FAMILY MEDICINE® COLUMN
By John C. Wolf, D.O.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine®
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

OBSERVE CHRISTMAS SAFETY TIPS TO PREVENT HOLIDAY TRAGEDY

Question: Are there any special health concerns that my family should be aware of around the holidays?

Answer: Many of the traditional items that we bring into our homes to spread holiday cheer can turn into health hazards if they're not properly used. In today's column, I'll give you advice on holiday safety that can help you avoid these hazards.

Christmas trees, both real and artificial, as well as lights and tinsel can all be dangerous if not treated with respect. First, fire safety should be a major concern if you have a tree. Real trees should be stored outside until you're ready to set them up. When you bring your tree inside, it should be placed in a stand that's filled with water. This will slow the rate at which it dries out. Be sure to check the water level daily. Remember, a real tree, even one treated with fire retardant, can burn. If you prefer to use a plastic tree, select one marked "non-flammable." And never use candles as tree decorations! Also, make sure that the tree is securely fastened in a stand so that it will withstand being bumped without falling over.

Lights may be safely used on artificial and real trees, but purchase only U.L.-approved sets. Before hanging the lights, plug them in for a few minutes and watch for smoke or defective parts. Bulbs that don't light may be loose or burned out. Always unplug the lights before making repairs, even if it's just to tighten a bulb. Discard light sets with cracked or loose plugs or sockets. Use extension cords sparingly, and beware of overloading outlets with multiple plugs.

Also, remember to keep tinsel away from sockets and wires out of the water pan. Shut off the tree lights when you go to bed or leave home. If you have small children in your home, don't use ornaments that are breakable or that have small parts that could be swallowed or that could choke a child.

Question: What other hazards should we be aware of?

Answer: At Christmas, many of us bring several dangerous plants into the home. Mistletoe, poinsettias and holly berries should all be kept out of the reach of children.

In fact, if you have toddlers or infants in your house, your Christmas plants and all of your other foliage should be kept in places where the children can't get at them. And two very poisonous plants - philodendrons and dieffenbachia - shouldn't be kept around at any time of the year.

If somebody in your household does eat part of a house plant, call your local poison control center at once, or take the person to an emergency room. And if you go to the emergency room, take along a sample of the plant so that the physicians there will know what they are dealing with.

Finally, on Christmas Day, resist the urge to burn wrapping paper or evergreens in the fireplace, and anytime you light a fire, keep an extinguisher handy.

By following these simple precautions, it is my hope that you and your family will have a most enjoyable and safe holiday season.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to John C. Wolf, D.O., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Grosvenor Hall, Athens, Ohio 45701.