Could New Year’s Eve present a
hazard to your health? There are folks who laugh at the suggestion that there
are potential health concerns people should be alert to on New Year’s Eve. Many
people also take unnecessary risks in other ways, because for them and others,
it is a time of excitement, elation and celebration. As a baby boomer or senior, consider the following tips.
The article, “Avoiding the most
common health
hazards during New Year’s
Eve”, offers some common sense advice.
Alcohol
Alcohol is probably the number
one health concern on New Year’s Eve for adults of any age and teenagers, because of the
high likelihood of over-indulgence. Coupled with this is the danger of
combining alcohol with other drugs, or other substances that are new to people.
A high intake of alcohol impairs judgment and often results in an alteration of
one’s inhibitions. Substance abuse can do the same thing.
Heart attacks
People can suffer heart attacks
during the excitement of a New Year’s Eve celebration, particularly when it
involves rushing, shoveling snow or other unusual activity prior to or during
a special event.
Speed
Speed on the highways is a
major problem in many areas, as people are often in a hurry to get to their New
Year’s Eve celebrations. Many accidents are preventable with the reduction of
speed and increased caution on the highways, especially when the weather is not
good. Stormy weather and icy roads always present a serious hazard at that
time.
Drinking and driving
The risk of drinking in excess
and then driving, causing an accident, harm to yourself or others, is extremely
high on New Year’s Eve, as many people throw caution to the wind and just do whatever
seems fun and exciting, even when they know better. Having a designated driver
can help to resolve alcohol related driving problems.
Allergies
While there are many new and
different foods and drinks served everywhere on New Year’s Eve, exposure to some
of them could trigger serious, allergy problems resulting in the need for
emergency treatment.
Flu
Because of the high numbers of
people in crowded places on New Year’s Eve, there is a high risk of flu
transmitted from one person to another. Many people who are ill will not stay
home because it is New Year’s Eve and they want to be a part of the
celebration.
Other infections
There are numerous kinds of
possible infections one can be in contact with during a New Year’s Eve
celebration, including colds or pneumonia, because people are not careful about
coughing, washing their hands or disposal of contaminated Kleenex. They may not
use clean hand towels, depending upon where they are celebrating. There is also
the danger of cross infection when they are greeting, hugging and kissing
others.
Salmonella
Salmonella is one of the many
gastrointestinal infections that one can contact on New Year’s Eve, because of
poorly or improperly cooked food, like turkey. At times, food is not
refrigerated but instead, left out on a table for many hours at a time. E. coli
is another gastrointestinal infection that is relatively common after New
Year’s Eve.
Theft
Many people go out to celebrate
New Year’s Eve and do not realize that that their homes, vehicles and personal property
need extra protection. Many things can happen while they are out celebrating.
Break and entry is common during any holiday celebration. Theft is common at
many celebrations as items can disappear quickly if there is a pick-pocket in
the crowd.
Fire
Fire is always a serous concern
on New Year’s Eve, particularly where there are fireworks, candles or people
who are careless smokers. Stoves and fireplaces may still be burning when
people go out to celebrate. At times, chimneys need cleaning and chimney fires
can occur. Unattended Christmas trees or faulty lights can present a fire
hazard, as well.
Food poisoning
Food poisoning is one of the
dangers on New Year’s Eve as consuming new, different or unusual foods can
present a danger to one’s health.
Child abuse
When children or grandchildren are left in the
care of strangers on New Year’ Eve, they may be subjected to abuse of various
kinds. With regard to baby sitters or other people who parents do not know,
there should always be extra caution taken. The same is also true for senior
care.
Should one refuse to celebrate
New Year’s Eve because of the health hazards and other potential risks?
No, New Year’s Eve celebrations
can be fun! It becomes a matter of being informed and thus, aware of potential
problems and staying alert. There are many times when prevention is better than
a cure. Being cautious with respect to New Year’s Eve activities is one of
those times. Celebrating at home is always a viable option, as well!
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