False. No evidence indicates you
can get a cold from exposure to cold
weather, or from being chilled or
overheated. More than 200 different
viruses cause the common cold.
It is true, however, that in the United
States most colds occur during the
fall and winter. That may be due to
the opening of schools and people
spending more time indoors with
the onset of colder weather, increasing
the chance that cold viruses will
spread from one person to another.
Maybe. Apples are packed with both
fiber and phytochemicals (plant
chemicals) that protect cells because
they are antioxidants. The result:
Studies have shown apples and/or
apple juice have healthy effects on
weight; heart, lung and brain health;
and can reduce the risk for certain
cancers. But there’s nothing magical
about apples alone. The government’s
new dietary guidelines recommend
eating two cups of fruit and
2.5 cups of vegetables a day. Fruits
and vegetables are loaded with
essential vitamins, minerals, fiber
and disease-fighting phytochemicals.
They’re a natural source of energy,
help control weight and can help
reduce the risk for heart disease,
high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes
and certain cancers.
False. Diabetes is caused by a
combination of genetic and lifestyle
factors. But, according to the American
Diabetes Association, being overweight
does increase the risk for
developing type 2 diabetes. If you
have a history of diabetes in your
family, you should eat wisely and
exercise regularly to manage
your weight.
False. If you experience a sudden
abnormal heart rhythm, coughing
forcefully may enable you to keep
enough blood flowing to your brain
to remain conscious for a few
seconds until your arrhythmia
disappears or you have it treated.
The technique has been useful in
hospitals, particularly during cardiac
catheterizations when patients
develop sudden arrhythmias. But
these patients are being monitored,
and doctors and nurses are present.
Outside the hospital, the American
Heart Association advises being
aware of the early warning signs
for heart attack and cardiac arrest
and responding by calling 911.
If you’re driving alone and you
begin having severe chest pain or
discomfort that starts to spread to
your arm and up to your jaw, pull
over and flag down another motorist
for help, or call 911 on a cell phone.
