The Twelve Health Hazards of The Holidays
1. Hypothermia
Baby, it's cold outside. Depending on where you live, Christmas may be the cold season. I recently returned from a quick trip to Chicago and nearly froze to death. I still had my old Michigan Puffy Coat that is good for thirty below, but even that did not warm these aging, California bones. Children are oblivious to cold and can play for hours in blowing snow. Adults, on the other hand, have varying degrees of tolerance. For you deer hunters, snowmobilers, ice fisherman, and skiers; enjoy. I live about an hours drive from where the Donner Party had an interesting Christmas dinner, so I do not take cold lightly. Every winter season, our local news is filled with snowboarders who went off of the trials, or hikers wandering off to look at the snow-covered Sierras. Not me. I will be peering out of my window, roaring fire behind, an electric blanket over my toes; waiting desperately for the first signs of spring.
2. Ear Pain and Colds
On WebMD's ENT board, I often get this question: "I got an ear infection from going outside without a hat." Not likely. While a cold wind can certainly make sensitive ears hurt, ear pain is not the same as an ear infection. One is caused by poor-planning; the other is caused by germs. Because people are inside more during the winter months and a bit more crowded on this planet, there is a season increase in the number of colds. Just because they are called "colds" and not their true name (upper respiratory illnesses), does not mean they are directly caused by colds. While a recent did seem to link cold weather with changes in the immune system, we most likely caught our colds from someone else. In children, colds are the most common predisposing factor to middle ear infections. In adults, colds are the most common cause of complaining. I think it was Mark Twain that said, "The best way to treat a cold is with contempt."
3. Overeating
One of my favorite vices is overeating, especially good food that others have prepared. When I was a child, my diet was very limited. I was a picky eater. As an adult, I am still picky, but I tend to pick everything and eat it. Yesterday, I ate Calamari salad, pesto, tamales, Chex mix, cocktail weenies, fruit salad, apple pie, pumpkin pie, pickles, olives, ham, Chippewa wild rice, various pieces of chocolate looking for a caramel, and of course, Diet Coke. I really pigged-out, so it is time to watch me diet (again).
4. Over-drinking
I am a non-drinker by choice. I really don't like the stuff, which is sacrilegious when you live near wine country. Why is it when you refuse a drink, that people think you must be a recovering alcoholic? Although I do not indulge, the people around me sure do. While I enjoy watching them, I do not want to be on the road with Holiday Boozers. It will be one sad holiday to remember if one of your loved ones diet in an alcohol-related accident. Sadly, there will be many of those this holiday season. Stiff fines do not deter piss-poor judgment. As a professional designated driver, I hope that no one will allow their friends or relatives to drive while impaired. We have to look out for each other. Isn't this the true spirit of the holidays?
5. Overspending
I heard on the news this AM, that Americans spent six BILLION dollars yesterday alone on holiday gifts. That is a hellava lot of myrrh. Part of that amount is attributed to my wife, who bought so many gifts for the grand-children that we had to take two cars. How did all of this gift-giving get started? According to the Bible, Jesus received some humble gifts from three men that clearly could have afforded more. The gold was nice, and those aromatic resins would certainly help curtail some of those smells in the stable, but I am sure the Holy Family would have preferred clothes. All of our children are adults now, so finding an appropriate gift has become increasingly more difficult. This year, we gave them the "Gift of Each Other". In other words, I have arranged a family get-together at a big beach house (as soon as the weather is warm), so that we can just be a family again.
6. Accidents and Falls
Wet or snowy surfaces seems incompatible to human movement. We are really not designed for these seasonal hazards. Not only do we tend to fall on our butts, we also wreck cars when we under-estimate road conditions. My barber just got out of the hospital after being in a car accident. He went in to an uncontrollable spin on some black ice, when over a guard rail and down an embankment. Fortunately, this was witnessed by a truck driver, who called 911. If this accident was not observed, the outcome could have been much, much worse. In my own experiences in icy and snowy conditions, I have had my own close calls.
