If you have ever braved the stampedes at a post Christmas day sale, you'll have a fair understanding of why this day can be a health hazard. However, even if you keep your distance from shopping malls you could encounter one of the many other hazards to your health. There in an increased risk of; car accidents, drowning, food poisoning, present mishaps and strain on chronic conditions.
-Car accidents-
Holiday times are much busier on the roads and historically we are aware that this results in more road causalities. The day after Christmas can be a particularly risky day to travel for a combination of reasons. Firstly people are often in a hurry to get home which means they take risks like; speeding and driving whilst tired. Many additional drivers are still impaired by alcohol. The increased traffic on the road can lead to traffic jams and although accidents that occur at low speeds are often relatively minor, sometimes the road rage accompanying them can become a hazard to health.
-Sales-
Shopping is one of the most popular pastimes on the day after Christmas, particularly in countries like Australia and Canada where they have what is known as "boxing day" sales. Many retailers significantly reduce the price of a few select items in their stores. This results in crowds queuing outside and a mad rush when the doors open. People have been killed or suffered serious injury when they have been stampeded in these crowds. Some areas have actually banned stores from opening on these days due to this risk.
-Drowning-
In the southern hemisphere Christmas occurs during summer. In countries like Australia the day after Christmas is usually hot; therefore people flock to the beach or pool. This can present an increased drowning risk for both children and adults. Lifeguards at the beach often have a record number of swimmers to watch out for and many people make the mistake of continuing to consume copious amounts of alcohol impairing their swimming ability. Children have drowned when they have snuck off to backyard pools unsupervised because they have been excited to try out new water toys.
-Food poisoning-
Eating leftovers that weren't adequately refrigerated can end up causing food poisoning, especially when it comes to meat and dairy products. Chicken, turkey and desserts with cream all spoil rapidly. You need to put things away promptly and if in doubt throw it out.
-Present mishaps-
Every year children end up receiving toys which become a health hazard. Some toys actually turn out to be faulty and these can cause serious harm or even death. Some of the most common hazards include; throat obstructions, choking and eye injuries from projectile toys. It is advisable to supervise children, take note of age recommendations for hazardous parts and purchase toys recommended on safe lists.
However, it's not only children who are at risk, adults and teenagers often get carried away with Christmas presents the day after Christmas. Music devices can cause ear drum damage and this year the Nintendo Wii game system has caused injuries like knee dislocations.
The packaging, wrapping and mess of Christmas day can also represent a health hazard the day after Christmas. Plastic wrapping can represent a suffocating hazard to small children. Adults who are affected by alcohol have been known to injure themselves tripping over toys messily strewn about the place. Wrapping paper can become a fire hazard. It pays to tidy up as you go.
-Increased strain on chronic conditions-
People who are at risk of heart attack are at increased risk the day after Christmas. Director of interventional cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center says "This time of year is notorious for heart attacks, heart failures and arrhythmias." The lead up to Christmas is often very busy and can be quite stressful. Family disagreements, alcohol consumption, worry over spending and overindulging in unhealthy foods can all put an extra strain on the heart. People who suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes also need to take extra care.
No one wants to think about death or serious injury during the holidays, but it pays to know about these health hazards so that you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself as best as possible.