How to Prevent Holiday Injury & Illness

160 holiday-decorating related injuries occur each day during this time of year. With a little planning and caution, you can keep your family safe and healthy this holiday season. Learn how in this WFMY 2 Your Well-Being conversation with Dr. Philip Lamptey, Medical Director of Cone Health Virtual Health and Urgent Care.

Common Holiday Injuries

One of the most common injuries during the holidays is falls. Whether it's falling off a ladder while hanging lights or tripping over a loose toy, falls can lead to serious injuries. Other common injuries include:

• Burns: From cooking mishaps to candle accidents, burns can be painful and dangerous.
• Choking: Small ornaments and toys can pose a choking hazard for young children.
• Food-borne Illness: Improper food handling can lead to food-borne illness.

Tips to Stay Safe

To prevent these types of injuries, follow these safety tips:

• Decorating Safely:
  • Use sturdy ladders and follow safety guidelines.
  • Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
  • Keep cords out of walkways to prevent tripping.
  • Choose non-breakable ornaments, especially if you have young children.
  • Place your Christmas tree away from heat sources and ensure it's securely anchored.
• Cooking Safely:
  • Be mindful of hot surfaces.
  • Keep children and pets away from the stove.
  • Use pot holders or oven mitts when handling hot pots and pans.
  • Practice good food hygiene, including washing hands frequently.
• Child Safety:
  • Keep small objects and decorations out of reach of children.
  • Supervise children around candles and open flames.
  • Be cautious with holiday plants, as some can be toxic.
• Fire Safety:
  • Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Have a fire extinguisher readily available.
  • Extinguish candles before leaving a room or going to bed.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:

• Severe pain
• Significant bleeding
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Signs of a concussion, such as headache, dizziness, or confusion
• Burns that are severe or cover a large area