Each generation grows up hearing health advice and warnings from the generations that have come before them. Sometimes, it is simply easier to take these health tips and regard them as fact. But usually it turns out that may be a big mistake!

Many of the health tips and tricks we hear from those around us aren’t based on scientific fact at all. Listening to those myths can quickly lead to unnecessary fear and distract from the actual health risks at hand.

A few of the most commonly misunderstood health myths include:

Cold Leads to Illness

For years people have warned that being out in the cold can cause the cold or flu, but the truth is quite the opposite. While we, of course, recommend you bundle up to stay comfortable outdoors in cold temperatures, those conditions cause no increased risk of getting sick. Being indoors is proven to aid in the spread of illness more than being outdoors. Small spaces make it much easier for germs to spread from one surface or individual to the next.

Toilet Seats Need to be Covered

Many people assume that toilet seats in public restrooms are dirty, so dirty that they need to be covered before use. While the logic may seem sound, it lacks any real evidence. The toilet seat in a public restroom is typically much cleaner than other surrounding surfaces such as the door handle, countertop, and stall lock. If you want to prevent the spread of germs in the bathroom, cover your hand with a paper towel before touching any of those surfaces.

You Need to Measure Water Intake

Ever heard that you need to drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day? It turns out that’s nothing more than an arbitrary number passed along over the years. The water intake a person needs to be hydrated is different for each individual, changing based on a number of factors. Rather than measuring your water intake, look out for signs that you aren’t getting enough water. These include:

• Dark colored urine
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Hunger – the body often mistakes thirst for hunger!
• Lack of sweat in a hot climate

You Should Take Daily Vitamins

In every pharmacy and supermarket, you can find an entire aisle filled with men’s, women’s, and children’s multivitamins. It turns out that those vitamins are likely a waste of space and money! If you eat a healthy and balanced diet each day, you’re receiving the vitamins your body needs. Some individuals may require additional supplements of vitamins according to their doctor, but the majority of people should ignore that health myth and place their focus back on healthy eating!