5 Dec 2007
Many schools cut outdoor time when it gets cold, choosing to keep students in stuffy classrooms instead of taking a few minutes out of the day to get some fresh air. But, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, cold air has no effect on your health.
In other words, letting your kids play outside when it's cold will not cause them to catch a cold. In fact, it just might help them keep healthy. Viruses, like those that cause the common cold, thrive in warm places like homes and crowded classrooms. (Cracking a window and letting fresh air in, even for five minutes a day, can help cut down on viruses.)
Of course, cold weather precautions need to be taken to keep you and your children healthy -- dressing in layers, making sure heads, ears and hands are covered, etc. Common sense solutions that we all remember our moms and grandmothers telling us hold true today. Even in the coldest areas, outdoor activity can continue to be a part of your lifestyle -- just set outdoor time limits, keep the kids moving and keep an eye out. Once the shivering starts, it’s time to head inside and warm up. Why not have a cup of cocoa or hot cider together and talk about what you saw in your winter wonderland?
In addition to making it part of your family time, consider talking to your child’s teachers or caregivers about providing outdoor time during the winter. Only on the worst winter weather days will the risks outweigh the benefits.
