The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and celebration—but it’s also a season where injuries can sneak up on us. From paper cuts to sprained wrists, opening gifts and preparing holiday cheer can lead to unintentional accidents. At OrthoArkansas, we want you to enjoy the season without a trip to urgent care. Here are some practical tips to stay safe while diving into holiday fun:
1. Use Proper Tools—Not Improvised Ones
Resist the urge to grab the nearest sharp object to tackle stubborn packaging. Instead, use safety scissors or box cutters designed for tough jobs. Always cut away from your body and ensure that your workspace is stable to prevent slipping.
2. Avoid the Packaging Blues
Plastic ties, zip ties, and tough plastic casings can be frustrating—and dangerous. Keep a small toolkit handy with pliers or other tools to safely cut through tough materials. Discard any sharp or hazardous packaging materials immediately to keep the area safe for everyone.
3. Watch Your Wrapping Stance
Gift wrapping might seem harmless, but spending hours bent over a table or sitting on the floor can strain your back, neck, or wrists. Try to use an ergonomic setup, keeping your materials at waist height and alternating your posture.
4. Prevent Overuse Injuries
If you’re wrapping a mountain of gifts or untangling string lights, take breaks to stretch your fingers, hands, and wrists. Repetitive strain can lead to discomfort and even injuries, such as tendonitis.
5. Be Ladder Smart
Hanging decorations? Ensure your ladder is on stable ground, and avoid overreaching. Have someone spot you when possible. Falls are one of the most common holiday injuries, and they can result in fractures or sprains.
6. Keep the Area Free of Tripping Hazards
Unwrapping gifts can quickly turn into a mess, with wrapping paper, bows, and boxes scattered everywhere. These can create serious tripping hazards, especially if you have kids or pets running around. Keep a trash bag handy to collect paper and ribbon as you go, and break down boxes promptly to maintain a clutter-free space. A clean area means fewer opportunities for accidents!
If a holiday mishap does occur, OrthoArkansas is ready to provide expert care for sprains, fractures, or repetitive strain injuries. Visit our Urgent Care page to learn more about how we can help you stay merry and bright this holiday season!
