You don't want to disrupt your exciting holiday season with an emergency room visit to the physician. Instead, you expect to be surrounded by friends, loved ones, and cheerful celebrations that give you ample time to reflect on what matters most to you.
Sadly, the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year's celebrations see a marked increase in emergency visits to clinics globally. Here's why this review guides you on how to avoid common health risks during holidays and stay fit physically and otherwise throughout your festive celebrations.
Colds and Flu
Seasonal illnesses like influenza, colds, and respiratory infections heighten during this time, no thanks to the cold weather. People tend to spend more time indoors in cooler climates, creating an environment where viruses thrive.
Consequently, transmittable diseases could find it easier to hop from one carrier to another during holiday gatherings, leading to a surge in medical care needs.
Perhaps the easiest way to avoid colds and flu would include resisting the temptation to gather with friends and loved ones when you feel ill. Missing out is always safer and healthier than spreading germs and risking others’ health.
Heart Issues and Strokes
It's a fun time for friends and families. But what was meant to be a relaxation vacation could turn into stress-filled activities that trigger stress, anxiety, and even depression. As a result, patients with heart disease, hypertension, or other underlying concerns could experience a greater risk of exposure to cardiovascular issues.
Are you wondering how to avoid heart health risks during this holiday season? Helpful tips to achieve this include:
- Mindfulness
- Adequate nutrition
- Monitored sleep, eating, and exercise routines
- Closely monitoring your body and its warning signs
Digestive Distress
Vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea are common gastrointestinal symptoms in patients during festive celebrations. Even more, the rapid transmission of digestive viral load can lead to outbreaks in the family or community as everyone.
Overindulgences of holiday treats, especially for those with high blood pressure, and diabetes, is a leading trigger for emergency room visits. But if you remember that little goes a long way in preserving both your experience and health.
Depression
While everyone else is basking in the joys, laughter, and uniqueness of the festive season in 2024/25, some patients require special shields against depression and mental health issues. Consult your therapist on avoiding triggers while planning to not commit or over-expect from parties and events – even if it's described as a family-themed event.
Kitchen Mishaps
Even the most seasoned cook is at risk of kitchen injuries during the holiday seasons, no thanks to the stress and time-crunch of the festive season. If you’re in charge of preparing, planning, or distributing food, we recommend making adequate preparations ahead of time for your activities. Otherwise, consider delegating dishes or related kitchen tasks to others.
Also, it’s a good practice to limit the number of cooks (or persons) in your space while preparing meals. That way, you can keep celebrations lasting throughout the nights and days without a compulsory trip to the Emergency Ward.
The Bottom Line
Remember to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, regardless of your health risks and status throughout this festive season. There are many more celebrations in a lifetime; maximizing your health status during the next festive season could be your best gift to yourself (and your future) during this season.
Should any unfamiliar symptoms arise before, during, or after the holiday, don't hesitate to reach out to a health professional who can quickly diagnose your situation and prescribe the right cure, medication, or attention for you.