Holiday Health Hacks - Avoiding the ER
Unlike some of those classic holiday characters – from the Grinch’s cliff-defying sled dog Max to the Bumble that bounces in ‘Rudolph’ – people aren’t immune to injury over the holidays. This time of year can bring great joy, but it also brings risks, including the kind that can send you or a loved one to the emergency room.
5 Most Common Causes of ER Visits During the Holidays
The five most common reasons people end up in the emergency room during the holiday season aren’t particularly surprising. But knowing the risks and what you can do to mitigate these potential perils can help you and your loved ones stay safe and shock-free while celebrating.
To stay off Watertown Regional Medical Center’s ER list, take heed of these “risks” and some common-sense tips on how to stay safe.
1. Falls While Decorating
Climbing ladders to hang lights or reaching for decorations is festive but risky. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports about 160 decorating-related injuries every day during the holiday season, many involving ladders or slipping on icy sidewalks.
Stay safe: Use sturdy ladders, have someone spot you, and avoid climbing while carrying heavy items.
2. Cuts and Lacerations
Broken ornaments, sharp knives, and even opening packages can lead to painful cuts. Emergency rooms see a spike in hand and finger lacerations during holiday decorating and food preparation. That age-old “don’t run with scissors” command quite possibly originated during the holidays.
Stay safe: Handle glass ornaments carefully, keep knives sharp (dull blades slip more easily), and use scissors (while stationary) instead of knives to open packages.
3. Burns
Holiday cooking and candles are common culprits. Hot ovens, boiling liquids, and stovetops cause burn injuries that peak around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Stay safe: Keep pot handles turned inward, use oven mitts, and never leave candles or stovetops unattended.
4. Foodborne Illness & Alcohol-Related Emergencies
Holiday feasts can sometimes lead to food poisoning if food isn’t cooked or stored properly. Maybe avoid Aunt Thelma’s liver-mayo-and-water chestnut app that’s been sitting out since the party started a football game or two ago. Overindulgence in alcohol – the other spirit of the holidays – also contributes to ER visits, including dehydration, falls, and impaired driving.
Stay safe: Cook meats to safe temperatures, refrigerate leftovers promptly, and pace alcohol consumption with water between drinks.
5. Heart Problems
The holidays are linked to a rise in heart attacks, especially around Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Stress, overindulgence, and cold weather all play a role.
Stay safe: Listen to your body, avoid overexertion, and seek immediate care if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue.
The Bottom Line
The holidays should be about joy, not ER visits. By being mindful of falls, cuts, burns, food-related illnesses, and heart problems, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. At Watertown Regional Medical Center, our emergency team is here if you need us – but we’d rather you be healthy and celebrating safely at home. If you aren’t sure whether your holiday emergency is an emergency, give us a call at 920.262.4222.
Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!