“14 Holiday Health Hazards to Avoid”

 

Check out these top holiday health risks and what you can do to avoid them.

HOLIDAY SAFETY: The holiday season is supposed to be a time for relaxing and celebrating with friends and family. Sorry to be a Grinch, but the most wonderful time of the year can also prove hazardous to your health and safety. The seemingly endless string of parties, the introduction of new foods and cooking techniques to your home, and even shopping for gifts can all put your well-being at risk. To ensure you make it to January 1 unscathed, follow this guide to the biggest holiday health hazards and how to avoid them.

HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN: Christmas cookies, eggnog, late-night leftover ham sandwiches: All that holiday joy adds up to at least a pound a year, but studies suggest that you never really take it off. Keep eating everything you want over the holidays and you'll end up looking like Santa when swimsuit season rolls around.

CHOKING: You may wish your mother-in-law would choke on her snarky comments, but choking is a serious health hazard. Nearly 3,000 people in the United States die each year from choking, according to the National Safety Council, and since you're eating more during the holidays anyway, better chew your chestnut pudding and pumpkin pie well. To avoid choking, take small bites, chew slowly and carefully, and avoid talking or being distracted while eating. Be wary of high-risk foods including hotdogs, grapes, candy with nuts, and hard fruits and vegetables.

POISONOUS HOLIDAY PLANTS: Hold the holly (and mistletoe) if you plan to have small children or pets around during the holidays. All can be toxic, and even pine cones and falling berries can pose a choking hazard. Best bet is to make sure no one smaller than a holly bush gets near seasonal plants this year.

DEEP-FRIED TURKEY FIREBALLS: Deep-frying your turkey can be so dangerous that Underwriters Laboratories, the product safety certifier, has refused to stamp any fryers on the market with its iconic UL logo. From 1998 to 2007, there were at least 138 incidents involving turkey fryers that caused 36 injuries and more than $7.8 million in property loss.

HOLIDAY HEART ATTACKS: Think the weather outside is frightful? Check the perfect storm of heart attack risk factors looming on the horizon. It’s the worst time of year for heart trouble, with heart-related deaths peaking in late December and early January. (The deadliest day? December 25, according to one study.) Why? There are lots of reasons: holiday stress, heavy meals (a known heart attack trigger), ignoring chest pain for fear of disrupting the festive mood, skipping meds in the hustle and bustle, and understaffed hospitals. Stay safe by being aware: Take your meds and watch for symptoms. Oh, and moderation is key.

FLAMMABLE CHRISTMAS TREES: Each year, more than 400 residential fires involve Christmas trees, resulting in as many as 40 deaths and 100 injuries. In fact, though Christmas trees cause the fewest holiday-related fires, they account for the greatest percentage of deaths, according to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The safest tree is a flame-resistant artificial one.

TOY HORRORS: Besides troublesome questions about the safety of the toys themselves, now you must face the most dreaded of all holiday hazards—opening the gifts. Sounds simple, but each year about 6,000 people in the United States visit the ER with wounds from trying to pry, slice, or stab open gifts encased in hard plastic "clamshells" or held down with a thousand metal twist ties. Some retailers, including Amazon, Sony, Microsoft, and Best Buy, are moving toward easy-to-open packaging.

SEASONAL CAR ACCIDENTS:

·       Thanksgiving is not only a traffic-filled holiday, it's also one of the most deadly. In 2012, 764 people lost their lives in car crashes. Christmas and New Year's, when alcohol is responsible for nearly half of accident fatalities, also have their share of road peril.

·       To stay safe from those statistics, John Kennedy, executive director of the Driver and Roadway Safety Department of the National Safety Council, offers tips.

·       Always wear your safety belt and have children in properly installed car seats.

·       Stay sober or designate a driver.

·       Keep your eyes on the road. Let passengers enjoy the scenery and chat on the phone.

·       Maintain a safe following distance from the car in front of you.

·       Plan your route ahead of time.

·       Give your car a winter once-over: Check ignition, brakes, hoses, fan belts, spark plugs, tire air, headlights, battery, and wipers. Carry a shovel, jumper cables, tool kit, and a bag of salt or cat litter for traction.

·       Don't drive early on Saturday morning. "It's a very hazardous time. A lot of people are driving under the influence or drowsy," warns Kennedy. And if you can stay in or use public transportation on New Year's Eve, do it.

SLEDDING CATASTROPHES: As George Bailey from It's a Wonderful Life could tell you, sledding can be very dangerous. What seems like good, clean family fun causes 33,000 injuries each year, according to the National Safety Council. Before you hit the hill, read the safety tips from the NSC.

