Health Blog

Much as Christmas can be a time of rest and happiness, unfortunately there are health issues that are commonly associated with this period and the associated activities.

What do we see in the clinic at Christmas?

Musculoskeletal Issues

A lack of activity for a number of days results in joint stiffening and strength is lost quite quickly, particularly for older people.   
Maintain motivation to keep active.

Staying in different beds, pillows, long drives, different patterns of movement can all result in discomfort as your body may not easily adapt to these changes.   If this occurs it is probably just a strain on tissue.  Try to identify what is different and make the appropriate changes to avoid it becoming a more acute issue.

New Year’s resolutions involving taking up an activity need to be thought through carefully, taking into account your individual situation and body state. Whatever your state, make sure you build up cautiously. 

Over-indulging for several days or even weeks, can cause resultant short-term discomfort from indigestion, reflux and bloating.  Increasing weight will affect your joints and relative strength.   If you are border line diabetic this may push you into being symptomatic (Increased going for a wee, excessive thirsty, tired, losing weight, increased hunger etc.)  You should seek medical assistance promptly in this situation.

There is an increased risk of heart attacks at Christmas.  Help reduce this by avoiding excessive stress, food and alcohol.

Too much rich food leads to increase in gall bladder problems which can, amongst other symptoms, present as sudden onset right shoulder pain or back pain around the right scapular (this shouldn’t last longer than a few hours). 

As alcohol irritates the stomach, drink water with it and ensure you have good breaks.  Don’t take anti-inflammatory medication (Nurofen, Aspirin) as part of a hangover cure as they also irritate the stomach.

Gout is an inflammatory arthritis.  It is the result of too much Uric acid, which is formed from the breakdown of purines, found in many foods especially red meat, organ meats , shellfish, sugary drinks and beer.   When it is too concentrated in the blood it becomes crystals that normally accumulate in the lower part of the body due to gravity.   This often results in joint pain in the toes and feet but can also be in the knees and fingers.  It is an intense pain often accompanied by swelling and redness.   The ‘attack’ should not last more than 24 hours.   Take anti-inflammatories and drink plenty of water to help ensure the concentration is reduced.

Mental Health issues.

Family events can sometimes be stressful and exhausting.    Pressurised family situations, feeling left out, difficult memories can all lead to triggering mental health fragility.

Make sure you talk to others about the way you are feeling, either friends, family or professionals.   There are helplines specifically for this.

https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/

https://www.samaritans.org

All our mental health practitioners are happy to speak to you to discuss potential treatment.  However, in the event of an emergency situation over the holiday period you should call the above or the NHS 111 line.