A survey conducted in November 2021 by the APA revealed that 41 percent of Americans think their stress levels increase during the holidays. The causes of stress were identified as being able to afford gifts and contracting COVID-19.
The survey also revealed that healthcare workers are more affected by holiday stress. Over half of the respondents said their stress levels increased during the holiday season. One of the most common reasons why healthcare workers feel stressed is due to working long hours. Nevertheless, here are aspects that affect the health industry through the holiday.
High Demand
Although many healthcare workers can’t stay home over the holidays, working long hours can still result in stress. Aside from working long hours, the holiday season also increases the demand for healthcare services. From 2009 to 2012, the CPSC reported over 12,000 emergency department visits annually due to holiday decorating-related accidents.
Holiday Fires
Cooking fires are the most common cause of residential fires. They cause around 165,600 fires each year, which leads to the deaths of over 200 individuals and injuries of approximately 3,200. During the holiday season, about 1,600 fires involving cooking occur on Thanksgiving Day.
Apart from cooking fires, holiday decorations are also known to cause residential fires. From 2009 to 2011, the fire departments responded to around 200 fires caused by Christmas trees. These fires resulted in the deaths of ten individuals and property loss of around $16 million. On the other hand, candle-related fires caused by the holiday season killed over 70 people and injured more than 660.
Toy Injuries
In 2021, over 200,000 toy-related injuries were reported in US emergency rooms. Pediatric ER nurses will nod their heads as they learn that 74 percent of these incidents were caused by kids under 14 years old, while children sustained 69 percent under 12 years old, and 37 percent were by kids four years old and younger. Unfortunately, two deaths were also reported due to this type of injury.
Travel Accidents
According to the National Safety Council, over 300 people are expected to die on US roads during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday seasons. Many of these individuals travel long distances to visit their loved ones and tend to get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.