“Here are seven common holiday-related injuries and accidents, along with some tips for staying safe:

1. Fall-related injuries during holiday decorating

Everyone wants to deck the halls and make their homes merry and bright, but at what cost? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 160 decorating-related injuries occur each day in the U.S. during the holiday season. Almost half of those accidents involve falls which often lead to broken bones, concussions and pulled muscles.

Avoid the injury: Before you start decorating, check your ladder for broken or worn parts, especially if you haven’t used it since last year. Work with someone else, especially when up on a ladder. A good rule of thumb from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: For every four feet of height you have to climb, move the base of the ladder one foot away from the wall.

2. Toy-related injuries

Toys are supposed to bring smiles, not tears. But in 2020, emergency department staff across the country treated almost 150,000 toy-related injuries among children age 14 and younger. Nonmotorized scooters accounted for 21% of those injuries.

Avoid the injury: With supply chain shortages and shipping delays, be careful not to buy products that may be unsafe or untested. Read all the instructions for new toys and be sure to follow age guidance and safety information listed on the package. If you or your children are using new scooters or riding toys, use protective gear and helmets.

3. Fires associated with holiday decorations

Whenever there’s extra cooking and baking happening, an increase in fires or minor burns is inevitable. When you add candles, overloaded electrical outlets and a Christmas tree to the mix, the chance of a fire goes up from there. Data from 2016 to 2018 reveals that during the months of November and December of those three years, Christmas trees caused 100 fires and candles caused 1,000 fires in the U.S.

Avoid the injury: When cooking and baking during the holiday season, it’s easy to get distracted. Never leave the stove unattended, especially if there are children around, and turn off the oven as soon as food is done cooking. Keep your live Christmas tree watered, and if you are purchasing an artificial tree, look for one that’s fire resistant. Keep burning candles in sight away from flammable items, and never leave a candle burning in an unattended room.

4. Strained back and neck

There’s a lot of bending and lifting during the holidays — packages, Christmas trees, boxes full of decorations and heavy grocery bags.

Even if you let someone else do the heavy lifting, your neck may take some extra abuse around the holidays. Excess time shopping online (especially while sitting on the couch) can strain your neck and result in muscle soreness or even a pinched nerve.

Avoid the injury: If you must pick up something heavy, lift with your legs: squat to pick up a package and then straighten your legs to lift. Never lift a heavy object above shoulder level and avoid turning or twisting your upper body when lifting or holding heavy objects. Try to do your online shopping at your desk, a table or while using a lap desk to keep your computer at the optimum height.

5. Automobile accidents

The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that more than 600 people die on the road in the United States during the days surrounding Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. During the 2019 holiday period, 38% of driving fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver. But accidents also happen when drivers are extra tired and distracted.

Avoid the accident:

Remember to buckle up and drive defensively, even if you’re just driving through a parking lot.  Don’t drink and drive.

6. Cutting your self

It’s common to reach for scissors or a knife when you’re opening packages or wrapping and unwrapping gifts. But using those tools in a hurry or while distracted can cause a laceration or puncture wound requiring a trip to the emergency department.

Avoid the injury:

When using scissors or a knife, always cut away from yourself and away from anyone else. Help children in opening a present when they are having trouble.

7. Food- and alcohol-related issues

It’s easy to get caught up in holiday celebrations, but all too often people get sick from the food and drink they enjoy. Two food-related issues to be aware of are food poisoning — which can occur when food is left out too long at parties and buffets — and allergic reactions, as more people eat away from home and sample unfamiliar food.

Alcohol poisoning also increases during the holiday season and it’s not surprising — the average American drinks for four days in a row over the holidays.

Avoid the injury:

Drink slowly and try to drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.”

UCLA Health  (uclahealth.org/…/7 common holiday injuries and accidents (and how to avoid them)

“If alone Christmas Eve or Christmas there are six simple ways to spend Christmas solo—including a few tried-and-true ideas from Oprah Daily Insiders—all of which will bring joy to your world.

