This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Before starting any physical activity or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle, consult a qualified physician.
The holiday season is supposed to be a time of celebration and togetherness. And while many of us are looking forward to a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, we should, as always, be mindful of the safety of our loved ones during these holidays.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common injuries that plague the holidays, from safely putting up Christmas decorations to properly shoveling snow. Find out below how you can keep your home calm this winter.
Make sure Christmas lights and decorations are secure
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 14,900 people visit the emergency department each year due to injuries related to holiday decorations. With such a high risk of injury when it comes to Christmas decorations, Health Canada has urged people to make sure they follow guidelines to prevent injury during the holidays.
Decorations and lights are common signs that the holiday season is here, but if not properly cared for or monitored, they can pose a serious risk of injury. Most of all, you want to make sure you’re using the right lights in the right settings—and that they’re properly suited for use this season.
Health Canada warned people to be aware of any recalls before purchasing new products such as Christmas lights. Additionally, you want to use lights that are accredited by a certification agency such as CSA, cUL, or cETL.
Also, make sure you’re using the right lights at the right settings. For example, only use indoor lights in your home and make sure you read the instructions and recommended wattage. Additionally, be sure to replace any broken or burned-out bulbs in your lights and dispose of any that have exposed or frayed wires.
Finally, be aware of fire hazards when setting up Christmas lights. Above all, do not plug too many things into one outlet, as an overloaded circuit can cause a fire. Also, avoid running cables under carpets where they can get hot, and turn off lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
How to properly build a Christmas tree
Aside from smaller decorations, sometimes a Christmas tree is all you need to get you into the holiday season. But if you’re not careful, you can get into trouble.
If you’ve just put up your Christmas tree this year (or aren’t sure if it’s in a good place at the moment), there are some tips you should check to avoid potential hazards around the home:
-
Place the tree away from high traffic areas and doorways
-
Make sure the tree is well secured and in a sturdy stand
-
Make sure your tree is away from heat sources such as heat vents, stoves, radiators, fireplaces and burning candles
-
If your tree is real, be sure to water it daily and dispose of it when the needles start to drop.
Additionally, you should be aware of any allergies before spending too much time around a real Christmas tree. In 2019, an Australian woman suffered an allergic reaction to her tree – or Christmas tree syndrome – that seriously disrupted her holiday plans.
Minimize holiday risks for children
The holidays are an exciting time for families and children, but there are certain things that can cause problems for children this time of year. First, you want to make sure that you keep certain decorations – especially those with sharp parts or small detachable parts – out of the reach of younger children.
When looking at other holiday decorations, it’s also important to think about what materials they’re made of if you live with youngsters. Tinsel, faux icicles and other decorations made of plastic or non-metal are good options, according to Health Canada. In addition, do not allow children to put holiday decorations in their mouths, as some products can be harmful to health.
When it comes to toys and gifts, one of the most important factors parents want to think about is gifting products that are well-made and age-appropriate for your child. For example, toys made for older teenagers may have small parts that may pose a risk to young children.
Snow removal
Every year, thousands of Canadians are hospitalized for shoveling injuries. Researchers have also found that the physical exertion of snow removal can cause serious and fatal health incidents such as heart attacks, in addition to more common ailments such as back strains and slip and fall injuries.
When it comes to shoveling snow during the winter months, be careful not to strain your body. Don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. While shoveling snow isn’t necessarily harmful to your health, a combination of factors can increase your risk of a heart attack.
If you are not physically fit or haven’t exercised recently, you should be careful when going out with a shovel. Dr. Adrian Baranchuk, an expert of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, said it Yahoo Canada last winter “going from nothing to everything in seconds” can be dangerous.
When shoveling out, one tip is to avoid tackling the entire project at once. Instead, break it up into chunks and take breaks to hydrate and rest. Also, don’t take a break from shoveling and try to stretch before you start.
Winter driving
No matter how good a driver you claim to be, you always want to be more careful when driving in harsh winter conditions. Additionally, make sure your vehicle is equipped with winter tires before the big snowfall hits.
Colder temperatures, snow and ice are factors that can create dangerous driving conditions in the cold months. Here are some tips from Public Safety Canada in partnership with the Canadian Automobile Association to make sure you stay safe on the road:
-
Slow down: Fog, ice, slush and snow can make driving dangerous
-
Get winter tires: When driving in winter, grip is key and it’s best to ensure your tires are at the correct pressure level every month
-
Topping up the windshield fluid: Make sure you’re prepared to clean your windshield when needed, especially by changing wipers when needed and carrying an extra fluid container in your trunk
-
b: Keep your fuel tank at least half full to plan for the worst case scenario
-
See and be seen: Remove snow from the vehicle – including the hood and roof – and scrape ice from all windows
-
Get an emergency winter car kit: Always keep appropriate emergency supplies in your car, including items such as non-perishable food, water, a blanket, extra clothing, a first aid kit, a small shovel and a whistle.
Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us Twitter a Instagram.