Doctors warn: Holiday stress can be fatal

MANILA, Philippines - Health experts yesterday warned the public anew about the fatal effects of holiday stress.

“More people suffer heart attack and stroke during Christmastime. Worse, sufferers are more likely to die than in any other time of year,” according to Dr. Anthony Leachon, Philippine College of Physicians foundation president.

Leachon cited an informal survey of Metro Manila hospitals from 2004 to 2008 that showed a threefold increase in emergency and hospital admissions during Christmas.

Results of the same survey also indicated that cases of heart attack and stroke rose from 153 in December 2004, to 163 in 2005 then to 170 in 2008.

“The figures were way higher compared to only about 30 to 50 cases that were reported from January to November,“ Leachon said.

He urged the public to avoid being stressed out this Yuletide season.

“Traffic, crowds and shopping wear down holidaymakers. It’s certainly not a fun way to spend the holidays,” he said.

The Department of Health (DOH) also reminded the public to plan their activities ahead to prevent stress.

The DOH added that diseases easily spread in crowded areas or those without good ventilation.

The public should also get enough sleep every day, the DOH said.