Can holidays take a toll on our health?
Taking a break helps us rejuvenate and deal with daily stress better. So how exactly can it be damaging for us?
In most straightforward words, binge eating and drinking on holidays increase prominently. Missing workouts, hectic schedules due to travelling and late nights become usual, ultimately negatively affecting our health.
This situation is risky for people already suffering from heart ailments, diabetes, high blood pressure etc. So much so that health professionals have warned about increased cardiac risk during the holiday season for decades, it has become usual for otherwise healthy patients to stream into emergency rooms after binge drinking during holiday festivities with atrial fibrillation or irregular heart rhythms.
As far back as the 1970s, doctors named the particular toll of celebratory binge drinking: Holiday heart syndrome. Holiday heart syndrome is another phrase for alcohol-induced atrial fibrillation, or A-fib, which is a rapid, chaotic heart rhythm that can increase the risk of a stroke.
Another reason for increased emergency cases during the holiday season is people ignore symptoms and wait for the holidays to get over before they come for a check-up.
However, the safest way is to take precautions beforehand and watch out for symptoms to avoid unnecessary trouble. Let’s discuss what can be done during holidays to reduce the risk of falling into emergencies.
- Alcohol consumption: It is a known fact, backed up by the latest research, that “no amount of alcohol is considered safe”. So, people already suffering from chronic ailments must take precautions before consuming alcohol. The best is to learn to say NO to alcohol. However, it’s equally important to avoid binge drinking.
Water helps hydrate the body and removes harmful toxins. After the consumption of alcohol, try to flush out adverse effects by increasing the consumption of water. Coconut water and lemon water also help.
- Limit calories: On vacation, consumption of junk food increases which is usually high in calories. Additionally, it is high in salt, sugar and oil as well. Consumption of junk food can negatively affect the body, especially those already suffering from chronic ailments like diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart ailment etc. For them, it is crucial to restrict calories. Better to keep an eye on total calorie intake. On average, women should consume calories between 1600-2000 and men 2200-3000. If it is difficult to count calories, the best way is to avoid fatty/fried food made with cheese, butter, and refined flour.
- Exercise:The exercise regime usually goes for a toss on holidays. On the other hand, when we are out to see new places, daily movement/number of steps taken increases. However, balancing exercise according to our schedule on holidays is essential.
The best is to make sure the body gets adequate movement and rest. One should increase physical movement by adding a number of steps taken daily and sleep for at least 7 hours. It is advisable not to hit the gym when you are tired and have not slept well. Also, ensure you don’t sit idle all day, especially when calorie intake is higher.
- Sleep- A good night’s sleep helps our body to heal and repair. However, it’s usual to stay up late at night on holidays. It is ok if done occasionally, but it is not healthy to do this back-to-back as sleep deprivation hurts the body.
Pay attention whenever you need to sleep more. Avoid doing heavy exercises when low on energy. Rigorous activity is harmful when the body is low on fuel.
- Medication: It is common to forget to take medicines on time during holidays as we are always busy having fun. Utmost care should be taken in eating food on time and taking medication, especially for people with diabetes and high blood pressure. This small mistake can cost heavily.
Holidays are indeed a time to balance life and rejuvenate self. But it is equally important to focus on avoiding risk factors.
Better safe than sorry.