Avoiding Holiday Health Hazards

The holiday spirit can quickly be dashed by injury if you're not careful.

The Early Show medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay says injuries at this time of year are more common than you may think, but can also be avoided.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is made up of the doctors who often deal with injuries such as sprains and breaks during the holidays, and the group has released some cold, hard facts to alert people about the dangers of seasonal bone, joint and muscle-related injuries.

In 2002, almost 6,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries suffered while they were decorating. Last year, there were more than 49,000 luggage-related injuries from holiday travel, and an estimated 500,000 injuries from winter sports such as hockey, skating, skiing and so forth.

But, Senay says, there are precautions you can take to lower the chances of injury at this time of year.

Hanging holiday lights and putting up high decorations on walls or Christmas trees carry the risk of a falling. Don't underestimate the power of gravity to take advantage of a slip, trip or loss of balance. Make sure ladders are in good working order and properly used. Don't drink alcoholic beverages until the stepladders are put away and the balancing and the reaching up high to string lights are done. Drinking and decorating definitely don't mix. If you rearrange your furniture to accommodate holiday decorations or parties, make sure everyone is familiar with the new layout. Serious falls can occur when people trip over rearranged furniture.

When you rush through malls with shopping bags or rush through airports with luggage, the odds of injury are much higher if you combine speed and heavy objects. A collision or fall can easily result in a broken bone for yourself and others, and the momentum of a heavy bag jerked or lifted in the wrong way or an awkward way can strain or sprain joints and muscles.

Plan ahead so you can make time for caution and not put yourself in a situation where you need to rush. Try to pack light and use wheeled luggage. Don't take on more than you can handle. Ask for help when moving heavy items.

Also, whether you hit the slopes or tie on the skates, remember that it's a slippery slope on the skating rink. Hitting the ground can be a lot harder when you're speeding along, or just plain horsing around on snow and ice. Ice hockey, ice skating, sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, snow boarding, snow tubing and tobogganing can all land you in the emergency room if you're not cautious. Warm up muscles before strenuous outdoor activity. Wear protective gear.

For more holiday safety tips from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, click here.