Most Frequent Health Issues During the Holiday Season

As the holidays approach, most people are more prone to accidents. The rush for gifts, crowded places, and stress are factors that create an environment conducive to illness.

Firstly, it’s important to take care of yourself to avoid any type of injury. Secondly, if you’re working during the holidays, prepare for an increased number of patients who will come to the hospital or clinic with ailments common during this period.

Here are the most common health issues, and how you can avoid them:

1. Lower Back Pain

People who are not accustomed to physical effort risk injury when lifting heavy objects and decorating hard-to-reach places.

To enjoy the holidays without problems, try to exercise consistently, at least twice a week, either at home or in the gym. It’s important to strengthen your abdomen and stretch your muscles to maintain flexibility.

2. Injuries from Lifting Heavy Objects

This type of injury can occur when moving furniture for cleaning, setting up the Christmas tree, carrying shopping bags, or even luggage. It’s perhaps the most common type of affliction doctors face during the holidays.

If you plan to transport heavy items, it’s best to have help to share the load. Use the strength of your legs for lifting, not your back. Always keep your back straight.

Read also: The Impact of Holiday Depression on Medical Professionals

3. Accidents During Travel

Many people travel during the holidays to spend time with loved ones. Regardless of the journey’s length, two hours or eight, if you’re tired, you might become inattentive and risk an accident.

It’s very important to sleep at least 8 hours per night before and after your journey and rest when you feel tired. Don’t engage in strenuous physical activities if you’re not fully fit and take breaks whenever needed, especially when driving.

4. Indigestion

If you’ve worked during the holidays, especially in emergencies, you’ve seen many cases of indigestion. Patients complain of severe stomach or chest pain, similar to a burn, and often, a feeling of nausea.

Even if the food is delicious and abundant, it’s better to eat only as much as you need, without overdoing it. Always have pills that aid in the proper functioning of stomach acid, bile, and liver.

5. Dehydration

Many believe that dehydration only occurs in summer when temperatures are high. However, this condition is also common in winter, when you’re dressed warmly and engage in demanding activities like shoveling snow.

To avoid fatigue, which can lead to fainting, wear multiple layers of clothing that you can remove when you feel warm. Also, always carry a water bottle and drink even if you don’t feel thirsty due to the cold.

6. Stress

Although the holiday season should be relaxing, people often end up more stressed than during the rest of the year. For example, meeting with extended family can lead to unpleasant discussions that affect your mental state.

To avoid advanced symptoms of stress like chronic fatigue or panic attacks, prioritize yourself. If you find yourself in a stressful situation, it’s better to go for a walk to enjoy the fresh air and calm down.

7. Toothaches from Sweets and Cold Drinks

The holidays often involve indulging in sweets and cold beverages, which can lead to toothaches, especially in people with sensitive teeth or existing dental issues. To prevent this, try to limit your intake of sugary treats and very cold drinks. Also, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and using dental floss. It’s important to use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth if you’re prone to this problem.

Read also 11 Best Holiday Gift Ideas For Nurses-Christmas and beyond

8. Gum Infections from Neglected Oral Hygiene

With the busy holiday schedule, people might neglect their oral hygiene, leading to gum infections like gingivitis. Symptoms include swollen, red, or bleeding gums. To avoid this, ensure you maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine, regardless of how busy the holidays get. Brushing, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash daily can significantly reduce the risk of gum infections.

9. Cracked or Chipped Teeth from Hard Foods

Holiday foods often include nuts, candies, and other hard-to-bite items that can cause teeth to crack or chip. To prevent such injuries, be cautious when eating hard foods. If you have existing dental restorations like crowns or fillings, be particularly careful. It’s a good idea to have a dental check-up before the holidays if you suspect any weakness in your teeth.

With a little care, you can prevent any of the above afflictions. And when you have patients suffering from indigestion, dehydration, or back pain, you can explain what they can do in the future to avoid hospital visits.

Read also: How to Prevent Staff Burnout During the Holidays?

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