Holiday Health Hazards
While this is the time of year for cheer and celebration, there are also certain things about the holidays that can pose serious risks to your health.
As mentioned in a previous article, during the holidays we tend to overindulge – whether it’s on sweet treats or going for second or third servings of that ham or turkey dinner, the holiday season usually tends to be the most common time of year when people might pack on a few extra pounds. Hence, it’s also the most common time of year for people to make weight loss one of their New Year’s resolutions. While it’s okay to have the odd chocolate or treat during the holidays, you’ll want to make sure it’s done in moderation and that you’re not putting your health at risk – for example, if you’re diabetic.
Depression is also very common during the holidays – and it is often referred to as the ‘holiday blues’. For some people, depression can set in as a result of having too much to do – i.e. having to plan dinner for a large number of guests, having to shop for gifts and brave the busy crowds at the malls, and feeling generally anxious and overwhelmed – to the complete opposite end of the spectrum, such as not having any plans/no one to spend the holidays with. These things can be triggering to some. In many cases, the depression will subside once the holiday season is over. However, for some the depression may persist, which can lead to things like panic attacks as well as thoughts of suicide. If you are suffering from severe depression or suspect that someone you know might be, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Mental illness is not something to be ashamed of, as your mental health should be given the same amount of attention as you would give to all other aspects of your health. In order to treat depression, a patient may be prescribed anti-anxiety medications and/or anti-depressants in addition to referring patients to local mental health services for further evaluation by a professional trained in the mental health field, such as a psychiatrist.
Christmas trees also pose a threat to your health. While many Canadians opt for artificial trees, which can be found at local craft stores or shopping centres, others like the idea of going out and picking their own real tree, which means real pine; but whether you have an artificial tree or a real one, you could still be putting your health at risk, as Christmas trees are one of the leading causes of fires in Canadian households between late November through to the end of December. When it comes to picking out an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled at being fire resistant. You’ll also want to keep your tree, real or fake, away from heat sources (a portable heater, for example). If you suffer from allergies, real trees can also trigger or worsen symptoms – such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. The only way to avoid this is to get an artificial tree.
Last but not least, snow. Everyone dreams of a white Christmas, and while it’s certainly beautiful to look at, it can also be quite hazardous. Not only does it make for bad driving conditions, but it can also be a risk around your own home. Keeping walkways clear of snow and ice reduces your risk of a fall and any bone sprains or breaks.
