Don Lundy will never forget the first time he worked on Christmas Day. He was one of the paramedics who responded to an early 911 call to find a father collapsed on the floor, on top of a toppled Christmas tree. The father had suffered a heart attack after running down the hall with his two children, caught up in the excitement of Christmas morning.
"The main thing EMS practitioners and first responders see most often during the holiday season are people who get into trouble because they have overexerted themselves beyond what their health would normally allow," says Lundy, President-Elect of the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.
Unintentional overexertion is the third leading cause of nonfatal injury in the U.S., and there is a definite spike in 911 calls during the holidays, especially after 4 pm on the day of an actual celebration. Lundy says EMS responders treat many people who have overworked themselves to make the day special for others, but who forgot to take care of themselves in the process. "I always tell people, holiday means holiday, it doesn't mean work until you drop. Know your limits, know what you can and can't do," says Lundy.
Many people travel over the holidays to see friends and loved ones. "We end up with a lot of patients that have travelled to see their family across town, state line or country. They are taken to a hospital that knows absolutely nothing about them." Lundy recommends that people carry health information when they travel, keep it in a readily accessible place and tell others how to find it in case of emergency. An information card can be tucked in a purse, pocket or glove compartment and should list your name, date of birth, social security number, health conditions and any medications you are taking.
Here are many ways you can ensure you and your loved ones can avoid a trip to the emergency room during the holidays:
Protect yourself from the flu. Flu season can begin as early as October and usually peaks in January or February in the U.S. Take precautions by getting your annual flu vaccine, stay away from those who are sick, and wash your hands often to reduce the spread of germs. If you are sick with the flu yourself, stay away from others, even if that means missing a seasonal celebration.
Select safe, age-appropriate toys to give as gifts to children. Even though stricter toy safety regulations have led to a continued decline in recalls, a new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that toy-related injuries still sent about 181,500 children under the age of 15 to hospital emergency rooms in 2010. Non-motorized scooters continued to be associated with the most injuries. Safety helmets and pads should be part of the gift and sized to fit. While strict regulations are in place to prevent the use of small magnets for toys intended for children under the age of 14 years, remember that they can cause internal injuries if swallowed, and are sometimes used in decorations or desk toys intended for adults. Finally, remember that children can choke or suffocate on deflated or broken balloons, and small parts may pose a choking hazard for children under the age of 3.
Practice safe food preparation. Whether you are an experienced chef or preparing your first holiday meal, the CDC has a helpful list of safety basics for preparing a turkey. You can prevent the spread of norovirus infection, also known as the stomach flu, the leading cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the U.S., by washing your hands and rinsing fruits and vegetables carefully. Keep produce separate from raw meat, poultry and seafood. Cook food to a safe internal temperature and make sure to throw out any food that has been left out for more than 2 hours.
Prevent holiday fires before they start. Decorations like candles and Christmas trees add a seasonal glow but require extra care. If you use lit candles, make sure to use stable holders and place them where they cannot fall over or start a fire. Using energy-efficient LED lights cuts the risk of fire because they emit almost no heat. Check that all special lighting and extension cords carry the CSA mark of approval. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that you use a dual sensor smoke alarm that can detect a flaming fire as well as a smoking fire. Everyone in your family should know the escape plan, including at least two escape routes from each bedroom.
Wishing all the best in good health for you and your loved ones this season!
CONNECT THE DOTS
Get into the spirit of the season by listening to The 12 Ways to Health Holiday Song, compliments of the CDC. The Toy Industry Association has comprehensive information about trends, toy safety, and recalls. Learn more about the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, which represents more than 32,000 EMS practitioners, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians and first responders. Here are some Healthy Outlook Blog articles with more information about maintaining your good health: "5 Lifestyle Factors Cut Diabetes Risk by 80%," "Run for Your Life: Fitness Level Predicts Heart Disease Risk," and "Noninvasive Blood Testing for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Saves Lives."
Jane Langille 17 Dec, 2011--
Source: http://www.healthymagination.com/blog/best-tips-for-healthy-holiday-safety/
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