"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

How to avoid some common health risks this Christmas holiday – from a practicing GP

It has turn out to be a convention to have a team quiz at our office Christmas party, followed by an exciting round of the Twelve Days of Christmas. It normally ends in chaos.

As a practicing GP, I feel it is probably useful to reduce the medical risks of the weather as an alternative.

So, now all of us go together: “On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave me…”

Twelve allergic reactions

From tree pollen and mold, to gift-giving plants and flowers, we will bring rather a lot. Possible allergens In this house time of year. Again, it's a great idea to maintain some antihistamines available for Christmas and, if it's prescribed for emergencies, Epipanin the event you develop allergy symptoms.

Many people During the vacation season we love using scented candles and red diffusers to fill our homes with festive scents like cinnamon, ginger and allspice. Although they will have a great effect, home fragrances can contain volatile organic compounds that could be harmful to health. If you're particularly careful There are pets Or with anyone Breathing problemsakin to asthma or COPD attacks – could be triggered by being around a scented product. Some people are sick.



One of the The most common reasons An allergic response, though, is the bowl of nuts that everybody seems to have at Christmas, not to say the nuts present in many festive foods akin to mince pies, Christmas puddings and stuffing. Keep some nut-free alternatives in the cabinet too.

Eleven hard arteries.

Most of us may have our fair proportion of overindulging through the holidays. It is estimated. The average person will eat around 6,000 calories on Christmas Day, 3 times the beneficial every day intake. Associated weight gain and Blood cholesterol increasedThe risk of heart attack and stroke may increase. Try to maintain the high calories to only one or two days.

Ten lords a burping

Christmas overindulgence can even include excessive consumption of spicy and fatty foods and drinks, which could cause bowel irritation and irritation. Indigestion.

You can try over-the-counter. Antacids To help manage indigestion symptoms, seek medical advice for anyone. Acute symptoms Or those who persist beyond the Christmas period.

Nine myocardial infarctions

A Swedish research group suggested that top stress levels through the holidays may increase the danger of heart attack. Given the financial pressures, inevitable family dramas and overeating, the increasing strain on our bodies is probably not surprising. But, it will not be yet clear whether there was any increase. Heart attacks Stay secure at Christmas and consider taking time to calm down to assist take care of rising stress levels. Never ignore. Associated symptomsLike chest pain, either.



Eight cases of food poisoning

From undercooked turkeys to overstocked fridges and unwashed hands in shared breakfast bowls, there's no shortage of them. Food hygiene hazards At Christmas in the event you fall the incorrect way Food poisoning In the festive period, then you definately will learn about it. Symptoms include: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and extreme temperature. This could be very vital to avoid dehydration, so make certain you might have loads of fluids and again, seek medical advice.

Seven fractures of the penis

It's not clear whether the results of the weather, or more time for hobbies (read How to Survive Christmas by Jilly Cooper (for more on this) is accountable for potential risk. Broken penis At Christmas

A study in Germany found a high incidence of penile injuries often called Fracture through the holiday season. A penile fracture occurs when the penis bends too far, causing it to interrupt. These are injuries. Usually attached With great sexual activity.

Six sexually transmitted infections

Protect yourself from the unwanted gift of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). when Used correctlyCondoms are highly effective in stopping STIs. STI rates are already on the rise and a few experts consider that They see an increase in infections So make certain you stay secure this Christmas – and get tested early in the event you think you may be in danger.



Five rampant reindeer

Poor old Rudolph. About 60,000 deer on one side Vehicle injuries Every yr in America, be careful for other dangers in the event you're in close contact with Santa's trusted companions. Near the deer Lice and ticks That can jumpstart humans and cause a wide range of skin ailments, from allergic reactions to bacterial conditions Lyme disease. Avoid killing reindeer in the event you see them pulling a sleigh this Christmas.

Four viral infections

Britain could have a quadruple this yr, because of a surge in 4 viral infections. Three of the viruses are respiratory: flu, COVID and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Another is norovirus, which causes diarrhea and vomiting.

Vaccine programs should help reduce the burden of respiratory disease, and a RSV vaccine was recently introduced.



Three Dangers of Choking

From inhalable nibbles to presents and crackers to bits of plastic, Christmas is indeed filled with choking hazards. Again, it's vital to concentrate on these small pieces, especially if you might have little ones tearing across the house.

And take into accout that it's not only children who can choke – adults can too.

Encourage the choking person to cough, but be prepared to perform Back slap and belly slap To attempt to remove the block – and call 999 if the blockage doesn't go away.

Two severe intoxications

Some of us are guilty of having fun with the festive spirits a A little too much during christmas.

Here is the present advice. 14 units weekly For men and girls, fairly than consuming in a binge, opened up.

Consider. Planning ahead To resolve what and where you will drink. Some alcohol-free days and abstaining from New Year's can even help reduce this. Adverse effects Any festive drink.

Finally, in the event you are taking medication, check if there's any medication. Harmful interactions with alcohol.

So, there you might have it. As far as I'm concerned, any true love that has these “gifts” can push them where the Christmas star doesn't shine.

And the partridge within the pear tree

Merry Christmas everyone!