Christmas Medical Facts

Here at DS Medical we can’t wait for Christmas day to be here!

And whilst Christmas brings time for family fun and festive food, it can also bring with it injuries and other health challenges.

Read on below to find out some of the biggest health risks you can face this Christmas time….

1. More than 80,000 people a year need hospital treatment for injuries such as falls, cuts and burns during the festive period according to the NHS.


2. Every year, about 1,000 people are injured by their Christmas tree, usually while fixing decorations to the higher branches (RoSPA)


3. People are 50% more likely to die in a house fire over Christmas than at any other time of the year (RoSPA)


4. Traffic accidents are much higher in December than any other month of the year, up around 30% for women, and 9% for men (ONS data)


5. 2.6 million people have fallen off a stool or ladder while hanging up decorations. (firstaidforlife.org.uk)


6. A staggering 350 people a year are injured by Christmas tree lights, including falls while they are being put up, children swallowing the bulbs, and electric shocks and burns. (onlinefirstaid.com)


7. 1 in 10 people have spilled hot fat on themselves and 1 in 5 have cut themselves whilst preparing vegetables. (onlinefirstaid.com)


8. The risk of having a heart attack is a whopping 37% higher on Christmas Eve, peaking at 10pm, according to the British Medical Journal.


9. The English Institute of Sport, which provides scientific guidance to the British Olympic squad, found spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves can help you recover faster after exercise. Why? They’re rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce muscle soreness after a training session.


10. Over two in five Brits have felt stressed during the festive season, while about one in four has struggled with anxiety or depression. (YouGov)