Holiday health items:
Depression and Seasonal affective disorder - Depression tends to be worse during the holiday season. It could be related to grief reaction from having a loved one pass away recently, or other issues that can make depression worse. With the economy the way it is, people may not be able to celebrate with gift giving, etc. due to less income; stress levels may be higher leading to spousal and child abuse, etc. Seasonal Affective Disorder may be related to the shorter duration of daylight during the winter months as well as the holidays.
Indoor use of heaters, fuel or electric powered, can lead to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning or an increase in burns to the body and house fires from these devices.
Alcohol use may be increased with holiday parties which increases the related the health hazards including, driving under the influence, alcohol poisoning, intoxication, worsening depression, disruption of sleep cycle, etc.
Childproofing while traveling and during holiday visits: When planning holiday visits with friends and relatives, especially small children, make sure the home is poison-safe. Medicine, cosmetics and other small items left out on counters or in coat pockets can frequently be swallowed by small children. Make sure visitors to your home store packages and purses out of a child's reach.
Parents should not leave medications in reach of toddlers or young children, especially when the family if not in familiar surroundings. Iron poisoning from vitamins in toddlers is responsible for more deaths nationwide than any other medication. Additionally, young children swallowing medications accounts for the greatest number of emergency poisonings.
Cleaning House for the Holidays: During clean up in the house remember children act fast and so do poisons. Parents and grandparents are cautioned not to depend too heavily on childproof caps on medicines and on cleaning agents. Safety caps only slow children down, they don't stop them. Some medications that can cause a poisoning include analgesics, cough and cold products, antimicrobials, antihistamines, antidepressants, asthma therapies, and sedative/hypnotics.
The Flu and the Common ColdThe influenza immunization is the best protection against contracting the flu. To help prevent getting a cold avoid peak hours at shopping malls, markets, theaters, or crowded places during the cold and flu season can help. Washing your hands frequently can help you avoid getting a cold.
Influenza, or as it is more commonly called, the flu, is an infection of the respiratory tract that usually occurs from November to January. Flu vaccination on an annual basis is important for people of all ages, including the elderly and infants. Influenza vaccine does not cause the flu or other illnesses. It is recommended that elderly people receive a Pneumococcal immunization for pneumonia at the same time with no increased risk or side effects.
The common cold hits a large portion of the population at least once a year but hits the hardest during the winter months. People with colds, who are in good health don't have to see a doctor since viruses do not respond to antibiotics. A typical common cold will last three to four days. Get plenty of rest and drink eight glasses of fluids daily.
Holiday Diets:Remember to eat regular healthy meals; starving yourself before a holiday party may lead to overindulgence later. Use a small plate and fill it mostly with fruits & vegetables. Decide which foods are your favorites and select small portions and passing on items that aren't your favorites. Avoid lingering around the main food table; instead enjoy chatting with family and friends. Eat and drink slowly and remember that alcohol has calories: drink in moderation (1-2 beverages a day). Use "light" ingredients in holiday recipes such as nonfat sweetened condensed milk, light cream cheese and sour cream, reduced fat cheeses and light eggnog. Many magazines and cookbooks contain great low-fat holiday recipes! Avoid beginning a diet during the holidays but do stay active: regular exercise is great for relieving stress and burning calories. Remember that moderation is key to keeping off those extra holiday pounds. Finally have realistic expectations for New Year's resolutions involving both diet and exercise.
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