Miscellaneous

Cold Weather Myths and Facts

Hi Everyone!

     According to ABC's latest weather report for the US, "a total of 28.5% of the US is currently covered by snow compared to 5.8% last year at this time". Now how unfortunate is it that the IB Survivalists live in the other 71.5% of the country where it isn't snowing? It's tragic, I know. Well, for those of you who are bundled up for the cold weather this year, I have found some interesting myths and facts about winter that may interest you! If you live in Australia, continue to sun tan and eat popsicles :)

     The first debunked-myth that I will share with you is one that I am guilty of believing myself. Many people think that running your faucet at home can prevent your pipes from freezing, when in fact it only wastes water and builds up pressure to the point where it threatens to burst your pipes.

     For those kids out there that are tired of being told to dry your hair or put on warmer clothes by your mother because you will "catch a cold", you can now prove her wrong! Colds are actually only caused by viruses or bacteria, not cold weather at all. It's just an old wives tale! But, I'd advise you to do as she says to keep her happy. She is your mother, after all.

     The next myth that has been proven false is the one that says you should put sandbags in the car of your trunk to get better traction on the road. In fact, doing so makes your car harder to steer and more likely to throw your car off balance.

     This next one is more of a recommendation than a myth. Some people believe that the remedy for a frozen windshield is a bucket of hot water. If your windshield happens to have a crack you don't know about, this drastic temperature change will crack it even more! Just use one of those handy ice scrapers or a credit card instead.

     This next fact is rather interesting for the candy-cane/mint lovers out there. Ever wonder why chewing mint gum or sucking on a candy cane makes your mouth feel cold? It's because the menthol in mint and gum contains a protein that mimics the effect of cold temperatures on our body. Crazy, huh?

     This last fact is one of my favorites! I guarantee that all of you have heard the saying "cool as a cucumber", right? Well, it means a little more than a calm attitude. It actually comes from the observation that the inside of a cucumber that is sitting on room temperature can be 20 degrees cooler than the outside air!

     I hope these interesting facts and debunked myths taught you something, or at least confirmed your suspicions. For those of you suffering in cold weather, stay warm!! Here's a picture of hot chocolate in case you don't have access to any:

 

- Sophie F.