January 3, 2007 - Some Ways To Ease Emerg Pressure Over The Holidays

With the Holiday Season upon us, emergency physicians from local hospitals are asking people to make their health a top priority for this special Season

"Everyone prepares for the Holidays, with shopping, cooking and decorating it only makes sense to also prepare yourself when it comes to your health and that of your family," said Dr. Denise Coulas, Chief of staff at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. "Prevention and preparedness will go a long way in managing the long waits that traditionally occur in emergency rooms."

Emergency physicians are asking residents to find out ahead of time what hours their doctor's office and pharmacy are open.

While being prepared and trying to prevent illness and injury is in everyone's best interest, Emergency Departments are open should you or a loved one require urgent, emergency care during the Holidays. Emergency Departments are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. If you do visit an Emergency Department and your problem is not life-threatening, you may have to wait several hours during this extremely busy time of the year. Patients are prioritized by the seriousness of their illness or injury and priorities change constantly.

If you do need to go to your Emergency Department, have your Ontario Health Card ready.

Sometimes it is difficult to know whether your problem is serious or not. Here are some ways you can help make your Holiday Season a safe and healthy one for you and your family!

Ask your doctor's office what back-up coverage they offer or recommend when they are closed

Update all emergency telephone numbers and post them in a visible place (e.g. your refrigerator)

Make sure that everyone in your family has enough of their medications -prescription and non prescription- needles, alcohol swabs, etc. Also check out inhalers, respirators, oxygen, and glucose testing machines. Bring your medications with you if you go to the doctor or Emergency Department

Get your flu shot.

Keep your distance from friends and relatives who are ill

Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Carry a small bottle of alcohol based hand disinfectant with you

Take your medications as directed

Be extra cautious in severely cold weather

Sand your walkway to prevent falls.

Remove icicles from around your house.

Pace, don't push yourself when shoveling heavy snow

If you use alcohol, do so in moderation and do not drive.

Consider quitting smoking as part of an overall health strategy and participate in regular exercise.

You should go to the Emergency Department if:

Your child has diarrhea and vomiting AND has no tears, a dry mouth or is not urinating.

Your child under three months of age has a fever over 38°5 C or 101F

Your child develops a rash that does not turn white when you push on it

Your child has a fever and is difficult to wake up or is very sleepy

You have severe pain, chest pain or' tightness in the chest,

You or your' child experience shortness of breath, choking or difficulty breathing

You think you may have broken a bone, or have a wound that may need stitches

You have sudden, severe headaches, vision problems, sudden weakness, numbness and/or tingling in the face, arm or leg, trouble speaking, or dizziness,

Conditions that are not emergencies are best dealt with by your family doctor or a local medical clinic. If you have any doubts don't hesitate to call 911. The ambulance will respond quickly and take you to the Emergency Department where you will receive the appropriate care, You can call Poison Control at 1-800-268-9017. Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000 is available for free access to registered nurses who will help with any health-related question. Although it's a busy time of year, Poison Control, Telehealth Ontario and full service Emergency Departments are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day