In my clinic yesterday, I had four children who suffered injuries on Christmas day: two falls from scooters, one roller-skating, and one flying leap from a trampoline. Fortunately, not one of them broke anything. Their pictures will not appear on my Boo-Boo Bulletin Board (a photo gallery of children in casts, stitches, and holding stuff that I removed from ears and noses).
7. Gastrointestinal Disorders and Food-borne Illnesses
The winter season is a time for gastrointestinal disorders; namely diarrhea and vomiting. Some are food-related, like Salmonella from an improperly cooked turkey, cutting up some vegetables on the same cutting board as raw poultry, or using a contaminated sponge/cloth to wipe surfaces. Some are simply intestinal viruses, like Rotaviruses, that we freely pass to each other. There is a new vaccine for infants called Rotateg that helps prevent one type. One of the best things YOU can do to prevent the spread of gastrointestinal virus is to wash your hands, and be very careful with food preparation.
8. Influenza
If you haven't received your flu vaccine this year, there is still time. We have not seen very many cases of confirmed flu this year in our area, but I am sure it is coming. The holiday travel season is quite helpful in the global spread of this annual malady. Although we take flu lightly, it does kill tens of thousands of people every year, mostly the elderly, immunocompromised, or very young. If you are going to be visiting grandma this year, you owe it to her not to give an unwanted gift that could have serious health consequences. Remember that flu shots are not just to protect you; they help protect ALL of us.
9. Kissing-Related Disorders -- Mono, herpes, respiratory viruses
Kissing under the mistletoe; what could be more innocent and sweet? Most of the time, a peck on the cheek is not going to put you at risk, but be careful of those mouths. Direct mouth-to-mouth contact is a great way to spread micro-organisms, such as cold and flu viruses, herpes simplex, mononucleosis, hepatitis, etc., just to name a few. I am not advocating a no-kissing policy, but you need to "Read those Lips" before your kiss 'em.
10. Boredom / Sleep Deprivation
We got out of attending the annual Christmas Pageant this year. It was sort of cute the first dozen times, but I am not sure I can watch it without falling asleep. We have been working full time in our clinic jobs and preparing for the holidays. My wife fights the shopping crowds (I refuse to do this) and comes home very late with packages galore.
Our grandchildren were demoted this year. Last year, our youngest, Tynan, was the Baby Jesus, the middle one, Dylan, was one of the Wise Men, and our oldest, Shelby, had the role of Mary. This year, they were downgraded to a sheep, a shepherd, and a donkey. I did watch the video, however. I almost fell asleep.
11. Parking Lot Rage
One of the reasons I do not shop is parking. While I do not mind walking quite a distance to the store, it is a great pleasure to find one of those rare, close spots; the ones adjacent to the handicapped spots. I spied a car leaving one of those choice spots the other day and raced around to get it. Before I had a chance to pull in, another car sped around me and whipped into it first. I witnessed a Christmas Miracle. This rude driver shot into this open space (my space) and side-swiped the car in the next slot. The man sitting in the damaged car was not pleased. I was elated. There IS a Santa Claus.
12. Television Football-Related Injuries - Heart Attacks
I am not a sports fan, but I am an observer of sports fans. To see grown men leap to their feet, screaming and dancing when a touchdown or interception occurs is a sight to behold. Blood pressures rise, perhaps aided by salty chips and beer. Fat guys jump out of their reclining chairs; grease dripping from their Polish sausage sandwiches. These are heart attacks waiting to happen. I don't watch the games, but I do review my CPR protocols.
From all of us at WebMD, I would like to wish you a safe and sane Holiday.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: health hazards, holiday, wellness
Baby, it's cold outside. Depending on where you live, Christmas may be the cold season. I recently returned from a quick trip to Chicago and nearly froze to death. I still had my old Michigan Puffy Coat that is good for thirty below, but even that did not warm these aging, California bones. Children are oblivious to cold and can play for hours in blowing snow. Adults, on the other hand, have varying degrees of tolerance. For you deer hunters, snowmobilers, ice fisherman, and skiers; enjoy. I live about an hours drive from where the Donner Party had an interesting Christmas dinner, so I do not take cold lightly. Every winter season, our local news is filled with snowboarders who went off of the trials, or hikers wandering off to look at the snow-covered Sierras. Not me. I will be peering out of my window, roaring fire behind, an electric blanket over my toes; waiting desperately for the first signs of spring.