• Keep all equipment in good condition.
• Choose a spacious, gently sloping hill free of trees, fences, rocks, or other obstacles—and make sure it doesn't cross traffic.
• Do not sled on or around frozen lakes, streams, or ponds (like poor little Peter Bailey did).
• Assume the proper position: Sit or lie on your back on the top of the sled, with your feet pointing downhill.
• Wear thick gloves or mittens and protective boots.

SLEEP PROBLEMS: A good night's rest is often the first thing we sacrifice in the midst of late-night parties, early-morning shopping, and year-end deadlines. For people traveling on vacations or to relatives' houses, obstacles such as red-eye flights, jet lag, and unfamiliar bedrooms can disrupt z's as well. But skimping on sleep can lower immunity, increase stress levels, and lead to weight gain; plus, it raises your risk for depression and automobile accidents. As tempting as it is to ignore, it's important to make sleep a priority to ensure a happy and healthy holiday.

DECORATING DISASTERS:

• Decorations sure are pretty, but the fact that more than 5,000 people are injured in decorating-related falls each holiday season is not. To make sure you're not a statistic this year, do the following when stringing lights or hanging mistletoe.
• Check that the ladder is on secure and level ground.
• Space the ladder 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet high it reaches.
• Stay centered between rails and do not overreach.
• Don't step on the top two rungs.
• For roof access, extend the ladder at least 3 feet above the roof.
• Keep the top and the bottom of the ladder clear of obstacles.
• Make sure the ladder is locked open.

STRESS: "Stress around the holidays can be worse than other times because people tend to over-commit themselves," says Jennifer Caudle, DO, a board-certified family physician and assistant professor at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey. Women especially find the holidays hard to manage. A study from the American Psychological Association found that 44% of women reported increased stress around the holidays compared to 31% of men. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, don't be afraid to enlist some help. Say you're worried the family dinner won't be prepared on time. Ask others to bring dishes or help you set the table, Caudle suggests.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING: With any shopping trip, you need to watch how much you carry. Going from store to store with several bags could bring on back pain and wear you down. "This is not the time to be a superhero," Caudle says. "Take breaks so you're not standing on your feet the entire day." Another smart move: when shopping at the mall, drop bags off at your car between stores. How you carry and lift heavy objects is also important. "Bend at the knees and tighten the stomach muscles while lifting," Caudle says. "Hold the item close to you to distribute the weight with legs a good distance apart."

FOOD POISONING: Each year, about 48 million people are hospitalized because of food-borne diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With all the food made around the holidays, it's a prime time to get sick. You should be mindful of preparing meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs especially, Caudle says. Use separate cutting boards and dishes so bacteria can't spread from one food to the next. Make sure ground meat is cooked to 160 degrees, chicken reaches 165 degrees, and whole meat (like steak) gets to at least 145 degrees. "Bacteria grows on foods as they drop in temperature," Caudle says. So, don't leave dishes sitting out for long periods and put away leftovers within two hours, she says.

Health Magazine, November 21, 2018

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. Health Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by Health Magazine, Health Magazine employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of Health Magazine, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk. 

“Common Household Hazards”

Not Enough Smoke Detectors: You might not be alerted to a fire if you have too few of them or they're too far away. Put them on every level of the house, inside each bedroom, and just outside any bedroom areas, too. Experts recommend that you connect your smoke alarms so when one goes off, they all do. That helps if someone has a hearing problem, has headphones or earbuds on, or is doing something noisy (like using a hair dryer). Smoke alarms aren’t intended to tell you where the fire is -- and remember, fire can spread quickly -- but to warn you to get out ASAP. Test smoke alarms once a month, change the batteries every 6 months, and replace each device every 10 years.

Batteries: Small kids might swallow tiny "button" batteries used in electronics. Get to a hospital if that happens. Nine-volt batteries, when out of the package, are a fire hazard because the connection points are close together. If they touch metal like paper clips or steel wool, the battery can heat up and catch fire. To stay safe, cover the connection points with electrical or duct tape.

Lint in Your Clothes Dryer: Dryers cause 3,000 fires every year. The leading culprit? Lint. Remove it from the filter before each load of laundry. And once a year, clean the vent tube that sends air outside. Hire a service if you're not sure how. Replace your vent tube if it's an "accordion-style" because lint can build up in the folds.

Tipped Over TVs: It's a problem for everyone, but especially kids. It makes sense when you learn that a 65-inch flat-screen weighs around 70 pounds. Don't put your TV on furniture that feels unstable. And avoid TV stands with drawers, which kids can pull out and climb up. To be extra safe, mount the TV with bolts into the studs of the wall or secure it with special "anti-tipping" straps.

