Holiday health tips offered during coronavirus
Like virtually everything else this year, holiday celebrations will certainly be different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people might be eager to find some holiday joy in decorating or attending socially distanced, outdoor events, but in addition to taking precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, it’s important to protect yourself against common injuries, such as burns, falls and other trauma. The Level II Trauma Center at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center offers the following tips to keep you and your family healthy and safe during the holidays.
Cars and pedestrians
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, many holiday events will be hosted outside to accommodate social distancing recommendations, presenting an increased risk for pedestrian injuries. Of particular concern are drive-thru events, where drivers can be easily distracted by holiday lights and decorations. Pedestrians should use extreme caution while walking around these types of events and make themselves visible by using flashlights or wearing reflective clothing. If you choose to attend a holiday event, check the most recent recommendations from your local health authority to ensure you are safe.
As always, if you are driving, do not consume alcohol. Having even one or two drinks can impair your judgment and slow your motor skills.
Cleaning products
While disinfectants can help protect us from COVID-19, they also present an increased risk for burn injuries. Most hand sanitizers contain alcohol and should never be used around open flames. After using hand sanitizer, allow the product to fully absorb into the skin before lighting candles or a fire, and never leave the bottle around a heat source. Or even better, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds in place of using hand sanitizer.
Candles should never be left unattended and should be placed on a sturdy base away from anything that can catch fire. This is particularly important given the increased use of cleaning products that contain flammable ingredients. Consider using battery-operated LED candles as a safe alternative to traditional candles. If you use traditional candles, ensure they are extinguished and holiday lights are turned off before leaving the house or going to sleep.
Holiday decorating
Most holiday-related injuries result from falls from ladders and roofs, and this year will be no different since many people are opting to hang decorations themselves. If you have any doubt about your ability to decorate rooftops, consider opting for projector lights or inflatable decorations instead. Never ask a child to climb a roof or ladder for you.
Adults who decorate rooftops should use a ladder on solid, even ground. If possible, adults should ask someone to hold the ladder in place and act as a spotter in case a fall occurs.
Always check string lights for damage before using them. Lights with frayed wires can cause a fire and should be discarded appropriately through a recycling program, such as the Williamson County Recycling Center. Use hooks or insulated staples, rather than nails or tacks, to attach lights and avoid damaging the electrical cords.
Be mindful of the types of decorations and ornaments you use, especially in homes with small children and pets. To avoid injury, opt for using shatterproof or plastic ornaments, rather than breakable or sharp ornaments, and avoid hanging decorations within reach of an infant or toddler.
Trees and plants
Dried out trees present a serious fire hazard, so it is important to keep trees hydrated by keeping the tree stand full of water. If you prefer using an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label, and always keep your tree away from fireplaces and heaters.
Some holiday plants, such as holly or mistletoe, are poisonous to children and pets. If possible, use plastic versions of these plants and place them out of reach, as the berries could present a choking hazard to children. Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias are less toxic, but eating even a few leaves may cause illness or vomiting. As such, it’s best to keep these plants on tables or mantles that are less accessible to children or pets.
Following these tips will help you enjoy this unique holiday season while keeping our community safe. St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center wishes everyone a safe and fun holiday season.
Kristen Hullum, MSN, RN, is the trauma injury prevention coordinator at St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center.
