Newswise — Santa is truly a medical marvel, according to members of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Compared to his "mortal" counterparts, doctors representing a variety of specialties are amazed at his seemingly good health despite his demanding schedule.
"It's astounding, really," noted Medical Society president Peter Lund, MD. "Year after year, Santa's lifestyle creates physical and mental stress and yet, there he is"jolly as ever."
Recently, several member physicians commented on Santa's health:
"¢ Dr. Daniel Glunk, internist from Williamsport, Pa., and president-elect of the Pennsylvania Medical Society: "Santa's job can be strenuous, carrying heavy sacks of toys. Often doctors recommend a physical exam before a person starts such activities. It's best to know if the person would be able to handle the activity without risk to their health. I believe that Santa does have an annual check up where he and his doctors work together to minimize a variety of risk factors. Likely during the physical exam, Santa and his doctors discuss his lifestyle choices and if needed, would work with him to develop a plan to manage any problems. That could be one of the secrets to Santa's many years of duty to children all over the world."
"¢ Dr. William Lander, family practitioner from Bryn Mawr, Pa., and a past president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society: "Santa never misses an appearance or a delivery and that makes me think he gets an annual flu shot. He knows how dangerous it would be for him to spread influenza to the children, elves, or Mrs. Claus, and how disappointing it would be for him to come down with the virus."
"¢ Dr. Victor Marks, dermatologist from Danville, Pa., and president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery: "Typically, doctors caution patients about avoiding harsh winter conditions, but in Santa's case, that's impossible " living at the North Pole, flying around the world in the frosty winter air. If a person must work outside in the cold, then we advise patients to protect their skin. I imagine that one of Santa's secrets for his yearly ride across the globe is that he takes precautions to avoid skin damage. The downside of not taking precautions can range from discomfort to disease. I've seen Santa with warm gloves to protect his hands, and I suspect that he uses a lip balm with petrolatum and dimethicone as the main ingredients. I do get worried about his rosy cheeks. I wonder if that's wind burn from flying all night or sunburn from daylight reflecting off the snow. Mrs. Claus now applies sunscreen to his cheeks each morning."
"¢ Dr. Mark Piasio, orthopedic surgeon from DuBois, Pa., and past president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society: "Not a lot of my patients are sliding up and down chimneys, but Santa must be exceptionally nimble to do so. I expect he is probably working on his flexibility during the off season at the North Pole. For a man of his age, it can be great way to stay balanced and flexible, especially when he's skipping across roof tops, carrying a heavy sack, and hopping in and out of his sleigh so much."
Of course, without an actual examination, physicians can only speculate as to Santa's health. But they also suggest that several positive influences may also contribute to Santa's longevity:
"¢ He loves what he does. Job/life satisfaction and a positive outlook can contribute significantly to an overall sense of well-being. "¢ Santa isn't sedentary. He's strolling through the toy workshop and outside training reindeer, plus he's staying mentally alert by making lists of good boys and girls.
As the holidays and New Year approach, the physician members of the Pennsylvania Medical Society encourage all Pennsylvanians to:
"¢ Have a regularly scheduled physical exam"¢ Get a flu shot"¢ Protect your skin throughout the year"¢ Stay active, physically and mentally
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