Aside from heart attacks, what additional health risks are there during the week of Christmas and New Year?

Everywhere you look, Christmas and New Year’s are filled with celebration. Sometimes overindulgence in food and shopping may drive individuals to the brink. While the holidays are a time for joy and spending time with family, it’s crucial to be mindful of any potential health hazards.

What additional health risks are there over Christmas and New Year’s week besides heart attacks?
Ajit Shetty, Consultant of General Medicine at SRV Hospitals in Goregaon, says that during the Christmas season, individuals often overindulge in rich, indulgent meals and beverages. Overindulging may often lead to indigestion, bloating, and heartburn, especially when consuming fatty and sugary meals. Throughout the holiday season, there is also an increase in alcohol use, which aggravates gastrointestinal discomfort and may even lead to conditions like pancreatitis or gastritis.

There is a clear link between the growth in alcohol-related incidents and the higher volume of alcohol drunk during these celebrations. This also applies to auto collisions. This highlights the serious consequences of binge drinking and covers incidents involving intoxicated drivers, slip-and-fall injuries, and altercations. Furthermore, excessive alcohol use may lower immunity, leaving a person more vulnerable to disease.

In addition to drinking, individuals often experience increased stress and anxiety around the holidays. Mental health problems may be made worse by feelings of sadness or loneliness, financial hardship from recent expenditures, and expectations to fulfill obligations to family members. Furthermore, in some locations, the winter season falls throughout the cooler months. The combination of chilly temperatures and busy indoor areas makes respiratory viruses ideal for spreading.

It may be challenging to manage the holiday food for those with unique dietary requirements or medical conditions like diabetes. For diabetics, eating meals heavy in carbohydrates and fats may elevate blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous. Moreover, consuming more salty meals may have a negative impact on those who have high blood pressure or renal problems.