12/17/2009 - Top12 Health Risks of the Holiday Season

Adventist Health Urges Area Residents To Be Aware

of Common Holiday Dangers; Help Prevent Seasonal Injuries

Portland, Ore. – Adventist Medical Center (AMC), a Southeast Portland, Ore., hospital serving the Greater Portland and Vancouver, Wash., metropolitan area, has surveyed its physicians to find the top 12 health risks of the holiday season. The Portland hospital is encouraging area residents to be aware of these common holiday dangers, to help protect them from harm:

1. Drunk Drivers - Drunk driving accidents occur most often during the holiday season. If you decide to indulge, choose a designated driver.



2. Falling from Heights - Use caution when decorating while standing on ladders and stools. Try not to overextend yourself and ask for help when needed.



3. Ice and Snow - Tread carefully when traveling in icy and snowy conditions, on foot and in the car. Be aware of your surroundings and allow yourself extra time.



4. Heavy Lifting - Employ proper technique when lifting heavy objects such as carrying trees or other heavy decorations. Lift with your legs, not with your back.



5. House Fires - Avoid putting the menorah near flammable objects or placing the Christmas tree too close to fireplaces and heaters.



6. Ornament Ingestion - Tinsel or other small ornaments can be choking hazards for small children. Where possible, keep the small decorations out of reach.



7. Overeating - Eating too much can lead to health problems such as nausea and heartburn. Pace yourself and try to enjoy small portions.



8. Electric Shock - Inspect your Christmas lights before use to ensure safety.



9. Depression - Stress stemming from strained family interaction, loneliness and an abundance of holiday activities can lead to mental health issues. Be aware of how you're feeling and seek help if you suspect you may be depressed.



10. Indigestion of Poisonous Holiday Foliage - Holly berries and mistletoe are poisonous when ingested. Make sure these decorations are kept out of reach of children.



11. Contagious Illnesses - Close contact at parties or family gatherings increases the chance of acquiring contagious diseases. Wash your hands frequently to avoid sharing germs.



12. Packing Injuries - Careless use of scissors and knives while packing or opening packages can lead to injuries. Be aware of your surroundings and use caution with the scissors.

"The holiday season is a time of cheer, but it is important to keep safety in mind and to avoid excess risk," said Dr. Kelli Westcott, vice-chair of emergency services for Adventist Health. "The joys of the holidays can turn painful, or much worse, if people aren't careful. By being cautious you can avoid holiday injuries and avoid any interruption in holiday festivities."

About Adventist Medical Center

Adventist Medical Center (AMC), located in southeast Portland, Ore., is a nonprofit, 302-bed acute care facility, offering a full range of inpatient, outpatient and emergency services throughout the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area. The faith-based health system prides its self on providing care you can have faith in and is home to the Northwest Regional Heart Center (NRHC), respected nationally for their care of cardiac patients.

Adventist Medical Center is part of Adventist Health, a not-for-profit, faith-based health system operating in California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Founded on the Seventh-day Adventist heritage of Christian health care, Adventist Health is comprised of 18 hospitals with more than 2,800 beds, nearly 18,000 employees, numerous clinics and outpatient facilities, the largest system of rural health clinics in California, 15 home care agencies and three joint-venture retirement centers with a fourth on the way. For more information, visit www.adventisthealth.org.