Holiday is the time in the year when you are supposed to enjoy the company of your family, friends and loved ones. It’s definitely the most wonderful time of the year. But aside from enjoying, it is also a time to be conscious of possible holiday safety and health hazards such as heartburn, accidents and injuries, allergies, and alcohol-related problems if you want to have a truly joyful and enjoyable time.
Holiday heartburn
Foods are the heart of any holiday event. In fact, holiday is synonymous to food. It is not surprising why many people suffer from heartburn during holidays. Binging and eating too much can lead to heartburn and even gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD), both conditions cause stomach acids to back up into the esophagus leading to sudden, disturbing symptoms. Heartburn can cause warm or burning feeling in the chest which can be easily mistaken as a ‘heart attack.’ Meanwhile, persistent or chronic heartburn can be a symptom of a GERD. For individuals who already have GERD, the holidays can pose additional challenge.
The best treatment for heartburn remains is to avoid overeating and an increase in fluid intake. Avoid eating white foods such as white rice, potatoes, and refined sugar; fried foods; processed foods; and drinking too much alcohol and coffee. Eat small frequent meals and avoid binging on foods. If symptoms occur at nighttime, try elevating the head of the bed and avoid eating two to four hours before bedtime.
Holiday allergies
For individuals with known allergies or asthma, the holiday season can pose added health challenges. It is essential to be extra careful about all known and possible triggers. Take your medications on time. If you have certain food allergies, make sure to ask the host about the ingredients of the menu. On the other hand, if you are the host, ask your guests about possible food allergies so that you can prepare the right foods. If you have been prescribed with epinephrine injection kit, take it with you. It is best if someone knows how to use it, in case of severe allergic reaction.
Holiday drinking
Aside from foods, alcohol is a mainstay during holidays. Social events, office parties and family get-togethers are not complete without alcohol. As always, moderation is the key. Overindulging on alcohol can lead to unfortunate experiences such as being injured while drunk, impairment in driving, alcohol poisoning, severe ‘hangover’ symptoms, promiscuity, and much more. Aside from that, alcohol is also very high in calories that it can add to your holiday weight problems. Individuals with alcohol problems have more temptations to take in alcohol and are at high risk for alcohol-related injuries. When you go out to social events, make sure to give yourself a limit on your alcohol intake so that you will not have any problems.
Lastly, it pays to have knowledge of basic first aid so that you can respond properly and promptly in case an emergency situation happens while on holidays. Take note that many accidents and injuries are recorded during the holiday season.