’Tis the season for lots of fun. However you celebrate the holidays, such as making plans to gather with loved ones and participating in annual traditions, December can be joyful. But this time of year does pose some dangers for your health.
Fortunately, Southern California doesn’t have to contend with some of the bigger wintertime hazards like icy sidewalks and roadways. That doesn’t mean you’re fully off the hook, though. Moving through this time of year with a little mindfulness about common health hazards can help you keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
If anything does happen, our team is here for you. At our SmartClinic Urgent Care offices in West Covina or Santa Clarita, California, we offer care for injuries, the flu, abdominal pain, and even dehydration. We’re available if you need medical attention throughout the holiday season.
Here are five of the reasons we most commonly see folks at urgent care during this time of year.
It’s fairly normal to have a little digestive distress this time of year — overindulging in rich foods and drinks can stress your system and give you a stomachache. If your abdominal pain doesn’t clear up within 24 hours, however, it’s worth coming in to see us.
That’s doubly true if you have a fever or if you’re vomiting because it could be a case of food poisoning.
To help you lower your risk there, we recommend reviewing this holiday food safety guide from the US Department of Health & Human Services.
Maybe you poked your eye trying to hang an ornament on that high branch. Maybe a popped champagne cork ricocheted around the room and came back to hit you. Whatever the case may be, we offer care for acute injuries like eye trauma.
It might be the most wonderful time of the year by holiday standards, but it’s also the busiest part of flu season. December tends to see a lot of cases of this highly contagious respiratory illness.
If you get the flu and act quickly, we may be able to prescribe an antiviral to help you get over your flu faster. This way, you can get back to your holiday activities.
Between hauling holiday packages in from the porch or mounting large-scale decorations, many people strain their backs during this time of year. A couple of days of rest should take care of minor injuries. If your back still hurts, though, come in to see us.
Our experienced team can help you figure out what’s going on and how to ease your discomfort. We even offer in-office X-rays to make sure a bigger issue isn’t at play.
Because this time of year tends to be so busy, the hours you spend in the kitchen might be fairly hurried. That heightens the likelihood of injury. If you sustain a cut or a bad burn, come in to see our team. With walk-in urgent care, we provide the quick attention your injury requires.
Slowing down and being careful around holiday hazards can help you avoid disruptions in your fun. If you encounter any health challenges during the holiday season, we’re here for you. Contact SmartClinic Urgent Care whenever you need prompt, caring medical attention.
