The 12 hazards of Christmas

10:52am Friday 19th December 2008

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, three burnt fingers, one troubled tummy and a candle setting light to the tree... Gabrielle Fagan suggests some way to avoid festive hazards.

RUSHING around and trying to cram too much in too little time, can be a risky recipe for a series of mishaps rather than an exciting build-up to a peaceful celebration.

Over the 12 days of Christmas an estimated 80,000 people will be involved in accidents in their homes, according to statistics by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA). Many of those will happen in the kitchen during the food preparations, or while putting up the decorations.

‘‘It’s very common to get a minor burn or injury around the home, especially at Christmas, but many people don’t take them as seriously as they should, and unfortunately few know how to treat the damaged area properly,’’says GP Dr Sarah Brewer.

We chart the 12 pains and perils of the festive season and give guidance from the experts.

12 STEPS TO FALL OFF

Falling off a stepladder while putting up Christmas decorations sounds like an obvious hazard, but it’s one of the most common accidents, according to ROSPA. Many people end up in A&E after using a faulty stepladder, reaching too far to get that last bit of tinsel or the fairy onto the top of the tree.

Check steps aren’t faulty, ensure they’re placed on an even surface, and get someone to hold them steady as you climb.

11 FLAMING PUDDINGS

One in ten Britons manage to burn themselves while attempting to flambe or blowtorch their Christmas puddings. Be careful just how much alcohol you use on your pud. If the worst should happen, GP Dr Rob Hicks advises letting cold water from the tap run over the wound for ten to 15 minutes.

‘‘Don’t apply anything like butter.

Cover with clingfilm to keep it clean.

If it’s more than a minor burn or scald – if it’s larger than a postage stamp or has penetrated beyond the first layer of skin or it starts to blister – you should always seek medical advice.’’

10 NASTY TUMBLES

Tripping over because of excitable pets, the children’s remote-controlled presents or slipping on cast-aside wrapping paper is highly likely, especially after a few sherries. Keep accidents to a minimum by removing any old wrapping paper from the floor and placing unopened presents out of the way.

‘‘Treat a sore bruised muscle area with a cold compress and witch hazel or arnica to bring out the bruising. Relieve pain by taking an over-the-counter pain killer like Ibuprofen,’’ Dr Hicks says.

9 EXPOSED WIRES

Every year we all get the same fairy lights out of the attic, spend hours detangling them and think that they’re as good as new. Old lights should be carefully checked for loose, frayed or bare wires, broken bulbs and cracked plugs. If they’re looking shabby, buy some new ones. Candles should not be anywhere near the tree, and ideally should be kept in containers such as jars or secure holders. Do not leave unattended or allow pets or children near them.

8 POUNDING HANGOVERS

Alcohol is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration.

Alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water, and drink plenty of water before going to bed.

7 RAGING HEADACHES

Coping with the stress of creating the perfect Christmas can trigger stress headaches or those pesky cold and flu viruses.“ Drink plenty of water – as dehydration is a common cause of a pounding head, while herbal teas like camomile can be soothing and aid sleep. And don’t forget to delegate jobs to other people – don’t try to run the whole celebration yourself,” says Dr Hicks.

6 TROUBLED TUMMIES

Every year in the UK undercooked turkeys cause food poisoning, spoiling Christmas for thousands of people.

‘‘At Christmas people prepare food for more people than usual, cook things they don’t often cook and have to store mountains of extra food – all of this has food safety implications,’’ says Judith Hilton, head of microbiology at the Food Standards Agency.

‘‘Nearly a quarter of food poisoning outbreaks at this time of year are linked to poultry.’’ Her safety tips: cook bird and stuffing separately; don’t wash the turkey before cooking as this can splash harmful bacteria around the kitchen; defrost your turkey in the fridge or at room temperature allowing one hour per 450g (1lb) and make sure it’s covered and doesn’t touch other food. For further advice, visit food.gov.uk.

5 GRAZED KNUCKLES

Opening the presents is a highlight of Christmas day but using sharp scissors, penknives or even keys to get into the parcel can result in cut fingers, grazed knuckles and potential tears. ‘‘Present opening as well as children falling while trying out new toys such as scooters are both common types of seasonal mishaps,’’ Dr Hicks says.

He advises cleaning an affected area with cool water and then applying an antiseptic cream, and covering with a sterile dressing or plaster.

4 COURSE INDIGESTION

Large portions and rich meals can add up to a troubling dose of indigestion.

“Rest your stomach by not eating when you feel like this,” Dr Brewer says. “Antacids such as Remegel can be effective, or drinking a glass of milk to settle the tummy. Also ensure your waistband is not too tight when you eat, and don’t bend over or lie down straight after a meal.”

If you get a severe pain in the chest over a period, sometimes but not always accompanied by pain in the arm, you should call an ambulance as it may be a sign of a heart attack.

3 BURNT FINGERS

In a quest for sleek and straight party locks, 38 per cent of women accidentally burn themselves with their hair straighteners while getting ready to go out at Christmas, according to a survey of 4,000 people conducted by Acriflex Cooling Burns Gel. Acriflex Cooling Burns Gel, £3.99 for 30g, is a preservative-free non-sticky gel, which is easily absorbed into the skin.

For advice on how to avoid and deal with household burns, visit burnsadvice.co.uk.

2 COLDS AND FLU

Prevention is better than cure. Tesco Flu Jab service is available in its pharmacies until end of January, and a jab costs £10. “It’s worth taking herbal remedies such as echinacea to help ward off colds and flu,’’ Dr Brewer suggests. “Research has shown that echinacea decreases the odds of developing a cold by 58 per cent and the duration of colds by a day-and-a-half.’’ Alternatively, alleviate symptoms with over-the-counter remedies such as Tesco Max Strength Cold & Flu day and night capsules (£1.94 for 16 capsules).

1 ESSENTIAL XMAS PRESENT

A third of all UK households don’t own a first aid kit and are unaware of even basic techniques. So brush up on your first aid skills and make sure you have a fully stocked First Aid Kit. A Boots Family First Aid kit (£19.57) includes plasters, antiseptic cream, antiseptic wipes, surgical tape, scissors, and a wound dressing pad.