Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
The holidays are meant to be a fun, happy time, but there are some potential dangers and discomforts associated with the holiday season. This week on Health Watch, we’ll talk about some holiday hazards and what you can do to prevent or avoid them.
Hanging lights along eaves and rooftops is a popular part of the holiday celebration, but doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center say you should take care when hanging lights so you don’t end up with cuts, bruises or broken bones. More than half a million people a year need medical treatment after accidents involving ladders. Dr. Robert Bucholz, chairman of orthopaedic surgery at UT Southwestern, says it’s important to use ladders correctly. Inspect ladders before use, place them on a firm, even surface, place the ladder close to your work and move it when your work moves, rather than stretching to reach.
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December 2006
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