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 “There is typically an uptick of visits to the ER
during the holidays related to flu, pneumonia, falls or hypothermia,
particularly among children and seniors,” said Paul Kivela, MD, MBA,
FACEP, President, American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).
“A little bit of planning and preparation can help you avoid
spending the most wonderful time of the year in the ER.”
Prepare for cold weather. The chill in the air can add to
health risks whether you are inside or outside. If you are enjoying
an outdoor activity or playing in the snow it is important to dress
appropriately for the weather and monitor the amount of time spent
outside. Early signs of frostbite include numbness or burning, or
cold skin that turns hard and pale.
Hypothermia or dehydration risks increase the longer you spend
exposed to the elements, particularly at altitude. If you are
driving, make sure your car is equipped with a full emergency kit
that includes a warm blanket, roadside flares and other necessities.
For those who stay inside more frequently in inclement weather,
check to make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are
working properly. Respiratory issues are among the leading causes of
winter ER visits. While a normal cough or cold is likely better
addressed by a primary care physician, if an illness comes with
complications, such as difficulty breathing, it could be appropriate
to go to the emergency room.
Get a flu shot. Experts note that this flu season could be
particularly severe and say that a flu vaccine is the best way to
reduce your risk of getting sick. Vaccines are important and so are
annual check-ups. Pinning an annual check-up to a calendar event
such as a holiday or birthday is an easy way to make it part of your
health routine.
Beyond winter weather, preventable accidents or health emergencies
can happen during holiday preparation and celebration, too.
Indulge in moderation. Rich holiday meals and snacks are
delicious but typically are high in salt, sugar, cholesterol or fat
content. Too much of any festive food or drink can complicate
existing health conditions, like diabetes. Eating slowly is one way
to avoid choking, and it is important to make smart choices such as
monitoring or limiting your alcohol intake.
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“One important safety tip is pretty simple and could save your
life — don’t drink and drive,” said Dr. Kivela. “Arrange for a designated driver
in advance or call a taxi. Far too many accidents happen when people are
inebriated and decide to get behind the wheel.”
Go slowly, go safely. Accidents and back injuries are common around the
holidays from lifting heavy objects and decorations to injuries from hanging
lights or slipping on ice. Around 2.8 million people go to the ER annually from
falls and, among seniors, falling is the leading cause of injury. Slow down to
avoid slipping or falling in snow, ice or wet conditions.
Make a schedule to tackle your holiday shopping,
entertaining, commuting or other tasks methodically and avoid the last-minute
holiday scramble. “Holiday heart,” cardiac issues that arise in otherwise
healthy individuals, is a condition that can arise from the added pressures of
holiday duties. Planning, entertaining, family stress or any number of factors
can contribute to emergency visits relating to depression or anxiety seen around
this time of year.
“To reduce your risk, reduce your stress,” said Dr. Kivela. “One of the best
gifts you can give yourself this holiday season is to commit to taking better
care of your physical and mental health all year round.”
ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency
medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing
education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP
has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District
of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians
employed by military branches and other government agencies.
www.EmergencyCareForYou.org
[American College of Emergency
Physicians]
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