Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 1, 2019

Looking for a primary care provider? You can call Kootenai Clinic’s Appointment Center at (208) 625-6767 . While being cold in itself will not make you sick, Dr. Bean said there may be a thread of truth to these myths. “Being extremely cold for a prolonged period of time can weaken your immune system,” he said. “There are multiple studies showing that not getting enough sleep can also weaken your immune system. If you get less than five hours of sleep each night, it’s reported to increase the likelihood of getting sick by three times.” To help stay well, be sure to take breaks from being outside in cold temperatures, or pack hand warmers, warm beverages and plenty of layers. To help ensure you’re getting enough sleep, reduce your screen time in the evenings, keep a consistent routine, and plan your schedule so you can get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Myth2: Wearinga face maskwill prevent illness. Myth3: Goingoutsidewitha wet headorwithout a jacketwillmake yousick. Matthew Bean, M.D. Many people have taken to wearing a face mask during cold and flu season to avoid getting sick. While it seems like a good idea in theory, the jury is still out on their effectiveness. “A randomized trial of the use of masks by health care workers in a hospital in Japan found no difference in the self-reported frequency of colds between groups assigned to the mask or no mask,” Dr. Bean said. “Unless you’re caring for someone that may cough or sneeze right by your face, these masks may not be all that effective. There is another study showing that face masks can help prevent illness, but I think avoiding illness always comes back to having a healthy lifestyle and practicing proper hand hygiene.” KH . ORG 17