It is supposed to be a magical and wonderful time of year. No matter what part of the country you live in, the holiday spirit abounds with lots of activities.
There are however, an abundance of traditional holiday festivities and activities which can leave us injured and feeling gloomy.
For the thrill and snow seekers, sledding is one of those winter sports that keeps emergency doctors busy. According to an article written by Angela Haupt for USNews.com, “Whizzing down a snow-covered hill may be exhilarating, but roughly 33,000 people a year are treated in emergency rooms for sledding-related injuries.”
Another hazard, believe it or not, is shopping. USNews.com reported that many suffer from back aches and strains after a day of shopping.
"People tend to carry their keys in one hand, and seven bags in the other," said Dr. Ryan Stanton, who was interviewed for the article. "That imbalance — that strain on one side of the back — causes injuries."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Nearly 6,000 victims of decorating related falls head to emergency rooms each year.”
I can remember helping my mom hang lights on a tree several years ago, while standing on a chair. I moved one way and the chair slid the other way.
While I did not fall, I strained my back trying to stabilize myself and was crooked for two weeks.
The CDC also warned against fire danger while illuminating your house and building a fire.
“Most residential fires occur during the winter months. Keep candles away from children, pets, walkways, trees, and curtains. Never leave fireplaces, stoves, or candles unattended.”
If you are on your way to grandma’s house, make sure to avoid icy and snowy conditions. The CDC also reminds us to not drive while impaired.
“Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to his/her height, weight, and age.”
Don’t let your overindulgence of holiday foods ruin your festive mood or even worse make you sick.
Registered Dieticians Jennifer Nelson and Katherine Zeratsky of the Mayo Clinic offered this advice, “When making desserts or eggnog, reduce the amount of sugar by half and enhance sweetness by adding a bit of citrus, more vanilla, nutmeg or cinnamon.”
They also suggested cutting down on the sodium. “You can reduce salt by half in most recipes too. Also go easy on salty condiments, such as pickles, catsup, mustard and soy sauce.”
Online References:
“Holiday Health Hazards To Avoid, USNews.com.” U.S. News and World Report. Web 18 Dec.2012.
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/living-well/slideshows/9-holiday-health-hazards-to-avoid/2
“Holiday Health Safety Tips – CDC.Gov.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web 18 Dec. 2012.
http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday
“Healthy Holiday Eating – MayoClinic.com.” The Mayo Clinic. Web 18 Dec. 2012.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-holiday-eating/MY01046
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training.
Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com/ She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband and son, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.
Reviewed December 18, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith