9 Health Problems You Might Face During the Holidays

The New Year holidays are a time of joy and magic. However, even this festive season can be overshadowed by sudden health issues.

The New Year holidays are a time of joy and magic. However, even this festive season can be overshadowed by sudden health issues.

To ensure your well-being matches your mood, it's essential to know in advance which troubles might arise during the holidays and how to avoid them.

Injuries from Decorating

You might be eager to quickly decorate the Christmas tree and hang up the garlands. But when it comes to decorating, you need to be cautious.

Many people end up in emergency rooms because they choose unstable ladders or chairs to reach high places and decorate with Christmas lights. To avoid turning this simple task into an injury, make sure your chair or ladder is stable and not wobbly. Wear sturdy shoes before climbing, and check that the garland isn’t tangled before getting into a precarious position.

Electric Shock

Be cautious with the garlands, especially if they're old and haven’t been used for a while. Christmas lights that have been stored for a year may become brittle, and the wires may be exposed.

Before plugging in any garland, check it for any damage—broken lights or exposed wires can lead to an electric shock or even cause a fire. Additionally, monitor how many devices you're plugging into a single outlet or extension cord.

Cold and Infectious Diseases

Before the New Year, stores become overcrowded as everyone rushes to finish their holiday shopping. This increases the risk of catching an infectious disease. Avoid touching your face, use hand sanitizer, and wash your hands as soon as you return home from the store.

If you're hosting a holiday party, let your guests know you don’t want anyone with a fever to attend, as they might spread a cold to others and ruin the holidays.

Overeating

When the table is full of delicious dishes, it's hard to resist trying everything. The abundance of sweets can be so tempting that it's easy to overeat.

Overeating can lead to weight gain, bloating, and digestive issues. If you want to avoid those extra pounds and stomach discomfort, try to control the amount of food on your plate. Choose salads and appetizers in moderation, or ask to take some food home, instead of feeling guilty for not controlling yourself.

Food Poisoning

Besides overeating, there’s also the risk of food poisoning, which can result from consuming spoiled or improperly cooked food, or food that’s been left out too long without refrigeration.

If you’re cooking, always check that the fruits and vegetables you serve are fresh. Make sure meat is properly cooked, and thoroughly wash all ingredients before cutting them. If you're dining out and something tastes off, it's better to avoid eating it. Don't risk food poisoning over a suspicious dish.

Anxiety

Anxiety can be a real challenge during the holiday season. It could stem from feeling overwhelmed by the long list of tasks, loneliness, or family dinners. The financial burden of buying gifts and preparing for the holiday can also cause significant stress and worry.

It's important to do your shopping early to avoid long lines on the 31st of December. Also, try to silence your inner perfectionist who insists that the holidays must be flawless—this can also contribute to anxiety. Even if things don't go exactly as planned, you can still celebrate the New Year with joy. Let go of the need for perfection and focus on enjoying the moment.

Deep Cuts

Spending time in the kitchen before the holidays might feel endless—there’s so much to peel, chop, and cook. Unfortunately, many people end up with cuts and wounds. These can occur not only in the kitchen but also when opening gifts or cleaning up broken glass.

While it’s impossible to protect yourself completely, you can minimize the risk. Be cautious and avoid rushing when handling knives, scissors, and other sharp objects.

Hangovers

On the morning of January 1st, many people turn into zombies due to severe hangovers. Don’t join their ranks. New Year’s Eve is for celebrating, but that doesn’t mean you should overindulge in alcohol.

Be mindful of your alcohol intake and drink responsibly. Make sure it’s in moderation.

Burns

Baking meat in the oven, frying in a pan, using fireworks, or lighting sparklers can lead to burns. Be extra cautious to avoid this.

If you’re cooking, take protective measures like wearing gloves, ensure no water gets into the oil, and prevent flames from escaping the pan. When handling fireworks, always follow the instructions on the packaging. Better yet, avoid fireworks altogether if you're unsure you can use them safely.