5 Common Holiday Injuries and How to Avoid Them

The holidays are filled with a lot of cheer, but they’re also a surprisingly common time for injuries. In fact, more than 18,000 Americans are injured by Christmas decorations alone. 

At Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, our urgent care experts see a noticeable rise in visits due to injuries during the holiday season. To help you stay safe and healthy, we’re sharing five of the most common holiday injuries and how to avoid them.

1. Slip and fall injuries

Between icy sidewalks, wet entryways, and cluttered hallways, the risk of slipping and falling increases during the holidays. Fatigue, stress, and distractions only make matters worse. 

Stay safe this holiday season from slip and fall injuries by wearing footwear with traction, keeping driveways and walkways clear of ice and snow, and removing clutter from hallways. 

Also, make it a priority to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day. Getting regular rest can help you battle the stress and fatigue that comes with the holidays. 

2. Decorating accidents

Hanging holiday lights or placing the star on top of the tree often involves ladders, extension cords, and fragile ornaments, all potential holiday hazards. Falls, electric shocks, and cuts are common. Small ornaments can also pose a choking risk for young children. 

Have a spotter when using a ladder, and make sure it’s on a stable surface. Check all lights for damage before plugging them in, and consider purchasing new lights if you have any concerns about the ones from last year. 

Finally, keep small decorations — especially those that look like treats — away from young children.

3. Burns and cuts in the kitchen

Between baking cookies, roasting turkey, and preparing big family meals, the kitchen becomes a busy place during the holidays, and that means more opportunities for burns, cuts, and other mishaps.  

Protect yourself in the kitchen by using oven mitts when handling hot pans, turning pot and pan handles inward to prevent spills, and cutting or chopping away from your body. 

Also, try not to let the comings and goings of others distract you from what you’re doing. Accidents are more likely to happen when you lose your focus.

4. Back strain and overexertion

From lifting heavy boxes and gifts to stretching too far to hang lights, it’s easy to overdo it. Even the added mental load of trying to get it all done can lead to physical exhaustion and muscle aches. 

Keep your pain at bay this holiday season by protecting yourself. Use proper lifting techniques, schedule in breaks, and ask for help. 

5. Sports injuries

Holiday fun often includes skiing, sledding, or ice skating. And while these activities are great for the body and mind, they can lead to sprains, strains, and fractures. 

Have fun and stay injury-free with your favorite winter sport by warming up your muscles before heading out, using proper protective equipment, and calling it quits when you get too tired.

Don’t let an injury put a damper on  your holiday celebrations. A few simple precautions can help you stay safe, healthy, and ready to enjoy the season.  

If you do injure yourself, the team at Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland can provide the expert medical treatment you need right away at our urgent care clinic. Call us today at our Midland, Michigan, office or use the “Book online” button to schedule your visit.