Christmas and New Year: Death Risk Factors

Back in late August, I noticed a store clerk setting up Halloween decorations. After I commented that Halloween was really coming soon, the clerk casually mentioned that the Christmas decorations were already up on the other side of the shelf. In the sales world, that’s called getting customers in the holiday spirit early, so they’ll spend more money. Decorations may start them thinking about holiday foods, parties, trips, gifts, and death. Did I say death? That’s probably the last thing most people connect with the holidays.

Should people be thinking about holiday deaths, too? Research from the University of California confirms that they should. Using official U.S. death certificates in various hospitals around Christmas and New Year, researchers examined daily mortality rates. Results indicate that mortality from natural causes is highest in dead-on-arrival (DOA) and emergency department (ED) settings on Christmas and New Year. There are more DOA/ED deaths on 12/25, 12/26, and 1/1 than on any other days for each of the top five disease groups. Yes, Christmas and New Year are risk factors for deaths.

Although the research article didn’t explain precautions people should take that might keep them or their loved ones from being part of holiday death statistics, earlier research reported at “WebMD Health News” presented these recommendations from Dr. Alice Jacobs, president of the American Heart Association:

1) Don't skip regular appointments because of the holidays. Reschedule if needed.

2) Stick to your healthy habits through the holidays, and help your family do the same.

3) Be sure you have enough of your usual medications.

4) Check out the medical facilities where you'll be traveling.

5) Ask your doctor to recommend someone you could see if you need a doctor away from home.

6) If you have symptoms, don't ignore them.

It’s not too early to plan ahead for holiday death risk factors. Have safe and happy holidays!

Frances Shani Parker, Author
"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”
“Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog”

Therapy Dogs and Cats Improve Human Health (Video 2:37 mins.)

A few years ago, my elderly friend and her dog were in a serious car accident. The experience was very traumatic for her and the dog. Because of my friend’s physical injuries, she and her dog were separated immediately after the accident, so she could stay at a rehabilitation center.

Slowly, my friend made progress, but she missed her dog a lot. The picture with this post shows their happy reunion the day I brought her dog to visit. I also noticed the heightened joy of many staff members when they interacted with the dog. His presence brought many smiles.

I didn’t need research to tell me that some healing had taken place, but it’s good to know that the results of positive exchanges between pets and people are scientifically measurable. The American Heart Association verifies that heart failure patients who spent 12 minutes with a dog or cat had lower stress hormones and blood pressure levels.

Pets are being certified to improve patients’ health in nursing homes and hospitals. Pets’ many contributions include helping stroke survivors with physical therapy and assisting mentally disabled patients in learning chores. It doesn’t matter what breed the pets are, as long as they have sound temperaments and can pass the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test. Thousands of dogs and smaller numbers of cats serve as therapy pets. They seem to know instinctively that they are there to help patients. And this video shows that’s exactly what they do.

Frances Shani Parker, Author
"Becoming Dead Right: A Hospice Volunteer in Urban Nursing Homes”
Hospice and Nursing Homes Blog