SAFETY IS A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING " Every year thousands of children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. Most of these injuries could easily have been prevented. An abundance of toy safety information is available online from a variety of organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. One of our UC Davis pediatric emergency medicine experts can provide a few precautions, including such advice as choosing toys according to a child's age, abilities and interest level; avoid giving to small children toys with small parts, which can be a fatal choking hazard; And avoid toys that have sharp edges and points, and electronic toys with heating elements.
HOME ALONE AND LOSS " The holiday season might be in full swing for many people, but for some it can be a time of loneliness or loss. For some families, it could be the first year without the presence of someone special. For an elderly parent who can't travel, it could be a time alone without a visit from family. Experts from the UC Davis Center for Healthy Aging and the Department of Psychiatry can provide advice on coping with losses or loneliness. To arrange an interview with a UC Davis expert, contact the public affairs department at UC Davis Health System at (916) 734-9040.
KEEPING HOLIDAY POUNDS AWAY " With all the family get-togethers, office parties, and edible treats, it's no wonder many people end up with an extra holiday gift of an additional 5 to 10 pounds. One of our registered dietitians can offer healthy eating tips to help you avoid gaining those extra pounds. A few items on their list of do's and don'ts include: Eating breakfast and not skipping meals to save up for that big afternoon or evening party; Keeping healthy food handy; and cooking lighter foods and serving easily prepared steamed vegetables with a dressing.
COPING WITH HOLIDAY BLUES -- The holiday blues arrive every year like the cold gray skies of winter. A UC Davis psychiatrist can offer tips to help prevent depression and sadness. Among the ideas: Establish realistic goals and expectations for the holiday season; Don't label the holidays as a time to cure all past problems. The holidays do not prevent sadness or loneliness. Limit your drinking and remember that it's okay if you don't feel festive. Accept your inner experience and do not force yourself to express specific feelings. If you have recently experienced a tragedy, death, or romantic break-up, tell people about your needs. To relieve holiday stress, know your spending limit and stick to it. Enjoy holiday activities that are free, such as driving around to look at holiday decorations. Go window shopping without buying anything.
SHAPING UP FOR AN INJURY-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON " The holidays always seem to bring out such things as New Year's resolutions or snow gear that haven't been used in months. Whether you're ready to hit the slopes or lace up some new running shoes, an expert from the renowned UC Davis Sports Medicine program can offer some good tips to help you stay injury-free. For example, the most common injuries for skiers are knee sprains, thumb sprains and shoulder injuries. For snowboarders, injuries to the wrist, shoulder and head are the most typical. You can prepare for that trip to the snow by adding some ski-specific exercises. For that New Year's "get-in-shape" resolution, plan to start carefully, pay attention to your age and abilities and don't expect to shed pounds or set records without a little disciplined work and time.
RESPONSIBLE HOLIDAY CHEER " Increased seasonal spirits is more than just an emotional state. It's present at office parties and open houses, and it means a significantly higher number of drunk drivers. A UC Davis trauma prevention expert can offer a few suggestions to help prevent drunken driving: Collect their guests' car keys when they arrive. Always serve food when serving alcohol. Make available measuring jiggers at the bar. Use a non-carbonated base such as fruit juice for alcoholic punch. Serve non-alcoholic beverages. Stop serving alcohol about two hours before the party is over.
You can also visit the UC Davis Health System on the Web at www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
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