While the holiday season can be filled with joy and happiness for most, every year we see too many incidents of accidental poisoning and injuries related to the holiday season. Let’s talk about some of the dangers and how you can minimize them for your family and pets.
What holiday plants could be dangerous?
Many traditional holiday plants, while festive, can pose risks if ingested or handled. Mistletoe and holly berries are toxic. Swallowing just a few can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or more severe symptoms, especially in children and pets. Poinsettias, though less toxic than once believed, may cause mild irritation if eaten. Keep these plants out of reach and consider choosing artificial alternatives if you have little ones or animals at home.
Are holiday decorations safe for everyone in my household?Decorations such as ornaments, tinsel, and lights add cheer, but they come with hazards. Small or breakable ornaments can be choking hazards for children and pets. Tinsel, if swallowed by pets or children, can cause intestinal blockages. Glass bulbs may shatter, leading to cuts. Always place fragile or small decorations out of reach, secure electrical cords, and check for damaged lights to prevent shocks or fires.
What about toys and batteries?
Keep button batteries out of reach of children! Make sure the battery compartment is secure on every battery-powered product, especially toys or anything handled by children (key fobs for instance). Batteries lodged in the esophagus can burn a hole in just 2 hours, which can cause death or damage that will require extensive surgery and possibly long-term disability.
Buy toys that are age-appropriate for your child. Make sure older children understand the potential dangers their own toys might pose for their much younger siblings.
What food and drink dangers should I watch out for?
The holiday table is often filled with delicious treats, but some can be risky. Foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and xylitol-sweetened items are toxic to pets. For people, be cautious about undercooked meats, foods left out for long periods, or dishes containing raw eggs, as these increase the risk of foodborne illness. Also, alcohol, whether in drinks or desserts, can be harmful to children and pets, so keep it out of reach and supervise leftovers.
How can I prevent fires and burns during the holidays?
Holiday candles, fireplaces, Christmas trees, and cooking all increase the risk of burns and house fires. Never leave candles unattended and keep them away from flammable decorations or use flameless alternatives. Check that your holiday lights are in good condition and rated for indoor or outdoor use as indicated. Live trees should be kept well hydrated with water always in the stand. Keep matches and lighters stored safely and never let children use them unsupervised. Always have working smoke detectors and keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen.
Are there other seasonal hazards I should consider?
If you will be spending the holiday with relatives who take medications, make sure that they secure them where children do not have access to them.
Make sure that all firearms are securely stored with appropriate locks. If you are visiting family members, be sure to ask if they have firearms in the home and how they are secured.
Stay informed about the weather, especially if traveling. Consider driving during off peak times to avoid heavy traffic when motor vehicle crashes are more common.
Taking simple precautions helps ensure your holidays are memorable for all the right reasons.
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Dr. Anita Bennett MD – Health Tip Content Editor