Injury free festive season.
Would you like to have an injury free festive season and finish 2018 on a high?
That time of year when the man in the big red suit comes to visit is fast approaching. All too often it is the time of the year where injury rates increase. In fact a study in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) reported a 9% increase in hospitalisations during the Christmas and New Year holiday period (25 December to 1 January).
Over the festive season, we tend to be more active and adventurous then what we usually are. An increase in participation in biking, swimming and trampolining to name a few have contributed to the above statistic. Not to mention toys, home renovations/decorating, falls, food poisoning, alcohol consumption and the stray champagne cork.
So how do I reduce my risk of injury during the festive season you ask?? Below is a list of our top 12 tips – just like the 12 days of Christmas Aussie style.
1st Day of Christmas
One Emu up a gum tree – when setting up the Christmas tree or putting lights on you home, take care with ladder placement. Always ensure someone is holding the ladder, and try not to lean to far for fear of falling off.
2nd Day of Christmas
Two pink galahs – take care with alcohol consumption, we all like a drink or two or more, but be sure to not be the galah at the party.
3rd Day of Christmas
Three kookaburras laughing – Laughter is the best medicine…..especially if you are unlucky enough to end up with an injury (hopefully you have a good story to tell us about).
4th Day of Christmas
Four koalas cuddling – with the summer months here us Aussies love to be outdoors. What is the most fun way to get a better view?? Climb a tree – take care with your footing, we dont want any broken bones.
5th Day of Christmas
Five kangaroos – trampolines…..so much fun I hear you all say. As we grow up we become less agile, trampolines can be a trap for those of us who think we are still kids.
6th Day of Christmas
Six brolgas dancing – who doesnt love a dance party?? The festive season is full of dancing and overall happiness. Choose your footwear smartly – think of those stilettos and ankles……
7th Day of Christmas
Seven possums playing – its getting close to Christmas light looking. We all love the magical feeling of those lights and the beautiful displays. Watch your footing in the dark though…gutters, pot holes, uneven ground.
8th Day of Christmas
Eight dingoes digging – gardening is a popular activity over the festive season as we get to try out all our new improved gifts. Take care of your back when lifting heavy boxes, pot plants, swing sets, tools etc – Remember to bend your knees.
9th Day of Christmas
Nine wombats working – home renovations are also a popular activity – remember to bend your knees and protect your back.
10th Day of Christmas
Ten lizards leaping – rock hopping, bush walking, cliff jumping just to name a few. Be sure to check the water depth and always let someone know where you are going.
11th Day of Christmas
11 numbats nagging – kids be sure to be nice not naughty – lets keep the parents from having to nag you over the festive season.
12th Day of Christmas
12 parrots prattling – enjoy the festive season with friends and family.