2. Ear Pain and Colds
On WebMD's ENT board, I often get this question: "I got an ear infection from going outside without a hat." Not likely. While a cold wind can certainly make sensitive ears hurt, ear pain is not the same as an ear infection. One is caused by poor-planning; the other is caused by germs. Because people are inside more during the winter months and a bit more crowded on this planet, there is a season increase in the number of colds. Just because they are called "colds" and not their true name (upper respiratory illnesses), does not mean they are directly caused by colds. While a recent did seem to link cold weather with changes in the immune system, we most likely caught our colds from someone else. In children, colds are the most common predisposing factor to middle ear infections. In adults, colds are the most common cause of complaining. I think it was Mark Twain that said, "The best way to treat a cold is with contempt."
3. Overeating
One of my favorite vices is overeating, especially good food that others have prepared. When I was a child, my diet was very limited. I was a picky eater. As an adult, I am still picky, but I tend to pick everything and eat it. Yesterday, I ate Calamari salad, pesto, tamales, Chex mix, cocktail weenies, fruit salad, apple pie, pumpkin pie, pickles, olives, ham, Chippewa wild rice, various pieces of chocolate looking for a caramel, and of course, Diet Coke. I really pigged-out, so it is time to watch me diet (again).
4. Over-drinking
I am a non-drinker by choice. I really don't like the stuff, which is sacrilegious when you live near wine country. Why is it when you refuse a drink, that people think you must be a recovering alcoholic? Although I do not indulge, the people around me sure do. While I enjoy watching them, I do not want to be on the road with Holiday Boozers. It will be one sad holiday to remember if one of your loved ones diet in an alcohol-related accident. Sadly, there will be many of those this holiday season. Stiff fines do not deter piss-poor judgment. As a professional designated driver, I hope that no one will allow their friends or relatives to drive while impaired. We have to look out for each other. Isn't this the true spirit of the holidays?
5. Overspending
I heard on the news this AM, that Americans spent six BILLION dollars yesterday alone on holiday gifts. That is a hellava lot of myrrh. Part of that amount is attributed to my wife, who bought so many gifts for the grand-children that we had to take two cars. How did all of this gift-giving get started? According to the Bible, Jesus received some humble gifts from three men that clearly could have afforded more. The gold was nice, and those aromatic resins would certainly help curtail some of those smells in the stable, but I am sure the Holy Family would have preferred clothes. All of our children are adults now, so finding an appropriate gift has become increasingly more difficult. This year, we gave them the "Gift of Each Other". In other words, I have arranged a family get-together at a big beach house (as soon as the weather is warm), so that we can just be a family again.
6. Accidents and Falls
Wet or snowy surfaces seems incompatible to human movement. We are really not designed for these seasonal hazards. Not only do we tend to fall on our butts, we also wreck cars when we under-estimate road conditions. My barber just got out of the hospital after being in a car accident. He went in to an uncontrollable spin on some black ice, when over a guard rail and down an embankment. Fortunately, this was witnessed by a truck driver, who called 911. If this accident was not observed, the outcome could have been much, much worse. In my own experiences in icy and snowy conditions, I have had my own close calls.
In my clinic yesterday, I had four children who suffered injuries on Christmas day: two falls from scooters, one roller-skating, and one flying leap from a trampoline. Fortunately, not one of them broke anything. Their pictures will not appear on my Boo-Boo Bulletin Board (a photo gallery of children in casts, stitches, and holding stuff that I removed from ears and noses).
