AS the Yuletide season approaches, there are a few important medical facts that everyone needs to observe and keep in mind.

1. Do not drink alcohol and drive

With all the Christmas parties and events during this season, it is imperative to remember to assign a designated driver – who is not drinking alcohol – if the plan is to indulge in alcoholic beverages away from one’s residence and to travel back home, or to drive, no matter how near the distance.

In Jamaica, drunk driving is where the corresponding blood alcohol level is 80mg/dl. This limit is reached in the average person with three standard drinks of beer (12 ounces), 15 ounces of wine, and four to five ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits. Alcohol use must be controlled and the recommendation by some sources is that no more than one ounce per day, which is 30ml of ethanol for men, or two drinks, and no more than half of an ounce for women, or one drink, should be consumed daily. A drink is considered to be 12 ounces of beer, five ounces of wine, and 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor.

2. Do not forget to attend your regular, scheduled check-up

If you have chronic medical illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus (sugar), or heart and kidney disease, do not forget to attend your regular, scheduled check-up. Sometimes the date to revisit the doctor will fall on a public holiday, it is okay to visit prior to that date so you do not miss your appointment.

3. Do not forget to take your medication

In all the excitement and euphoria of the holidays it is not advised to be too engrossed in family get-togethers and preparations for visits and disregard the routine of taking your medication or attending to important medical care, such as dialysis. This should always take centre stage, even in the midst of the Christmas season. If travelling is involved, medication should be the first thing packed into that getaway bag.

4. Do not eat too much

The hallmark of Christmas is that Christmas dinner, no doubt including sorrel and the delicious rum cake. Please be reminded about portion control and calorie count. You do not want to undo your positive efforts of weight, glucose/”sugar”, and cholesterol control during the year in a few days. If you have allergies or food and water restrictions, this is still to be observed during the holidays.

5. Do not forget to exercise

It is quite natural to take one or two days off from the gym, track or road. However, daily exercise should still be a part of the festive season and incorporated into the family events.

6. Do not ignore medical warning signs

The natural tendency of any individual, especially the elderly, is not to want to ruin the family gathering on the holiday with a medical complaint. However, if you are experiencing symptoms, such as chest or abdominal pain, weakness in the face or limbs, severe headache, or anything that will require a hospital visit, do not ignore the signs and symptoms. It is better to visit the emergency department and be told that it is not a serious complaint rather than suffer the consequences of a delay in the diagnosis, which will have more of an impact on your loved ones, especially if death is the result.

7. Do enjoy the festivities and de-stress

The Christmas holidays is a time for giving and receiving while reflecting on the past year. This period, for most people, is a time of joy and merriment. It is useful to relieve the pressures of life and work and to de-stress. This is important for good health and well-being. So, enjoy the holidays and remember to partake in the celebrations, doing everything in moderation.

Dr Romayne Edwards is a consultant emergency physician at the University Hospital of the West Indies and an associate lecturer at the University of the West Indies.