4 Holiday Health Mishaps and How to Avoid Them

The holidays can be one of the happiest times of the year. While you are reconnecting with loved ones, the last thing you want to occur is a holiday health mishap. Below are some friendly tips on how to stay safe this winter season. If you find yourself in a holiday health mishap, don’t forget you are equipped with all the necessary tools on your iTriage app to find local care while away for the holiday.

 

Health issue #1: Deck the Halls’, But Don’t Fall

 

Holiday decorations can bring everyone’s mood up, but don’t let an injury stop your festivities this year. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissions (CPSC), hospital emergency rooms treat about 12,500 people for injuries, such as falls, cuts and shocks, related to holiday lights, decorations and Christmas trees. This year use caution by only using lights that have been tested, keep burning candles within sight and taking special care to avoid sharp, weighted or breakable decorations that may harm the children.

 

Health issue #2: Safety-proof Grandma’s House

 

When you head to grandma’s house this holiday, make sure you inspect the house for potential danger spots that may harm your small children. Every day, 7 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for electrical shock or burn injuries caused by tampering with wall outlets, according to the CPSC. Another danger for young children can be candle fires. “December is the peak time of the year for candle fires”, notes the U.S. Fire Administration. So this holiday, come prepared with wall outlet plugs and flameless candles. It’s better to be “kiddy proof”, than stuck at the ER this holiday.

 

Health issue#3: Presents- Check, Boarding Passes- Check, Medication Filled and Packed…

 

Packing can be one of the most difficult tasks for a family traveling far this holiday. A helpful hint for those taking prescription medications is to keep your medications in your carry-on bag if you are traveling by air. As more people are traveling for the holidays, you’d hate for the airline to misplace your important medications. While the holidays always seem to creep up on us, it’s also important to remember to fill your prescriptions before a long trip. Don’t forget, with your iTriage app, you can set reminders to synch with your smartphone to remind yourself when you need that prescription filled. This way you won’t forget any of the necessities during busy holidays!

 

Health issue #4: Food Poisoning, Yuck!

 

The holidays bring the very best food. Whether it’s ham and turkey or an assortment of holiday cookies, when the family gathers, food is sure to be the main attraction after presents. This holiday, make sure you avoid food poisoning that could put a damper on your holiday spirit. Below are a few tips from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) to avoid holiday foodborne illnesses:

 Do not prepare or handle food if you feel ill, are vomiting or experiencing diarrhea.

 Wash hands with soap and warm water: Before and after preparing food

 When alternating between raw and cooked foods to avoid cross contamination

 After handling a pet

 Before eating

 

Refrigerate all perishable food as soon as possible after purchasing. If the ride home is more than 60 minutes in warm/hot weather, place cold items in an insulated cold storage container.

 Do not thaw food at room temperature. Plan far enough ahead so that there is sufficient time.