Staying safe this festive season is harder than you might think, with everything from decorating injuries to colds to watch out for. Here are ten of the top health risks to watch out for
Christmas is typically associated with turkey roasts, mulled wine, and endless reruns of Love Actually rather than a hospital visit – but to ensure it stays that way, there are a few key reminders to heed.
As we recently highlighted some crucial tips for drivers to bear in mind as they plan their festive season journeys, it’s vital to take care of our health while also ensuring safety.
Contracting a virus, overindulging in alcohol, and anxiety are just a few of the risks that come with Christmas celebrations. From ensuring ladders are secure to taking care of your emotional needs, here are some of our top tips for staying safe and joyful this holiday season.
1. Decorating injuries
The task of hanging up Christmas decorations may not seem particularly dangerous, but research by the National Accident Helpline (NHA) suggests otherwise.
More than 1 in 50 (2.1%) have fallen out of the loft while retrieving decorations. And according to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), about 1,000 people are injured by their Christmas tree each year, usually when trying to attach decorations to the higher branches.
Ensure your ladder is stable on a flat surface and wear sturdy shoes instead of slippers. It might also be wise to hold off on the eggnog until after the decorating is complete.
2. Electric shocks
Christmas often means rummaging through the back of the cupboard to find decorations that have seen better days. Light sets, which have been twisted up in storage and left to become brittle over 11 months of hibernation, can end up with exposed wires.
These faulty lights can give you a nasty shock – literally – so it’s important to check your lights and other electrically powered decorations for signs of frayed cables or damaged fittings before you plug them in. If you’re unsure, it’s best to throw them away.
3. Colds and contagious illnesses
Cold weather alone can’t make you ill, but it can increase your chances of catching something. Being indoors with others may be comforting, but as we learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, close contact without proper ventilation can lead to viruses spreading more easily.
Plus, some studies suggest that your immune system is weakened by the cold, making it harder to fight off illness. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly and consider taking a daily Vitamin D supplement.
4. Overeating
Yes, over-indulgence is practically a given at Christmas, with almost half of Brits admitting they expect to drink more than the recommended daily units of alcohol. But it’s still important to maintain a balanced diet, which means plenty of fruit and vegetables alongside that box of chocolates.
5. Binge drinking
If you’re drinking a lot more than usual, remember the 1-for-1 rule: one glass of water for every alcoholic drink consumed. Binge Drinking is another issue to be aware of during the festive season.
While it’s perfectly okay to let loose and enjoy the festive season, especially when there’s no work the next day, it’s crucial to drink responsibly. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve had a few too many or even just a couple – studies have shown that over a third of people underestimate their level of intoxication.
6. Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is another potential hazard of the holiday season. Overindulging can wreak havoc on your digestive system, but food left out overnight without refrigeration (like yesterday’s turkey) or improperly cooked (like suspicious-looking salmon) can cause serious issues.
To avoid a stomach-churning bout of food poisoning spoiling your Christmas cheer, adhere to the Health and Safety Executive’s food safety guidelines.
7. Deep cuts
Deep cuts are another common injury during the Christmas festivities, often resulting from preparing food for dinner, cutting wrapping paper for gifts, or cleaning up broken glass from a smashed ornament. While it’s impossible to completely avoid these injuries, slowing down and avoiding handling sharp objects after consuming alcohol can reduce the risk.
8. Smoke inhalation and burns
Smoke inhalation and burns are also potential hazards during the festive period. From Christmas trees and candles to fireplaces and overcooked turkey crowns, Christmas certainly has its flammable elements. Always keep an eye on open flames and never leave them unattended. Also, be extra cautious when handling candles if you’ve had a few drinks.
9. Choking
We’re all eager to dig into Grandma’s homemade Christmas pudding, but eating too quickly can lead to choking. If there are kids or pets around, remember that small toys – the kind found in stockings – can easily be mistaken for food. t’s best to keep them out of reach of curious children or animals.
10. Anxiety
Seeing relatives you haven’t seen since last Christmas can cause anxiety for some. In the lead-up to Christmas, the stress of making everything perfect can become overwhelming. Remember, you don’t have to do everything, or even anything – and despite all the hype, it really is just one day in the year.
