Wives Tales and Myths to Ignore

The Information Age makes knowledge easily accessible at our fingertips. Beliefs our society has held near and dear for years – even centuries – can now be held to the test of truth. For example, contrary to popular belief, drinking a glass of warm milk before bed will not help you fall asleep. Milk contains an amino acid called tryptophan — which is also found in turkey. However, you'd have to drink gallons of milk to produce a sleepy effect.

The following are three common myths you can disregard:

Myth: You'll catch a cold if you go outside with wet hair.

Fact: Viruses and illnesses are spread through contact, not through feeling cold. Studies have shown that you are no more at risk of developing an illness by going outside with wet hair when it's cold out than if you go outside in the cold with dry hair.

Myth: You should wait an hour to swim after eating.

Fact: This myth was founded on the idea that most of your blood would head to your stomach to help with digestion, leading to cramps in your arms and legs while swimming. The truth is, while swimming on a full stomach isn't very comfortable, there is no evidence to support that you will cramp up while swimming after eating.

Myth: Shaving hair causes it to grow back coarser, darker and faster.

Fact: Hair growth is not affected by being shaved, and because shaved hair lacks the fine ends of naturally grown, unshaved hair, it simply appears to be thicker. Furthermore, because newly shaved hair has not been lightened by the sun or chemicals found in personal care products, its appearance seems darker than your lighter, unshaved hair.

Menopause is a normal part of every woman's life. Despite this, there are still many myths looming around this transition. Here are a few of them, debunked:

Myth: Menopause begins at age 50.

Fact: While the average age in which women begin menopause is 51, menopause can begin as early as a woman's 40s — sometimes even earlier — or as late as 55.

Myth: Hot flashes are a primary sign of starting menopause.

Fact: Many women experience hot flashes as an initial sign of menopause. However, your first sign could range from fatigue to irregular periods to depression and anxiety.

Myth: Menopause inevitably means weight gain.

Fact: It's not news that as we age, our metabolism slows. When you begin menopause, you'll need to consume about 200 calories less each day. It may take effort, but you can maintain a healthy weight during menopause.

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