The Holiday Season’s health challenges

Christmas is often referred to as the most wonderful time of the year. The excitement associated with this holy season is not only omnipresent, it is also very contagious. Unfortunately, contiguously there is also the tendency to toss caution to the wind which can result in an upsurge in a number of health-related issues.

Cardiovascular Events

International studies have shown that the incidence of strokes, heart attacks, and heart rhythm disorders is higher at Christmas and New Year when compared to any other time of the year. The likely reasons for such include excessive consumption of unhealthy foods, binge drinking, stress, depression, anxiety, and a delay in seeking medical care.

Alcohol

In numerous cultures, including ours, for many, the Christmas season is synonymous with binge drinking. This can result in heart attacks and strokes and may lead to risky sexual behaviour which in turn can increase the chances of an unwanted pregnancy or the contraction of an STD.

Choking

This is most common in children under the age of 3. Unfortunately, some of us do not take into consideration the potential choking hazards of allowing young children to play with small toys, parts, and latex balloons. Sweets can also cause choking when given to little ones. Adults, especially if intoxicated, are at risk for choking on foods such as nuts, meats, hot dogs, fruit, cheese, and popcorn.

Infections

Huddling together with friends and family, especially those who have recently arrived from overseas, increases the chances of contracting respiratory tract infections inclusive of flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

Food poisoning

Many households prepare a wide variety of dishes for the “big day” which are often left out for quite a while at room temperature, before being placed in the fridge. At room temperature bacteria thrive, and the longer the food remains unrefrigerated it’s the more likely it is for the bacteria to multiply. In order to reduce the risk of food poisoning food should be refrigerated within two hours of being served.

Depression

The prevalence of depression increases over the holidays with many suffering in silence. One of the primary reasons for depression is Christmas serves to rekindle and heighten our sense of loss of a loved one who is no longer with us. Other reasons for depression include financial challenges, falling short when it comes to meeting others’ expectations, fatigue, loneliness, the over-commercialization of the season, and stressful gatherings.

Asthma/ Allergies

Real Christmas trees can harbour pollen which in turn can exacerbate asthma as well as bring on sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, runny noses, sore throats, and fatigue in susceptible individuals. The latter collection of symptoms is often referred to as the Christmas Tree Syndrome.

Injuries/ Electrical Shocks

Persons can be injured due to falls from heights while hanging decorations and/or lights, especially in hard-to-reach places. Glass decorations can cause cuts. Broken and exposed wires can result in electrical shocks.

I am wishing everyone a blessed, healthy, and enjoyable Christmas. Whatever you do please take care and stay safe.

Author: Dr. C. Malcolm Grant – Family Physician, c/o Family Care Clinic, Arnos Vale. For appointments: clinic@familycaresvg.com, 1(784)570-9300, (Office), 1(784)455-0376 (WhatsApp)
Disclaimer: The information provided in the above article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Dr. C. Malcolm Grant, Family Care Clinic or The Searchlight Newspaper, or their associates, respectively, are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information provided above.