SAN ANTONIO — 'Tis the season of merriment but 'tis also the season for injuries around the house. There are things you should watch out for to make you get through the holidays unscathed.
"This is the time of year we see an increase in certain kinds of injuries." said Dr. Ramon Cestero, a trauma surgeon and medical director of the Surgical Trauma ICU at University Hospital.
He also said alcohol plays a big role in traumatic injuries.
"It clouds their judgment," Cestero said. "It causes us to do things we normally would not do. Alcohol is a significant factor for motor vehicle crashes, falls."
Falls, as a matter of fact, are a very common injury this time of year. According to Injury Facts, falls, including those off of ladders, are the leading cause of injuries for most age groups.
"People get on ladders and put up lights and put up their trees, and they can easily fall injuring themselves significantly either with chest injuries or extremity injuries, or occasionally a head injury. which can sometimes be fatal," Cestero said.
The National Safety Council offers these tips:
- Start with a firm foundation and guard doorways so people don't walk into an upright ladder.
- Climb with care and keep three points of contact, such as two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot.
- Wear shoes that are not slip-resistant.
- Don't use extension ladders if it is windy or rainy.
Mandy Fultz, coordinator for the Safe Kids Project at University Hospital, said if you cook or heat your home with gas, you need a carbon monoxide detector.
"Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. You can't smell it. Can't taste it. You can't hear it or see it, whereas fire you can feel the heat, you can smell something burning," Fultz said.
If you get injured, don't wait to seek care just because you want to rush home for a party or see your family. And if you seek medical attention for any injury, make sure to follow up with your physician.
For more men's health information call 210-358-3045. You can also find the rest of our stories at WearTheGown.com.