Falls

Falls can happen for a variety of reasons (ie. hanging up Christmas decorations, slipping on ice etc). Practice safety where possible by wearing shoes with good support and using the appropriate equipment for decorating those hard to reach places (ie. a sturdy stepping ladder instead of standing on the chair).

Over-exertion

Whether it’s alcohol, fatty desserts or a combination of the two, the holidays are known for overindulgence. However, it’s important to do all things in moderation. This includes alcohol consumption and eating unhealthy foods. Limit your alcohol intake and control the portion sizes of desserts that you are consuming. Those with pre-existing health problems like diabetes or heart problems should be especially careful.

Exhaustion

While not a medical condition itself, exhaustion is a very real problem that hits many over the holiday period. Late nights, little sleep, poor diet and stress can all add up. This can cause existing health problems to worsen or lower the immune system thereby making it more susceptible to illness. Pay attention to what your body is saying -are you getting enough sleep? Are you stressed out? Do you need a break?

Plan ahead

Your doctor or local pharmacy may have shortened hours during the holiday period, especially in the run-up to Christmas. So if you have a chronic condition or need medical attention regularly, get your prescriptions filled as soon as possible or make an early appointment to see your doctor.

Avoiding long waits at the ER

If an accident or injury occurs then consider using Life Savers ER -a freestanding emergency clinic. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We offer emergency medical care to adults and children of all ages. Average wait times are around 45 minutes.

With board-certified doctors and onsite laboratory & diagnostic services, we are fully equipped to take care of all minor and major medical emergencies.

When to go to an emergency department

Accidents and emergencies do happen. If so, LifeSavers ER can deal with a range of issues such as:

• Asthma Attack
• Chest pains
• Colds and Flus
• Auto accidents
• Breathing Difficulties
• Broken bones

This holiday, stay safe by planning ahead and knowing where to go if an emergency should strike. From all of us at LifeSavers ER, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.