Are you the grinchiest of grinches or have you had Mariah on repeat since November? Whichever camp you’re in Christmas comes but once a year and the team at Ropata is here, as always, to help you have the best silly season you can.
We have put together a Christmas preparedness list that Bear Grylls would be proud of. Like always – it’s not meant to replace individual medical advice or cover every scenario so if you have an emergency then you
should call 111.
A little too much Xmas pud?
Making the most of the leftovers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? We do tend to eat rather a lot more than usual at xmas and New Year and this can lead to tummy aches, bloating and sometimes the ole gut being a bit
upset with us.
Try to make sure that you are eating as much fruit/veges as you can, drinking plenty of water and consider going for a walk after dinner to keep everything tickety boo. If you suffer from reflux or indigestion, try to limit
rich and spicey foods and if you’re suffering – an over-the-counter antacid may help.
If you have increasing pain, fever, vomiting/diarrhoea – seek medical attention.
Also make sure you are preparing and storing food safely – nobody wants food poisoning for Xmas!
Taken the ‘drink’ part of eat, drink and be merry a little too far?
Alcohol can be plentiful at xmas and while there is nothing wrong with a wee tipple – it can tip over into harmful reasonably easily.
If you’re hosting an event – be a responsible host and make sure you have plenty of food, non -alcoholic drinks and a plan for everyone to get home safely.
If you’re attending an event – make sure you eat before drinking, make at least every second drink non – alcoholic and make sure you have a plan to get home safely.
If you do overindulge and feel a bit shady the next day – make sure you drink plenty, rest and eat well. Simple pain medication can help with headaches and maybe next time go for a lemonade or fancy sparkly water
instead.
Alcohol can also make people behave in ways they may not ordinarily – mates don’t let mates becomes unsafe, so look out for friends and family and keep them safe.
Insects made you their Christmas lunch?
There are loads of theories about why some people get bitten more than others – but one thing’s for sure, if you’ve been a bug banquet you know how annoying and uncomfortable it can be.
There are several things you can do to avoid the bitey bugs, from covering up with clothing through to using insect repellants. There are also creams and medications you can use to lessen the itch etc. Talk to your pharmacist about how best to prevent bites and/or treat the itch of bug bites/stings.
Are we there yet?
We have all been on road trips that are memorable for all the wrong reasons. Hot car, kids fighting in the back, endless toilet stops and the dreaded motion sickness.
If you’re driving long distances – being prepared is key. Make sure you have plenty of drinks and food for you and your passengers as well as activities for any children you may be travelling with. Take plenty of breaks and don’t try to push on if you’re tired.
Most important of all – don’t drink and drive. Ever. Even if it’s just around the corner to home, it’s not worth it. As we said earlier – mates don’t let mates drink and drive so make sure everyone you love gets home
safely.
Family road trip survival guide
Don’t drink and drive, it ruins lives
Four seasons in one day
Even if it’s just a day trip you’re planning – remember the boy scout motto and ‘be prepared’. Check the weather conditions before you go, dress appropriately, take adequate food and water and make sure you let
someone know where you are going and what time you will be back.
A first aid kit and a charged phone always a good idea too because…..well accidents happen right?
Stop and have a hmmmmmmm?
We know it’s tempting to show the kids your mad skills on the ole skateboard and relive your glory days, but if we had $5 for every time we have seen this end badly!! Before you give a back flip a crack on the new tramp just stop and have a think about if it’s a good idea because it might not be all you end up cracking. Have fun by all means – but be careful.
Crispy skin is for chickens only!
NZ has the worst melanoma rates in the world and our non-melanoma skin care rates are just as bad. The biggest cause of it?……..the sun and our she’ll be right attitude. Be safe in the sun and avoid becoming a skin
cancer statistic.
Plan your outdoor activities outside of the middle of the day, wear your sunscreen every day and wear it properly, cover up with clothing and shade and make sure any children you are with do the same.
If you do get burnt, click the link below to get some tips on how to deal with it. Remember that sunburn can become severe and so if you/a loved one seems unwell from their burn, dizzy/faint, has a temperature, vomits,
or becomes confused – seek medical attention.
Are you OK?
Christmas is a hard time of year for a lot of people for a lot of reasons. Maybe it’s because you’ve lost someone special or because all of life’s stressors can be amplified. It can feel very lonely to be feeling this way
and you may feel like there is nowhere to turn.
If you find yourself feeling low – reach out to friends and family if you can. Your healthcare team is another option, and you can always access mental health services 24/7 if you’re not feeling safe by calling or texting
1737.
Family Violence
The stressors of the season as well as an increase in drug and alcohol consumption can lead to a rise in family violence. Reach out to family or friends if you can. Your healthcare team can help you too. Below are a list of services and resources you can access. If you are in immediate danger, call 111.
https://www.police.govt.nz/advice-services/family-violence
https://www.areyouok.org.nz
https://www.2shine.org.nz/get-help/helpline/
https://www.plunket.org.nz/being-a-parent/family-and-whanau/family-violence/
Some Helpful Numbers
- Need to talk? (1737 – free call or text) any time for support from a trained counsellor
- The Depression Helpline (0800 111 757) 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions)
- Healthline (0800 611 116)
- Youthline (0800 376 633)
- The Lowdown Text 5626 for support to help young people recognise and understand depression or anxiety.
- Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797)