Do not walk barefoot”, “do not sweat that you get cold”, “do not dive into the pool you feel cold”. How many times as children have we heard our parents repeat these recommendations and how widespread are they still? Which of these tips is founded and which one is the result of false beliefs? This was revealed by the World Association for Infectious Diseases and Immunological Disorders ( Waidid ) which dismantles some of the false myths related to children and sport, of fundamental importance for development and psycho-physical well-being at all ages.
“Don’t sweat you get cold”
A recommendation as common as it is wrong. Contrary to this commonplace, in fact, numerous studies have shown that practicing outdoor sports improves the physical endurance of the little ones and, helping the immune system to strengthen, reduces the risk of getting sick. Any colds, coughs and tonsillitis should not be attributed to the habit of doing outdoor sports, but to the use of unsuitable clothing and the temperature changes to which the little ones can undergo if not washed and dried properly after work out.
“Don’t walk barefoot”
This advice is partly founded, but only when the simplest hygiene rules are not respected. It is indeed true that children having an immune system that is not fully developed are more exposed to small contagious infections, such as warts in the pool. To avoid any danger, however, it is sufficient to use personal slippers and dry carefully after showering to avoid any danger.
“Don’t jump into the pool in cold weather”
It is another false myth. Swimming, in fact, increases the production of T lymphocytes, essential for fighting viruses and infections, and is therefore related to a strengthening of the immune defenses in children. It is not true that swimming in itself causes otitis: this is rather attributable to the lack of basic hygiene rules or temperature changes that contribute to creating the ideal microclimate for bacteria and fungi. Acute otitis media, an ear infection very common in childhood for reasons related to the anatomical characteristics of children, often occurs in conjunction with a cold or a throat infection.
