‘Every minute counts’: Experts’ advice to ensure a healthy holiday season
While the holiday seasons can bring merry and joy, it can also bring elevated levels of stress that could lead to unexpected and serious medical conditions.
According to Grand Strand Health, several studies have shown that the risk of heart attack and stroke increases during the months of December and January, with a particular peak on Christmas and New Year’s Day that can be attributed to cold weather triggering a spike in blood pressure, alcohol consumption, indulging in high-fat and sugary foods, and a lack of exercise.
Researches also believe people are less likely to interrupt holiday festivities by seeking medical care, which can lead to serious complications if not treated quickly, Grand Strand Health medical officials said in a release.
“When it comes to a stroke, every minute counts,” Dr. Robert Coni, neurologist at Grand Strand Medical Center, said. “The CDC states that getting to a hospital within three hours of symptoms allows for the delivery of a medicine that greatly improves the chances of recovering from a stroke.”
Coni added that medical professionals are available during the holidays to ensure those experiencing any difficulty are taken care and return home.
Below are some safety tips from Grand Strand Health, the U.S. Fire Administration and the Palmetto Poison Center to ensure you have a happy and healthy holiday season.
How to avoid the emergency room:
- Eat and drink in moderation
- Stay active and maintain your regular exercise routine
- Sleep at least eight hours each night
- Avoid smoking
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke
- Get a flu shot to decrease the strain that infection and fever creates on the body
- Reduce stress and avoid holiday aggravations
- Dial 9-1-1 or go straight to the emergency room if you or a loved one are experiencing anything unusual
Are you using a turkey fryer?
- Properly thaw the turkey before frying.
- Turkey fryers can easily overheat and start a fire. Always use your fryer outside at a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials, but never use a fryer in your garage or on a wooden deck.
- Also keep your fryer away from small children and pets. Even a slight bump can be hazardous.
- Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot oil across a large area. Make sure the fryer stands on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
- A partially frozen turkey will cause hot oil to splatter, as well as an overfilled cooking pot.
- The pot, lid and handles of a turkey fryer can get dangerously hot and cause burns. Wear oven mitts and keep the pot lid handy to smother any flames — don’t throw water on them.
Nobody ever put food poisoning on their Christmas list:
- Refrigerate or freeze perishable food within two hours of shopping or preparing.
- When thawing your turkey, allow 24 hours for each four-to-five pounds of meat. Thawing meat on the kitchen counter at room temperature is not safe, according to the Palmetto Poison Center. Also be sure to place your turkey in a leak-proof container if you’re using cold tap water for thawing. Change the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- Never place fresh fruit, vegetables or cooked food in the same container or on the same surface that raw food has touched.
- Always wash your hands after handling raw meat.
- Lastly, refrigerate or freeze your leftovers immediately after the meal to ensure you’re equipped with plenty of meals for days to come.
