Don’t Spend The Holiday's in the Emergency Room.

If you are overweight, you are at risk of spending your holidays in the emergency room.

Many people who overindulge during the holidays get the following symptoms:

Chest pain: You will never know if it is a heart attack until you go to the ER for an EKG and blood work. But you will spend at least 12 hours at the ER worrying about whether you are dying or not. And don’t forget, the family at home who will stop celebrating and start worrying.

Abdominal pain: It could be gallstones--another common reason for ER visits. You will spend 4 to 6 hours waiting for blood work and an ultrasound. If you do have gallstones, you will be enjoying a side of surgery with your Thanksgiving turkey.

Gout: Also known as a dreaded, painful disease. If you are lucky, you will spend just 2 to 3 hours getting a prescription for medication. The pain will surely ruin your appetite for any desserts for at least a day or two.

When I worked at the ER, the holidays always brought these kinds of cases in. I remember one case where a 40-year old, overweight man came in with his wife because he was suffering from chest pain. It ended up just being gas, but it surely destroyed their holiday. The amazing part was that his older brother was having the dessert in the waiting room! The brother also developed chest pain and ended up having a real heart attack. Thankfully it was mild and he survived. Are these the memories you want to remember for your family holidays?

Keep in mind that a big meal requires a lot of blood to be diverted to your intestinal system for digestion. This puts stress on your heart, which substantially increases the risk of a heart attack.

Take home message - if you do not want a side of ER with your holiday dinner, follow these simple guidelines:

1) Eat a small amount of food; stop when you are no longer hungry.

2) Teach yourself self-discipline and do not overeat the one food you really enjoy.

3) Do not drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks.

4) Eat slowly over time and drink lots of water.

5) If you are overweight, you are at risk. Be extra careful.

6) Learn to say “NO, THANK YOU.”

7) Instead of lounging on the couch, get the family active with a walk around the block, a game of catch or even charades to keep the body moving.

Have a great holiday, enjoy your families and make memories you want to have for years to come.

Dr. Sass
Sasson Moulavi, M.D., LMCC, ABBM
Medical Director
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