TIS the season to be jolly; time is spent with family and friends eating, drinking and being merry. During these holidays, although some medical emergencies are unavoidable, there are a few that can be prevented.

Here are a few tips to navigate the Yuletide so as to avoid ending up in the emergency department.

1. Keep track of your medications, especially if you have chronic illnesses — there is usually a temptation to stray from the regular routines which would remind you of the key times to take these drugs. Maintain these alerts, whether they are reminders by alarms on the phone or daily triggers that cue medication administration, like right after eating meals. You can place medications beside your toothbrush or somewhere with which you have to interact, regardless of the change in the daily schedule. Stock up on medications by keeping doctor’s appointments, and reschedule for earlier if follow-up visits fall on dates which are public holidays.

2. Eat meals and drink in moderation, especially if you have noncommunicable illnesses such as diabetes mellitus (aka sugar), hypertension (high blood pressure), or hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). Overloading the body with excess sugar, salt, and fats will decrease the ability of the body’s mechanisms or medications to lower the blood levels. This will increase the risk of affecting target organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and nerves.

3. Drink alcohol in moderation. Parties offer free liquor on demand, especially mixed drinks, which will increase the blood alcohol level very quickly. Soon the effects of alcohol will be felt, which can impair coordination and affect skills such as driving. Have a designated driver who is not drinking too, if you plan to drink, or make plans to take a cab — especially if you don’t usually drink. You can also alternate the designated driver among your friend group for the various parties.

4. Don’t forget to exercise. In addition to your routine activities, have fun by dancing up a storm at these parties. This helps to burn some of the calories from those tasty Christmas meals, reducing blood sugar levels and preventing too much of those unwanted excess pounds. Excess weight gain causing a body mass index greater than 25kg/m2 heralds being overweight or obese. This increases the risk of being diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes or arthritis.

5. Avoid risky behaviour. This statement applies to every situation, more so in relation to using the roads during the holidays. Leave on time to avoid rushing. Avoid unsafe overtaking and excessive speeding. Sometimes a split-second decision can mean the difference between life and death or ending up in the emergency department, ruining the holidays for your friends and families.

6. Take care around fire and water. Be careful in the kitchen while cooking. Have an experienced person use the pressure cooker. Avoid leaving the stove on and having curtains, etc nearby that can cause a fire. Be careful with Christmas lights; ensure they won’t overheat. Beach, boat, and pool parties should have the necessary supervision, including lifeguards and floating devices.

7. Ensure the children are supervised when at play, and never leave them unattended in cars or at home no matter how short you estimate the stay away will be.

8. Give age-appropriate gifts. Be reminded that small children, especially in the exploration phase, will want to put objects in the nose, ears and mouth, which can result in obstruction or choking.

9. Ensure you hydrate with water and electrolytes, especially as you will likely be hopping from party to party, drinking alcohol.

10. Check in on your friends and families, especially the shut-ins. They may become depressed during the holidays, especially if they have health or mental health challenges or are at risk. Not everyone views the Christmas/new year holidays in a positive light, and there is an increased risk of suicide/attempted suicides during or after the holiday period.