this article is not intended to be substitute for proper medical care provided by a physician. References to third-party organizations or companies, and/or their products, processes or services, do not constitute an endorsement or warranty thereof.}