PENNSYLVANIA, USA — With winter officially here and making its presence known, people might be turning to some old tricks. Our Verify team fact-checked a few common winter weather.
THE QUESTION
Does bundling up keep you from getting sick?
THE SOURCES
WHAT WE FOUND
Layers may seem like an easy way to stay warm, and while that’s what your mom might have told you, experts say otherwise.
Researchers at Purdue University's School of Nursing say bundling up does not offer much protection from viruses and that they are “equal opportunity infectors” and can cause people to get sick at any time.
And according to St. Luke’s Health System, cold and flu season is caused by people staying indoors in close proximity or the lower humidity levels.
THE QUESTION
If you’re looking to stay warm, will an alcoholic drink do the trick?
THE SOURCE
WHAT WE FOUND
While a drink might make you might feel warmer, the Cleveland Clinic says this is a false sense of warmth.
Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate and sends more blood to your skin. This actually makes you lose body heat.
The Cleveland Clinic also says your favorite spirits speed up dehydration which can make you more prone to hypothermia.
THE QUESTION
Can warming up your car really cause problems with your engine?
THE SOURCES
WHAT WE FOUND
According to these three sources, letting your car idle during the winter months can actually shorten your engine's lifespan.
While your car sits to warm up, oil drains away from key parts of the engine, leading to more wear and tear on your car.
The Department of Energy says your car warms up faster when driving.