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Don’t eat before you go into the pool, you’ll drown. If you’re caught in the rain, just stand under a tree, it’s safer than standing out in the open. By now, I’m sure you’ve figured out that eating that second piece of pie before you go for a swim will not result in your death nor is it the wisest decision to stand under a tree when it’s raining outside. We all have myths and old wives tales that we’ve grown up believing. Now that we’re older and relatively wiser, we can debunk some more myths that seem to pop up every summer.

Myth: flip-flops are great for my feet

While flip-flops come in a variety of colors and designs, and are easy to throw on when heading out for a quick errand, the truth is they are horrible for your feet. Flip-flops tend to be flat and void of cushion. In other words, there’s no shock absorption, no way for you to distribute your body weight evenly and no arch support. Wearing them all summer, or all year, could lead to foot problems including strained arches and heel pain, to name a few. Try wearing a cute strappy sandal or summer wedge for extended walking. You’ll save yourself from the ankle pain and lower leg woes.

Myth: I don’t need sunscreen when it’s cloudy outside

When the sun is away, sunscreen free is okay. WRONG. You may not be able to see the sun, but I assure you the sun is still shining down on you. Your skin is still being exposed harmful to UVA and UVB rays which we know can lead to sunburn, skin aging and dry, scaly skin. The answer? Use sunscreen every day regardless of the forecast. Not too fond of using lotion then having to lather on sunscreen? Try using a lotion formulated to protect and moisturize your skin. Eucerin’s Everyday Protection Lotion has an SPF of 15 and is dermatologist recommended. It’s unscented and works great for minor skin irritations like eczema.

Myth: I lose weight faster during warmer temperatures

Cycling? Check. Hiking? Check. Ab workouts? Check. Pounds magically melting away because the forecast calls for 80 degrees and sunshine? Not a chance. Working out in the summer may cause you to sweat more because of the warmer temperatures, but it does not mean you’ll lose weight faster. Diet and exercise regimen determine how quickly or slowly a person will lose weight. While research does suggest that drinking lots of water can lead to weight loss, it does not limit weight loss to warmer temperatures.