When we think about the holiday season, visits to the emergency room are not on the wish list. We usually plan to spend the season enjoying time with friends and family, spreading cheer, indulging in some traditional food and beverages, and relaxing. As it should be.
But every year local hospitals see a spike in ER visits during the holidays. This happens for a number of reasons, and many of them relate to lifestyle choices. Changes in diet, disruptions in exercise routines, increased stress from travel and packed social calendars, and missed medications are all contributing factors.
1. Heart Attacks
The number of heart attacks increases by 25 percent during the holiday season. Heart-attack-related deaths increase by 40 percent during the holiday season.
2. Flu and Viruses
The holidays occur right at the peak of flu season—and when you add traveling and a packed social schedule, your odds of getting sick increase significantly. Though the flu does not usually require a trip to the emergency room, those who are at greater risk—including children, the elderly or those with pre-existing health conditions—might need to seek medical help to prevent the illness from escalating.
3. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain and discomfort are common during the holidays due to the changes in diet associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas and other celebrations. Hyper-palatable foods and lavish feasts can often lead to overindulging, which causes the muscles in your stomach to expand and “make room.” Unfortunately, overeating can lead to dangerous digestive issues that could land you in the emergency room as well. Stomach ruptures, indigestion, acid reflux, diarrhea and vomiting are all uncomfortable and common occurrences during this time of the year.
4. Alcohol poisoning
The holidays can be a time for celebration, and this might include celebrating with alcohol. According to addiction research, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve account for some of the most extreme cases of alcohol consumption. Whether it’s due social gatherings or coping with stressful feelings that arise during the holidays, alcohol poisoning can be common if you go overboard. Experts say that alcohol-related injuries spike this time of year, and you can expect to see a few drunk people in the ER over the season.
A Better Plan
You should enjoy the holidays, but not at the expense of your healthy habits. And certain people need to be even more mindful of managing their intake based on their current health conditions. Individuals who are managing blood-sugar and blood-pressure issues don’t deserve to spend their holidays in the ER because of messaging telling them it’s “only once a year. Let loose!”
The truth is our lives are filled with holidays and special events. The goal is to live a healthy lifestyle that allows us to enjoy these special events and manage them in a way that doesn’t negatively impact our health. This means mindful consumption of fun foods and alcohol, and continued effort with movement.
Here are some simple and effective tips I give to clients to help them feel good over the holiday season without feeling like they are missing out:
1. Start your day with a glass of water. It’s a simple but intentional choice to start the day with a healthy action.
2. If you have a big meal planned for the evening, focus on eating protein and whole foods during the day to create a better balance overall.
3. Keep moving. Exercise might look a little different during the holidays. Plan some walks and skates with your friends and family outside. Just stay active!
4. Pace yourself with alcohol. Set safe limits, choose non-alcoholic beverages and break up drinks with water. Consider setting a reasonable limit before the party starts.
5. Observe your mindset. A scarcity approach will result in binges with food and drinks. Give yourself permission to enjoy some treats and realize there will be other opportunities to eat and drink foods and beverages you enjoy. You don’t have to “get it all in tonight.”
The goal is to be healthy enough to enjoy the holidays with people you love for years to come. You can achieve this by maintaining some health habits over the holidays.