1. Losing yourself in a story (whether it’s a Christmas tale, a spiritual read, or a gripping thriller), can help you escape into an entirely different reality. Stock up before the big day by heading to your favorite local bookstore or library. Try out a buzzy bestseller, indulge in a juicy romance novel, or make your way through some of Oprah’s Book Club picks.
2. Giving back to the community-Levera Sutton, an Oprah Daily Insider, says, “I have a BLAST by myself! I volunteer at a local church or senior center as a food server. I have such a ball, I stay for about eight hours. I’m so tired when I’m done—I take a plate to go and pass out at home.” Check your local food banks and soup kitchens for opportunities.
3. Enjoying the holidays is partially about reliving memories, even if you can’t be with the people you made them with, explains Jeremy Nobel, MD, founder and president of the Foundation for Art and Healing. He recommends compiling old holiday photos into a collage (Shutterfly is a digital solution—or whip out those scissors) or journaling about your memories. Another strategy is going for a walk and taking new pictures that bring back the feelings of those cherished moments. Sharing those pieces of art with friends and family—even when they are not physically present—can allow you to feel connected, says Nobel.
4. Oprah Daily Insider Stephanie Sarazin says, “A holiday spent solo might be hard, but it doesn’t have to be horrible. I learned this the first holiday season after my marriage ended. Adopting a custody schedule was hard, but knowing my three children wouldn’t be with me was harder. That first year, I rejected kind offers of inclusion and wallowed. And I’m glad I did–I honored myself and my grief. Since then, when my children aren’t with me, I accept invitations from friends and family and have created some nice new traditions. But I don’t regret that first, hard holiday when the world felt upside down and I chose to go through it solo.

5. “In the same way we think of caring for and treating our loved ones for the holidays, bring that same thoughtfulness and intentionality to yourself this Christmas,” says Leslie Nwoke, a physician and speaker.

   “If you’d normally make a big deal arranging dinner with friends, use that same energy to plan your brunch or dinner that day,” says Nwoke. Prepare yourself something comforting or decadent, like a childhood favorite.”

Opray Daily (Oprahdaily.com/…590722/alone-on-christmas)

“Dr. Debar, a general practitioner and stress management expert at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, recommends considering the environment you will be in and how you are feeling physically and mentally heading into a particular gathering.

Physically, do you feel rested? Are you getting the vitamins and minerals you need or should you top up by making a special effort to eat well? Have you taken preventive measures such as the flu vaccine?

“It’s also important to practice proper hand washing, wear a mask if appropriate, and be conscious of what you’re potentially exposing yourself to,” Dr. Debar says. “Ensure healthy lifestyle factors are in place as best as they can be, given this time of year, but also have some self-compassion. It is a busy time. We are juggling a lot of dynamics. It’s important to have some internal kindness for ourselves as well.”

Often, party food is communal: buffets with shared utensils and appetizer trays that people are reaching onto, for example. How can people protect themselves from norovirus and other illnesses spread through food and physical contact with germy surfaces?

Poor hand hygiene, undercooked food and food left out too long are among the causes of foodborne illnesses. This is another area where a mindful approach can help you stay healthy, Dr. Debar says.

“This is where it’s important to be conscious of the decisions we are making and questioning, `Do I really want to go to the party? Do I have to go?’” she explains. “If something feels dodgy, be in touch with your intuition. If you’re going to eat at the buffet, think about your choices. When you bring awareness to it, then you might decide you’re not even hungry or you actually don’t even want to be there. If you do go, make sure you’re washing your hands.”

The party season is a time when people may indulge in sweet treats, fatty foods and alcoholic beverages. How can people avoid overdoing it?

“I would sit down and think through the consequences of overdoing it and the actual cost to you,” Dr. Debar says. “For example, do you know that if you drink too much, the next day you’re sluggish, you don’t sleep well, you’ll get into arguments, you won’t be functioning well. Then, consider the upshot: The pleasure or benefits of that drink may not be what they seem. It’s useful to do that exercise and start consciously choosing when you are going to drink and when you are not going to drink.”

If you are going to drink, stay hydrated with water, avoid drinking on an empty stomach, and be aware of what you’re drinking and how it might affect you, Dr. Debar says.

“When you know what your individual reactions to drinks or late nights or overindulgences are, then you can make sure that you rest the next day and put other strategies in place to help your health,” Dr. Debar adds. “And try not to overcommit the next day as well; often it’s when people have subsequent parties that it’s a problem.”

With food, try to avoid sugar highs, because that’s when cravings can start, she advises.

“If you can start your day right with adequate protein, good fats and avoiding a massive sugar spike, then you’re not playing catch-up or at the mercy of sugar spikes. Maximize fruit, vegetables, protein and good fats and then the rest can be treats,” Dr. Debar says.

For some people, social situations can cause anxiety. What steps can people take to calm themselves and enjoy the moment?

“This will really depend on the individual. Interactions are good for us. It’s also a very good opportunity for people to step out of their comfort zone, but it can be dose-dependent,” Dr. Debar says. “If you’re an introvert, know your limits: How many events are you comfortable doing?”