Gas Furnace: A healthy furnace makes a little carbon monoxide -- a poisonous gas you can't see or smell -- that leaves the house through a vent. A poorly-kept furnace is a fire hazard and can put deadly amounts of the gas into your home. Change the filter regularly, and keep the furnace area clean. A certified technician should check your unit every year, especially for cracks that you may not be able to see with the naked eye.

Missing a Carbon Monoxide Detector: Gas furnaces aren't the only source of carbon monoxide. Clothes dryers, water heaters, fireplaces, gas stoves, cars, grills, and lawn equipment all make it. Get to a hospital if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms can seem like the flu. Install a carbon monoxide detector and properly vent anything that burns fuel inside. Never use outdoor equipment in your house.

Too Much Clutter: Kids and grown-ups alike can easily trip on things you leave strewn around the house. So, make sure you tuck away cords, rugs, toys, and pillows. Keep stairs and hallways well-lit and outdoor walkways clear of puddles and ice.

Swimming Pools: A pool without a fence is a drowning hazard for children. Put up a barrier that's at least 4 feet high, along with child-proof latches. Alarms on all doors that lead to the pool can also help. Pool covers give another layer of protection, but keep the controls hidden away.

Space Heaters: It pays to get newer models, which have more safety features. Pick one that has a "UL" label, a safety certification that's recognized by the U.S. government. Make sure it's the right size for the room that you want to heat. Get one with a safety switch that turns the machine off when it's knocked over. Put it on a level surface away from areas where people often walk.

Guns: Tragic accidents can happen when you don't store a gun safely. Kids can get hold of them, and so can a family member with suicidal thoughts. Keep all your weapons unloaded and put them in a locked vault, cabinet, or storage case. Lock up the bullets in a separate place, and keep the keys well hidden.

Furniture Upholstery: A lot of house fires start out on a comfy couch. Smoking while you're lounging around is a common cause. Take care with cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, as well as candles, space heaters, and lighters, especially when kids are around.

Opioids: The painkillers in your medicine cabinet can be risky. There's a chance you or someone in your family can get addicted or have an overdose. Never take more than your doctor tells you, and don't share with other people. Keep your pills locked away and hidden from sight. Ask your doctor about the right way to get rid of extras.

Radon Gas: You can't smell it or see it, but it can lead to lung cancer. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water and can get into your house through cracks in floors and walls and gaps made by plumbing pipes and electrical wiring. About 1 in 15 homes has high levels. You can check for radon with a home test kit, or ask a professional.

Ladder: If you don't follow safety tips, you can easily fall and get seriously hurt. Choose the right ladder for the task and learn how to use it properly. Place the base on firm, solid ground and avoid wet, slippery, or soft surfaces. No matter how often you use it, pay attention to what you are doing with every single step. If it's windy, rainy, wet, or muddy, don't climb. Put off your work until the weather is safe.

Mold: This fungus puts tiny spores into the air that can cause breathing problems, asthma, and other allergies. It loves fresh foods, plants, and damp areas like basements, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. Clean the kitchen often, especially refrigerator bins and seals. Quickly fix any leaks in your home. Wash fresh fruits and veggies before you put them away, and throw them out before they start to get moldy.

Reviewed by: Hansa D. Bhargava, MD on September 27, 2018

Sources:

Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute: "Gas Furnace Safety."
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: "Breathe Easier: Improving Indoor Air Quality in Your Kitchen."
Brady Center: "Risks of Having a Gun in the Home."
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: "Gun Violence: Facts and Statistics."
Consumer Reports: "TV Tip-Overs Still Pose Danger, Despite Lighter Flat Screens."
Energy.gov (U.S. Energy Department): "Portable Heaters."
National Fire Protection Association: "Home Fires That Began With Upholstered Furniture,"
"Clothes Dryer Safety," "Smoke alarms."
National Park Service: "Fire Prevention 52: Smoke Detectors and 9-Volt Battery Safety."
National Safety Council: "Ladder Safety One Rung at a Time," "Test Your Home to Determine Risk of Radon Gas Exposure," "Can You Recognize the Signs of an Overdose?" "Few Understand Risks of Prescription Painkiller Addiction," "Painkillers Driving Addiction, Overdose," "Fall-prevention Measures Can Keep Older Adults Independent."
Nemours Foundation: "Gun Safety."
SafeElectricity.org: "Space Heaters."
SafeKids.org: "Batteries," "Falls."
UpandAway.org: "Up And Away And Out Of Sight."
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: "Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools."
Violence Policy Center: "Firearm Justifiable Homicides and Non-Fatal Self-Defense Gun Use."
Burn Prevention Network: "9-Volt Battery Safety."

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.