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How to avoid some of the most common health risks at Christmas – from a practicing GP
Dec
It has become customary for our office Christmas party to hold a team quiz, followed by a fun round of the Twelve Days of Christmas. It usually ends in chaos.
As a practicing GP, I think it may be worth summarizing the clinical risks of the season instead.
So now we all begin together: “On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…”
Twelve allergic reactions
From pollen and molds released from trees, to plants and flowers given as gifts, we can bring plenty of them potential allergens home for this purpose season. It is therefore a good idea to keep antihistamines on hand for Christmas and, if prescribed in an emergency, epipenin case of allergy symptoms.
Many people During the holiday season, we like to operate scented candles and reed diffusers to fill our homes with festive scents like cinnamon, ginger and allspice. While they may have a pleasant effect, home fragrances may contain volatile organic compounds that may be harmful to your health. Be especially careful if so have pets or anyone from breathing problemssuch as asthma or COPD visits – being around a scented product can make a difference some people are sick.
Read more: How home fragrances can affect indoor air quality and your health
One of most common causes allergic reactions, however, is the bowl of nuts that everyone seems to eat at Christmas, not to mention the nuts found in many festive dishes such as mince pies, Christmas pudding and stuffing. Keep nut-free alternatives in the cupboard too.
Eleven hardened arteries
Most of us will have opportunities to overindulge during the holidays. It is estimated that the average person consumes almost 6,000 calories on Christmas Day, or three times the recommended daily amount. Related weight gain and increased cholesterol levels in the bloodmay raise the risk of heart attack and stroke. Try to limit yourself to high-calorie pleasures for only one or two days.
Ten belching lords
Holiday excess may also include increased consumption of hot and fatty foods and drinks, which can irritate the gut and trigger symptoms indigestion.
You can try it without a prescription antacids to lend a hand combat the symptoms of indigestion, but if you experience any symptoms, seek medical advice severe symptoms or those that persist beyond the Christmas period.
Nine myocardial infarctions
Swedish research group suggested that higher levels of stress during the holidays may raise the risk of heart attack. Given financial pressures, inevitable family drama and over-indulgent diets, the increased strain on our bodies is perhaps not surprising. However, it is not yet clear whether there will be a acute raise heart attacks for Christmas. Be careful and consider taking time to relax to lend a hand combat rising stress levels. Never ignore accompanying symptomssuch as chest pain.
Read more: Holiday burnout: why it happens – and three research-proven ways to lend a hand you recover
Eight cases of food poisoning
From undercooked turkeys to overflowing refrigerators and unwashed hands reaching into shared snack bowls, there is no shortage of threats to food hygiene for Christmas. If you come across food poisoning during the holiday season, then you will know about it. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and high temperature. It is very essential to avoid dehydration, so make sure you have plenty of fluids and again seek medical advice.
Seven penile fractures
It’s unclear whether it’s the giddy feeling of the season or more time for love (read: Jilly Cooper How to Survive Christmas more on this) is responsible for potential risks broken penises for Christmas.
Study in Germany found a higher incidence of penile injuries, the so-called fractures during the holiday season. A penile fracture occurs when the penis bends too much when erect, causing it to break. These injuries are there usually associated during vigorous sexual intercourse.
Six sexually transmitted infections
Protect yourself from the unwanted gift of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). When used correctlycondoms are very effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases. According to some experts, rates of sexually transmitted diseases are already rising they notice a sharp increase in the number of infections over Christmas, so make sure you’re protected – and get tested quickly if you think you may be at risk.
Read more: How sex without a condom is increasing the number of sexually transmitted diseases in Europe – and what can be done about it
Five crazy reindeer
Destitute ancient Rudolf. In addition to the 60,000 related to deer vehicle injuries each year in the U.S., be on the lookout for different dangers if you come into close contact with Santa’s trusted companions. Deer have lice and ticks which can get into humans, causing various skin ailments, from allergic reactions to bacterial diseases Lyme disease. Avoid petting reindeer if you see them pulling a sleigh this Christmas.
Four viral infections
With four virus infections now on the rise, the UK could see its epidemic quadruple this year. Three of them are respiratory viruses: influenza, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The second is norovirus, which causes diarrhea and vomiting.
Immunization programs should lend a hand reduce the burden of respiratory disease, and a RSV vaccine was recently introduced.
Read more: Britain could face a ‘quadruple storm’ this winter – here’s how to protect yourself
Three choking hazards
From inhaled snacks to pieces of plastic from presents and crackers, Christmas is actually rife with choking hazards. That’s why it’s essential to pay attention to these little bits, especially if you have diminutive children around the house.
Remember that not only children can choke – adults can too.
Encourage the choking person to cough, but be ready to act pats on the back and abdominal presses try to remove the blockage and call 999 if the obstruction persists.
Two acute poisonings
Some of us are guilty of enjoying the holiday spirit a bit too much during Christmas.
The current recommendation is this 14 units per week for men and women, spread out rather than consumed in one meal.
To consider planning in advance decide what and where you will drink. Incorporating a few alcohol-free and abstinence days into the Novel Year can also lend a hand reduce bad effects any festive drinking.
Finally, if you are taking medications, check to see if they are harmful interactions with alcohol.
So there you have it. As far as I’m concerned, any true love bearing these “gifts” can push them where the Christmas star doesn’t shine.
And a partridge in a pear tree
A very Merry Christmas to all!
