Prevent arthritis by keeping warm and avoiding cold beverages?

Apparently there are few incidences of arthritis in China. A Chinese friend explains why: “During the winter we wear several layers of clothes to avoid exposing our joints to the cold, and throughout the year we avoid cold beverages.” My friend never drinks anything cold, and rarely eats anything cold (she eats an occasional scoop of ice cream during the hot summer months).

In the morning, upon rising, I always drink a glass of water. For the last few weeks I have been heating the water, and drinking warm water. I must say, the warm water feels good in my tummy.