Super Bowl Sunday: Watch Out for Health Hazards

Fans gearing up to cheer on the Seattle Seahawks or New England Patriots should also think about their health. The excitement of a close game can raise blood pressure and stress the heart, putting people with conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, irregular rhythms or narrowed arteries at greater risk. Doctors advise taking medications exactly as prescribed and not to watch the game alone if you have heart problems. Keep your environment cool, avoid overeating and drink alcohol only in moderation, especially if you are on blood thinners. Be alert for warning signs of a heart attack: chest pressure or burning, pain that spreads to arms or jaw, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating or dizziness. For a stroke, look for sudden slurred speech, weakness in the face or limbs, vision changes, loss of balance or a severe headache. If any of these appear, call emergency services immediately. The winter season brings cough and allergy medicines into many homes. Mixing these with alcohol can be dangerous, as can using them while driving; they may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. If you are hosting, store all medications safely out of reach from children and pets.When cooking for a crowd, follow basic food safety steps: clean hands and surfaces, keep raw meat separate from other foods, cook everything to the right temperature using a thermometer, and refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Symptoms of food poisoning—nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea and fever—can surface within a few hours. Children in the U. S. often have food allergies; reactions can be severe. Pets also face risks: chocolate, candy or foods containing xylitol can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Alcohol is more potent than many people realize, especially in mixed drinks. Signs of alcohol poisoning include confusion, slow breathing, vomiting, seizures or blue lips. Sleeping it off is unsafe; hydration is the best recovery for a hangover. Products that look like candy—such as edible cannabis, nicotine or vaping items—can attract children and pets. They may contain unknown amounts of THC and can cause serious illness or breathing trouble in young ones. If someone appears unconscious or shows signs of a heart attack, stroke or severe poisoning, call emergency services right away.