Submitted by Broward Health
The holiday season is a time for joy, love and togetherness. It can also be a time of indulgent meals, late nights, busy schedules and other activities outside of our normal routine that can pose health risks. To stay safe while enjoying this special time of year, Dr. Edmara Nieves, M.D., associate medical director of the Emergency Department at Broward Health Medical Center, shares holiday-related health risks and tips for a safe and healthy holiday season.
Common holiday-related health risks
Some of the biggest sources of holiday-related accidents and illness include:
Food poisoning: Improper food handling or undercooking can lead to foodborne illnesses. “It’s crucial to store and cook food properly, and always wash hands and surfaces before and after handling food,” Dr. Nieves said.
Falls from hanging holiday decorations: Climbing on ladders to hang lights or ornaments carries the risk of falls, particularly in slippery conditions.
Choking hazards: Dr. Nieves urges adults to keep small decorative items such as ornaments, tinsel or even candy out of the reach of young children, and always supervise little ones around potential hazards.
Poisonings: Certain holiday plants like mistletoe and poinsettias are poisonous if ingested, so be sure to keep them out of reach from children and pets. Also, be mindful of alcoholic drinks at parties that can be dangerous if consumed in excess.
Burn injuries: Lighted holiday decorations, candles and kitchen fires all pose a risk during the holidays. It’s important to make sure decorations are in good shape and that open flames and hot stoves are closely monitored.
Food and alcohol safety
Following a few simple rules for storing and refrigerating food can help prevent foodborne illnesses.
“Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours to keep them safe to eat and use a food thermometer to make sure meals are cooked to the recommended internal temperature,” Dr. Nieves said.
It’s very important to always wash your hands before and after preparing food, especially when handling raw meats.
When it comes to alcohol, know your limit and always drink responsibly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) moderate drinking is up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
“If you are planning to drink, be sure to have a non-drinking driver,” Dr. Nieves said.
Keep in mind that some medications can dangerously interact with alcohol, so it’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any potential risks.
Decorating safety tips
Keep safety at the forefront when decorating your home for the holidays.
“If you’re hanging decorations in high places, be sure to use a sturdy and stable ladder,” Dr. Nieves said. “Never use furniture as a makeshift ladder, as it’s not designed to support your weight similarly.”
Ensure all decorations are secure and well-anchored to prevent them from falling and causing injury. Before stringing lights, inspect them for any damaged cords or loose bulbs to prevent electrical shocks or fires. This is particularly important for outdoor decorations that may be affected by wind or weather.
“Keep pathways clear of cables and decorations to avoid tripping hazards. If you’re using extension cords, make sure they’re safely tucked away,” said Dr. Nieves.
Additionally, never overload electrical outlets with too many plugs. Opt for shatterproof ornaments or decorations, especially if you have children or pets. Glass or fragile decorations can break and cause injuries.
Simple precautions during the holidays can help prevent burn injuries and fires.
Choking hazards
Choking is a common risk that can happen any time of year, especially during the holidays. Not only is there an increase in small decorations, food and goodies in reach of young children, but it’s easy to get distracted during celebrations and festivities.
“Keep a close eye on little ones, especially when they’re eating or playing,” said Dr. Nieves. “Small toys, decorations, and even certain types of food can pose a choking risk. Make sure to keep these items out of the reach of children.”
Foods like hard candies, nuts, and grapes can be choking hazards. It’s important to supervise children when they’re eating these foods and consider cutting them into smaller pieces.
“Teach children to chew their food thoroughly and avoid talking or laughing while their mouth is full,” Dr. Nieves said.
If someone is choking, act quickly and calmly. If they can talk, cough, or breathe, they might be able to dislodge the object themselves. If not, performing the Heimlich maneuver might be necessary to clear their airway. This and CPR are important first aid skills that can save lives. If the object isn’t dislodged quickly, call 911 or have someone else do so.
Fire safety during the holidays
During the holiday season, fire safety is crucial. Make sure your smoke alarms work by testing them with the test button and replacing the batteries if necessary.
Be safe with candles by ensuring they are placed away from anything that can catch fire, like curtains, holiday decorations and furniture and be sure to keep them out of reach of kids and pets.
“Always extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to sleep,” Dr. Nieves said.
During meal preparations, never leave food that is being cooked unattended, especially when frying, grilling or broiling food. Using a timer can remind you to check on your cooking and prevent it from burning.
Keep oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels away from the cooking area and avoid loose clothing or dangling sleeves that can catch fire.
If you have a real tree, keep it watered. A dry Christmas tree can catch fire more easily. If you have an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled as fire-resistant.
Only use holiday lights that have been tested for safety (look for a label from a recognized testing laboratory). Replace any lights with frayed wires, broken sockets, or loose connections.
Dr. Nieves says If you’re using your fireplace, make sure it’s cleaned and inspected beforehand. Keep any holiday decorations away from it, and always use a screen to prevent sparks from flying out. Never leave a fire unattended.
The holiday season can be joyous but also poses safety risks. Take cautionary steps to avoid a trip to the emergency department.
To learn more about Broward Health’s emergency services visit BrowardHealth.org/Emergency.
