How to avoid five common holiday injuries and illnesses
The holidays are a time of joy and celebration, but they don’t come without their fair share of risks. Many potential disasters, from rooftop tumbles to house fires to severe illness, all occur more commonly in December than any other month. We want everyone to have the safest and most joyous holiday season possible, so we’d like to lay out a few of the most common holiday injuries, accidents, and illnesses and discuss a few ways to help keep yourself and your family safe.
If you do get sick or hurt this holiday season, come and visit us at Great Salt Plains Health Center. Take a look at the services we offer and contact us today to make an appointment at one of our clinics.
House fires and burns
The National Fire Protection Association’s statistics teach us that 30% of house fires and 38% of house fire deaths occur during the winter months of December, January, and February. A big part of this problem is that people tend to cook their food and heat their homes with open flames during colder months. Christmas lights and Christmas trees also contribute to the problem.
You can help prevent fires by keeping a constant eye on any open flames in your house and to not leave lights on constantly, especially overnight. You can also keep your Christmas tree far away from the fireplace. It’s also essential to keep a fire extinguisher somewhere in your house to keep fires from spreading if they do start.
Decorating accidents
15,000 people were injured while decorating for the holidays in 2012 alone. Most of these injuries occurred when people fell from a ladder, stepped on broken ornaments, or had some other mishap when hanging lights on the tree or house. Nothing kills the festive spirit quite like a broken arm or a cut foot.
When decorating your house outside, always work with someone to spot you and help prevent you from getting hurt. Even if you do get hurt, this person can help you get the medical attention you need more quickly than if you’re alone. When working inside, use a step ladder to reach the top of the tree, wear shoes, and keep an eye on the ground around you. For both inside and outside decorating, check your ladder before you start and make sure it’s in good condition.
Car accidents
Unfortunately, car accidents are a frequent occurrence in December. There are three major reasons for these accidents, and knowing them can help you stay safe. One is that winter road conditions like snow and ice can make driving extra challenging. Another is that more cars are out on the roads as people travel to see family and friends. Lastly, people drink more alcohol during the holidays, and unfortunately, some of them drive afterward.
You can’t control other people’s behaviors, but you can at least do your best to avoid being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you drink, stay in for the night. When you do need to drive, try and avoid doing it late or when roads are at their iciest. As always, stay as alert as possible when you’re on the road.
Depression and other mental illnesses
Holidays are a joyous time for many, but they’re unpleasant for many others. A common December ailment is SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. It’s a type of depression that’s triggered by the changing seasons and peaks around holiday time. It can also be exacerbated by familial expectations and a common cultural insistence on being happy. Many people also fall into the trap of substance abuse with alcohol flowing more freely than other times of year.
It’s important to recognize the signs of SAD, depression, substance abuse disorder, and other mental illnesses that rear their ugly heads each December. By seeking counseling and treatment, you can avoid the worst these illnesses have to offer and keep your mental health in check.
Viral infections
Flu season spans from October to May in the United States, but it peaks during the cold winter months. The same can be said for COVID-19. When you combine this with interstate travel and lots of family gatherings, you’ve got a recipe for getting sick. While not every case of the flu or COVID-19 requires treatment, sometimes symptoms can get severe. It also helps to get tested to know exactly what you’re suffering from.
You can avoid viral infections by getting updated vaccinations, practicing good hand washing habits, covering your mouth and nose when you cough, and being aware of symptoms that might be present in other people. If someone seems sick, keep your distance.
Let Great Salt Plains Health Center take care of you this holiday season
Getting sick or hurt during the holidays is a drag, but Great Salt Plains Health Center can help. Whether your mental health is suffering, you need an x-ray after a fall, or you need treatment for Covid or the flu, our expert providers have what you need. We hope you don’t need us this holiday season, but if you do, we’re here. Take a look at the services we offer and contact us today to make an appointment at one of our clinics.