7. Gastrointestinal Disorders and Food-borne Illnesses
The winter season is a time for gastrointestinal disorders; namely diarrhea and vomiting. Some are food-related, like Salmonella from an improperly cooked turkey, cutting up some vegetables on the same cutting board as raw poultry, or using a contaminated sponge/cloth to wipe surfaces. Some are simply intestinal viruses, like Rotaviruses, that we freely pass to each other. There is a new vaccine for infants called Rotateg that helps prevent one type. One of the best things YOU can do to prevent the spread of gastrointestinal virus is to wash your hands, and be very careful with food preparation.
8. Influenza
If you haven't received your flu vaccine this year, there is still time. We have not seen very many cases of confirmed flu this year in our area, but I am sure it is coming. The holiday travel season is quite helpful in the global spread of this annual malady. Although we take flu lightly, it does kill tens of thousands of people every year, mostly the elderly, immunocompromised, or very young. If you are going to be visiting grandma this year, you owe it to her not to give an unwanted gift that could have serious health consequences. Remember that flu shots are not just to protect you; they help protect ALL of us.
9. Kissing-Related Disorders -- Mono, herpes, respiratory viruses
Kissing under the mistletoe; what could be more innocent and sweet? Most of the time, a peck on the cheek is not going to put you at risk, but be careful of those mouths. Direct mouth-to-mouth contact is a great way to spread micro-organisms, such as cold and flu viruses, herpes simplex, mononucleosis, hepatitis, etc., just to name a few. I am not advocating a no-kissing policy, but you need to "Read those Lips" before your kiss 'em.
10. Boredom / Sleep Deprivation
We got out of attending the annual Christmas Pageant this year. It was sort of cute the first dozen times, but I am not sure I can watch it without falling asleep. We have been working full time in our clinic jobs and preparing for the holidays. My wife fights the shopping crowds (I refuse to do this) and comes home very late with packages galore.
Our grandchildren were demoted this year. Last year, our youngest, Tynan, was the Baby Jesus, the middle one, Dylan, was one of the Wise Men, and our oldest, Shelby, had the role of Mary. This year, they were downgraded to a sheep, a shepherd, and a donkey. I did watch the video, however. I almost fell asleep.
11. Parking Lot Rage
One of the reasons I do not shop is parking. While I do not mind walking quite a distance to the store, it is a great pleasure to find one of those rare, close spots; the ones adjacent to the handicapped spots. I spied a car leaving one of those choice spots the other day and raced around to get it. Before I had a chance to pull in, another car sped around me and whipped into it first. I witnessed a Christmas Miracle. This rude driver shot into this open space (my space) and side-swiped the car in the next slot. The man sitting in the damaged car was not pleased. I was elated. There IS a Santa Claus.
12. Television Football-Related Injuries - Heart Attacks
I am not a sports fan, but I am an observer of sports fans. To see grown men leap to their feet, screaming and dancing when a touchdown or interception occurs is a sight to behold. Blood pressures rise, perhaps aided by salty chips and beer. Fat guys jump out of their reclining chairs; grease dripping from their Polish sausage sandwiches. These are heart attacks waiting to happen. I don't watch the games, but I do review my CPR protocols.
From all of us at WebMD, I would like to wish you a safe and sane Holiday.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: health hazards, holiday, wellness
3 Comments:
I have to agree with the over-drinking around the holidays. My family is a mix of Irish and German. You get everyone together and thats what we do. Drink! We always have a designated driver though so no one is out driving while impaired. I spent New Years Eve doing absolulty nothing due to the exessive drinking I did the night before. I think I was up a total of 4 hours on New Years Day!
I have to say I am one of those people who will stalk people walking to their cars just so I can get a spot. If someone tries to get my spot I am waiting for it won't be pretty. I have to say though I have never damamged a car fighting for a spot or hurt anyone.
The joys of the holidays!
I am also having this issue. I am a 25 year old woman and because I am now on a medicine that does not allow me to drink all my friends think that I am pregnant and just don't want to tell them. LOL.
"I do not want to be on the road with Holiday Boozers. It will be one sad holiday to remember if one of your loved ones diet in an alcohol-related accident."
I think you meant DIED and not DIET...easy mistake as you were talking about overeating in the above section.
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