Tell yourself that you only need to speak to one person, and promise yourself that you can leave early if you are not having fun, she advises. Relaxation methods such as breathing and visualization techniques can help ease anxiety, Dr. Debar says.

“Also, break it down into little manageable steps. For example, you’re only going to a party for five minutes tonight,” Dr. Debar says. “Then if it goes well, it increases your confidence, and then you’re going to go for 10 minutes, and so on. Also, see if you can go with a friend. It’s important to expose yourself to social situations because connection is really good for us and connection with like-minded people is actually a buffer of stress.”

Holding a party can also prove stressful. How can party planners power through it?

Mindfulness can also help here. That includes managing your expectations, considering what others might do that tends to set off negative emotions in you, and having a strategy that helps you, Dr. Debar says.

“You’re often managing lots of other people’s beliefs and expectations and emotions and feelings. It can help to have a mantra that you can only do your best,” she explains. “You’re not responsible for whether someone has a good time. You can only do what you can do.”

Dr. Debar also recommends breaking the party project into manageable chunks, delegating where you can, and approaching tasks with a spirit of fun and playfulness.

“Energy is infectious,” she says. “If I am happy and joyful, then that will have a knock-on effect to others, because we communicate via our nervous system and our body language.”

MAYO CLINIC (Health tips and lookouts to help you power through the holiday season – Mayo Clinic News Network)

We all know that the holidays are a very busy time of year.

And if you follow me, you know that I am all about simplifying the holidays while maintaining the magic.

When it’s time to make the holiday dinner, we are often already exhausted and overwhelmed…not the best time to be cooking a difficult meal.

So simple but great ideas are like:

1.  Slow Cooker Roast Beef
2.  Parmesan Chicken Casserole
3. Christmas Chile Cheese Enchilada Recipe
4. Instant Pot Garlic Rosemary Pot Roast
5. Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Gravy Recipe
6. Slow Cooker Lasagna

Simply Well Balanced (25 Easy Non-Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas – Simply Well Balanced)

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes. These tubes carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may start suddenly and be short term (acute) or start gradually and become long term (chronic).

Bronchitis is more common in winter and often develops after a cold, sore throat, or flu. The main symptom is a hacking cough, which may bring up yellow-green mucus (phlegm).

Acute bronchitis, which often develops from a cold or other respiratory infection, is very common. Also called a chest cold, acute bronchitis usually improves within a week to 10 days without lasting effects, although the cough may linger for weeks.

Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking. If you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, you may have chronic bronchitis, which requires medical attention. Chronic bronchitis is one of the conditions included in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

If you have acute bronchitis, you may have cold symptoms, such as:

• Cough
• Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color — rarely, it may be streaked with blood
• Sore throat
• Mild headache and body aches
• Slight fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath and wheezing

While these symptoms usually improve in about a week, you may have a nagging cough that lingers for several weeks.

For chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include:

• Cough
• Production of mucus
• Fatigue
• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath

Chronic bronchitis is typically defined as a productive cough that lasts at least three months, with bouts that recur for at least two consecutive years. If you have chronic bronchitis, you’re likely to have periods when your cough or other symptoms worsen. It’s also possible to have an acute infection on top of chronic bronchitis.

When to see a doctor:

Contact your doctor or clinic for advice if your cough:

• Is accompanied by a fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C).
• Produces blood.
• Is associated with serious or worsening shortness of breath or wheezing.
• Includes other serious signs and symptoms, for example, you appear pale and lethargic, have a bluish tinge to your lips and nail beds, or have trouble thinking clearly or concentrating.
• Lasts more than three weeks.

Before you go in, your doctor or clinic can give you guidance on how to prepare for your appointment.

“CPI’s 5 Tips for Holiday Party Safety  

1. Keep Valuables Secure 
2. Monitor Alcohol Consumption 
3. Protect Your Property 
4. Manage Guest List Effectively 
5. Have a Plan for Handling Disruptions“

CPI (How to Host a Holiday Party Without Compromising Safety | CPI Security®)

• “U.S. prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is estimated between 2.4 and 3.1 million, with differing burden across groups.
• IBD prevalence and health care costs are rising.
• In 2018, the total annual U.S. health care costs for IBD were about $8.5 billion.
• Biologic prescription drugs have shifted the patterns of cost and service use.”

Cener for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC (IBD Facts and Stats | IBD | CDC)

“Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are both inflammatory bowel diseases with many similarities. Nevertheless, there are some key differences between the two conditions that affect how they are managed. Both Crohn’s diseases and ulcerative colitis cause digestive distress and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. However, unlike Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis is linked to a response of the immune system.