Special Edition

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5 common holiday injuries and how to treat them locally

A string of Christmas lights with a large lit display in the background

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. | Photo by @megsfundays

Fires, falls, flying squirrels — holiday injuries are more common than you might think. But you can avoid being the Clark Griswold of your family this season with a little preparation.

Here are five common injuries to avoid this holiday season, how they’ve hit home for us here at LALtoday, and how to treat them at Lakeland Regional Health Urgent Care if you do have a ~~festive~~ freak accident.

🪜 Falls and accidents during decorating

Approximately 160 decorating-related injuries occur each day during the holiday season in the US — and nearly half of the incidents involve falls from ladders.

Ladder safety is key.
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Christmas Vacation .gif via Giphy

It’s personal:

“An iron mantle stocking holder fell on my mom’s head one year and she got a concussion 😵‍💫" -Garcelle, 6AM City team member
“When hanging Christmas lights... Let’s just say the folding ladder was not as sturdy as originally anticipated…” -Liam, 6AM City team member

Avoid it: Make sure your ladder is sturdy. Remember the 4-to-1 rule: For every four feet of height, move the base of the ladder one foot away from the wall.

Treat it:

Lakeland Regional Health Urgent Care‘s two convenient locations at Lake Miriam and Pablo Campus are open 7 days a week (including after-school and after-work hours) to treat minor trauma from falls and other injuries. Bonus: On-site x-ray imaging.
“Plus, you don’t need an appointment or even an LRH primary care provider to see us,” says James Khai Lee, MD. The team welcomes all patients ages 2+ to receive care, regardless of if they are an established LRH patient or not.
“During the busy holiday season, drop by one of our convenient locations so we can help. We are open late hours and weekends to fit your schedule as needed.”

🔥 Fires from lights, candles, cooking, and electrical issues

Nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays, causing 2,200+ injuries and costing $554 million in property damage.

It’s personal: “I always get irritated skin from sitting too close to the fire 😅” -Stephanie, 6AM City team member

Avoid it: Never leave lit candles unattended. Avoid overloading outlets by never plugging in more than three strings of lights into each other — instead, opt for a power strip.

Slow down there, Sparky.
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Christmas Vacation .gif via Giphy

Treat it: The efficient healthcare experts at Lakeland Regional Health Urgent Care treats minor burns and can easily connect you to the larger hospital system for more comprehensive treatment, dermatology specialists, and more.

3 more common injuries

Asked

Rank the local wellness content would you most like to see in LAL Wellness:

Ranking No. 1 meaning “I very much want to see this;" ranking No. 7 meaning “I do not want to see this.”

Fitness + active events
Outdoors
Local sports
Healthy food + drink
Something else...

Rank these topics (and tell us what else to cover)

News Notes

Active

The free Winter Wellness Walk is happening tonight, 5-7:30 p.m., at Bonnet Springs Park. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the stunning Canopy of Lights, yummy holiday treats, and festive health activities. Register.
Looking to get active in the new year? Registration is open for the Freakin’ Freezin’ 5K on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024 at Lake Hollingsworth ($25-$30).

Development

The City of Lakeland will apply for state funding to add a walking + biking trail on Ingraham Avenue, between Frank Lloyd Wright Way and Bartow Road. Construction could begin within three years on the proposed trail. (LkldNow)

Sports

ICYMI, the Detroit Tigers will continue spring training in Lakeland for the next 20+ years, and the City of Lakeland will help fund a new team facility. See the new deal by the numbers, and mark your calendar for 2024 spring training from Feb. 24 to March 24 at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium.

Community

‘Tis the season to give back locally. Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a health enthusiast, here are 40+ ways to get involved in Lakeland.

Health

It’s perfectly normal if your holidays aren’t all merry and bright. For those struggling with sadness, loneliness, or anxiety during the holiday season, learn more about depression and types of treatments from local psychiatrists.

Learn

Southeastern University is hosting a public forum titled “A New Year, A Happy & Healthier You” on Jan. 5 from 8 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Register to hear a keynote address, participate in breakout sessions, and build your own 30-day improvement plan. Registration is open — tickets are $125.

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