As we come down to the last few days before the Holidays we at Bay Area Mastermind want
to wish you and yours all the best this season and a prosperous New Year.
This time of the year is full of fun and excitement and unfortunately at times that can mean a trip to the emergency hospital if we are not careful. I recently came across several key points that physicians’ groups are suggesting we think about during these festive times.
“It’s important to make your health and safety a priority and to take some time to plan ahead,” said, Dr. Nick Jouriles, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians a group news release.
So Here are the 11 tips The physicians’ group offered for staying safe and healthy during the holidays:
- Be responsible when drinking alcohol. Always have a designated driver and drink in moderation.
- Be careful when using sharp objects to open gifts. Don’t use a razor blade when a pair of scissors will do the job.
- Don’t leave food out for long periods of time because it increases the risk of bacterial food poisoning. Cook food thoroughly and refrigerate it immediately after a meal.
- Use proper-sized ladders when putting up and taking down decorations. Always have someone else help you, especially to hold the ladder.
- When tobogganing or sledding, wear helmets and stay in low-traffic areas with few obstacles such as trees, shrubs or large rocks.
- Clean all fireplaces and make sure all fireplaces, heaters and stoves have proper ventilation. Install and frequently check carbon monoxide detectors.
- Don’t overload your electrical outlets with decoration plugs. Doing so could start a fire or cause a serious electrical shock.
- Ensure that Christmas trees and decorations are secure, anchored down and sturdy, so that they can’t fall or be pulled down by children.
- If you give your child a new bicycle, skateboard or similar gift, make sure you also give them a helmet and other appropriate safety gear — and then insist that they use it.
- Don’t shovel snow if you’re out of shape or elderly or have a history of heart problems.
Have aspirin available to you at all times in case of chest pains. If you feel chest pains, chew an aspirin and seek emergency medical help. - If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, don’t overindulge in holiday food and avoid excessive salt intake
These 11 items just happen to be some of the most common issues that these physicians see at the ER during the holidays.
Happy Holidays and we look forward to seeing you at our next meet.