Convenient treatment options available to keep you in the holiday spirit
Dec. 17, 2009 — Trying to compete with Clark Griswold of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation or creating the picture perfect Norman Rockwell holiday memory often leads to celebrating the holidays with broken bones, lacerations and colds.
Accidents and illnesses during the holidays send thousands to seek medical help each year, interrupting what is usually a joyful and festive time.
A notable increase in back and neck strain from putting up decorations and carrying heavy shopping bags is in full swing at Lee Convenient Care according to Dr. Linda Saether. “There are also more people traveling, so we tend to see strains from packing and carrying heavy luggage, as well as colds and flu.”
To prevent holiday injuries and illnesses, Dr. Saether encourages everyone to know their limitations and be aware of their actions. “Don’t carry overstuffed shopping bags or luggage for long periods of time,” says Saether. “And don’t forget to wash your hands often to prevent the spread of disease.”
Despite all precautions, some injuries or illnesses are unavoidable. That doesn’t mean a trip to the Emergency Room has to be part of this year’s holiday plans.
For patients with non-critical illnesses or injuries, walk-in or urgent care medical centers are convenient options to seeking help at the Emergency Room. Designed to provide quality, compassionate care in a short time frame for children and adults, walk-in centers are open during the day and have extended evening and weekend hours.
“One hour and 10 minutes is the average length of time from when a patient arrives at Lee Convenient Care to when he or she leaves,” says Saether. “This varies and depends upon the patient’s condition. Sometimes a patient is out the door in even less time, and other visits may take longer due to X-rays or wound care.”
Top 10 Holiday Accidents, Injuries and Illnesses
- Broken bones: It’s not just putting up the decorations, but taking them down and packing them away as well. Falls are common as the holiday spirit sends many up and down ladders and on to rooftops.
- Back and neck strains: Heavy lifting from putting up and taking down decorations, as well as carrying heavy shopping bags often result in sore and strained muscles.
- Lacerations: Putting up and taking down the tree and other decorations, along with assembling toys and other gifts, often leads to frustration and accidental cuts when using knives, scissors and even chainsaws.
- Colds and flu: Abundant time spent with friends, family and traveling often results in the aches and pain of a cold and/or flu.
- Foreign objects stuck in unusual places: In other words – young children and small parts from toys are not a good combination with pieces often found in noses, throats and ears.
- Stomach aches: Often the result of young children ingesting pretty holiday plants, or, the consumption of undercooked food or buffet food left out too long.
- Burns: Fireplaces, candles and holiday cooking and baking can ruin the holidays when carelessness leads to a burn. Never burn wrapping paper in a fireplace and always watch small children around candles and in the kitchen.
- Eye Injuries: Foreign objects often find their way into eyes when putting up decorations, accidents in the kitchen and even dust and dirt from boxes packed away for a year.
- Rashes: “Angel hair,” and artificial snow are beautiful to look at, but often lead to skin irritation and discomfort if handled improperly.
- Stress: Even with the best of planning, the holidays can be filled with stress leading to headaches, insomnia, anxiety and a multitude of physical symptoms.
When and Where To Seek Medical Care
Primary Care Physician, Walk-In Medical Center or Urgent Care Center
- Routine Primary Care or Non-Urgent Sick Visit -
Physical examinations
Health screening tests
Acute and chronic disorders
Sore throat, nasal congestion, flu
Ear infection
Coughs/colds
Stomach ache/nausea
Infections
Rashes
Minor cuts, bruises or injuries
Abrasions
Lacerations
Fractures
Sprains
Emergency Department
- An acute life-threatening illness or injury that could endanger one’s health or result in serious body harm or dysfunction if not treated immediately –
Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Uncontrolled bleeding
Sudden or severe pain
Coughing up blood or vomiting blood
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
Sudden dizziness, weakness or change in vision
Weakness or numbness in arm or leg
Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Change in mental status
Allergic reactions with difficulty breathing
Lee Convenient Care Locations
Lee Convenient Care – Page Field
Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday
4771 S. Cleveland Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33907
Phone: 239-343-9800
Lee Convenient Care – North
Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday
13279 N. Cleveland Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33903
Phone: 239-997-9733
Lee Convenient Care – Pine Island Road
Open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday
1682 NE Pine Island Road
Cape Coral, FL 33909
Phone: 239- 424-1655
*Lee Convenient Care Centers will be open throughout the holiday season regular hours as noted above, with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. On these two days, individuals should seek help as needed at an Emergency Department.
Media contact:
Mary Briggs
239-851-0136
23-278-3900
mary@briggsrogers.com