As much as Christmas is a time for feasts, gifts, and jolly good laughs with family and friends, it’s also a time of the year when cases of accidents and health-related problems are on the rise. What started off as a desire to enjoy the holidays can end up as a physical, emotional, and financial struggle to get through the holiday season in one piece.
To help make your celebration carefree — and the hospitals less crowded — we share with you the 5 common conditions that may spoil your Christmas and how you can avoid them.
1. Sprains, strains, and broken bones
Some gifts under the tree may come with wheels, such as skates, scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and more. These items may be fun for both adults and kids, but using them improperly tends to lead to injuries.
How to avoid: Always have protective gear on for yourself and your kids. Also, make sure that the best safety practices are followed and that there’s someone keeping a watchful eye on the children as they play. Consider taking a first aid course in Sydney or other major cities so you know what to do in case someone does get hurt.
2. Alcohol and drug intoxication
Because there are more alcoholic beverages and more reasons to socially drink during the holidays, people end up driving under the influence of alcohol. This leads to accidents. Not only that, but people may even indulge in recreational drugs that cause them to do certain things they otherwise wouldn’t do if they weren’t intoxicated.
Alcohol and drugs impair our body’s ability to move and think normally. This condition of being intoxicated can lead to several problems such as accidents and fights.
How to avoid: Drink in moderation. If you must drink, then avoid driving anywhere until you’re completely sober. Moreover, don’t do recreational drugs if possible so you won’t put yourself in harm’s way.
3. Heat-related illnesses
The hot weather can often lead to issues such as heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. Older people and people with chronic health conditions are especially susceptible to these problems.
How to avoid: Keep yourself and your loved ones hydrated throughout the day. Stick to wearing light clothing, minimise physical activity, and stay indoors during the hottest hours.
4. Heart problems
The holidays can be a time of excess, which isn’t good for your heart. There may also be more stressful situations, both physical and emotional, that can lead to stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.
How to avoid: Avoid stressors, consume everything in moderation, and don’t stay out on the sun for too long to avoid cardiac problems.
5. Animal stings and bites
In Australia, stings and bites are common throughout the year. During the holidays, however, there are more cases of spider-related injuries. Since there are more house parties and people tend to be out more often during Christmas, dog and cat bites are also more common.
How to avoid: Always have an insect repellent and maintain a safe distance from animals that are aggressive or wild. Before wearing your shirts, shoes, socks, hats, or gloves, turn them upside down or inside out to check for insects.
No one wants to be stuck inside a hospital during Christmas. You end up missing out on valuable quality time with the important people in your life, and you don’t get to join in on the holiday festivities. To avoid or reduce the chances of developing a condition that may land you in the hospital, it’s important to be aware, prepared, and to enjoy in moderation so you can have a jolly Christmas and a healthy New Year.
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