Happy Holidays 
Without Emergency Rooms

© Copyright 2002 by Susan Dunn

TOYS. 

Select age-appropriate toys for your children to play with and keep an eye on the kids as they roam around the house amidst the chaos of family gatherings.  

Just being "family" doesn't make "strangers" safe enough to leave your children alone with them.

FALLS. 

If you're having houseguests or have rearranged your furniture because of holiday decorations, take added precautions such as turning on extra night-lights, and reminding people that things have changed. 

Remember that people who wear bifocals have trouble judging steps, so alert your guests of step-ups in your house. You can also provide your houseguest with a flashlight in their room.

FIRE. 

Watch out for fire hazards like faulty lights, overloaded sockets, and candles. Extinguish all candles before you go to bed, and watch them while they're burning. 

Keep your live tree well watered, and make sure you have a fire extinguisher that works. Turn off the indoor decorations when you aren't at home.  

When was the last time you checked out your fire alarm? 

OVER-EATING. 

Another common ER complaint is caused by overeating. Eating too much, too fast, and also eating strange things your digestive tract isn't used to can cause severe abdominal pain and bloating. If this starts, stop eating, and just drink water. 

ALCOHOL. 

Alcohol is the number one cause of accidents during the holidays, so don't drink and do anything. 

Save the cocktails till after you've strung the outdoor lights and finished cooking and gotten home safe from the party.

HOLIDAY HEART SYNDROME. 

This is a real phenomenon that shows up regularly in emergency rooms. If you have heart trouble, too much alcohol can cause heart palpitations and shortness of breath. If this occurs, get to an ER immediately.

MALL SAFETY. 

Shopping is a big part of the holidays. When you go to the mall, drive with caution because others may be preoccupied, in a hurry, or intoxicated. 

Park in safe, well-lit places, and lock your car doors. 

When you're inside shopping, keep your purse closed and with you, and know where your wallet is. 

TRAVELING. 

Traveling presents its own hazards. If you anticipate a car trip, have your car checked before you go -- brakes, tires, antifreeze, wiper fluid, lights, battery, and wipers. 

Pack some warm blankets in the trunk, carry ample drinking water, flares, and a flashlight with fresh batteries. 

Be rested when you travel and don't drink or take sedating medications. 

Plan enough time so you don't have to rush, and pull over and rest if you need to.

WEATHER. 

Know what to do in weather conditions. Be especially concerned with sudden changes in the weather.  Snow, sleet and rain make driving hazardous, but can also cause falls and broken bones.  

If your home is on a steep hill, or out of the way location you can plan out the directions to your home for emergency vehicle drivers.

FIRST-AID KIT. 

You also should have a first-aid kit in the car containing aspirin, bandages, safety pins, sharp scissors, elastic wraps, gauze and adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, tweezers, disposable cold packs, and change for a pay phone even if you carry a cell phone. 

LIFTING. 

Bend and lift correctly, using your legs for maximum strength.  If it's too heavy for you to lift or push comfortably by yourself wait for help before you move it.  

Don't ever try to force heavy objects to move, or lunge against them to gain a few inches at a time.  People have been known to break their back just moving a case of pop.

MENTAL HEALTH. 

Guard your mental health as well as your physical health. If you're vulnerable because of the recent death of a loved one, a lack of family support, or personal depression, allow for this. Stay on your medication, and get help if you need it. 

FUN. 

Last but not least, 

• get plenty of rest, 

• eat right, 

• keep to your exercise program, 

• and have fun!

(c) Susan Dunn is a personal and professional coach who coaches people who want to make the most out of their lives. Internet courses and ebooks. Visit her on the web at www.susandunn.cc and mailto: sdunn@susandunn.cc for FREE ezine.

*  The Holiday News section below changes FREQUENTLY.  Be sure to bookmark this page and come back OFTEN.  <control d> does it for most folks.

NOW is the time to share this information with every neighbor and form a neighborhood group that can help each other. Anarchy and riots could break out and law enforcement agencies may be operating sporadically if at all as we have witnessed in New Orleans. 

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