During the New Year period, Russian healthcare workers report that patients most often present with issues tied to food and alcohol poisoning, together with a rise in flare-ups of chronic illnesses. This conclusion comes from a survey of doctors conducted by Aktion Medicine and summarized by socialbites.ca, offering insight into how the holiday season strains health systems and patient well‑being.
Across the survey, roughly half of the doctors noted poisoning as the primary concern when patients seek care during the holiday stretch. In addition to poisoning, about half observed a rise in the worsening of chronic conditions, including diabetes and liver disease, driven by festive eating and drinking patterns, stress, and disrupted routines. These results show how holiday behavior intersects with existing health risks, prompting clinicians to anticipate and manage a higher volume of related presentations.
Around one in six healthcare professionals reported cases aligning with what is sometimes called the holiday phenomenon, featuring heart-related events such as acute cardiac incidents and heart attacks linked to heavy alcohol consumption or irregular sleep and dietary changes. This pattern echoes broader observations about cardiovascular risk during celebrations and the immediate impact of alcohol on heart function, particularly in individuals with preexisting vulnerability.
Beyond systemic concerns like poisoning and cardiac events, the survey highlights injuries and cold‑related conditions as notable health issues during the holidays. Approximately two‑fifths of doctors encountered injuries and frostbite, while a smaller share—about one in seven—treated burns and foreign objects in the eye. These consequences can arise from holiday activities, home mishaps, and festive preparations. The findings point to the wide range of holiday health challenges clinicians must address, from emergency care to supportive management of chronic diseases.
From the staffing and health system operations perspective, the survey also sheds light on the human side of holiday care. Feedback from healthcare professionals indicates a reluctance to work during the New Year period, with nearly seven in ten doctors preferring not to take holiday shifts, and around six in ten nurses expressing a similar sentiment. This sentiment can influence scheduling, on‑call coverage, and patient access to timely care during peak demand times. Recognizing these patterns helps health facilities plan staffing, safeguard patient safety, and maintain continuity of care during high‑stress holiday periods.
Ultimately, the foods and drinks people choose during New Year celebrations play a central role in shaping these health outcomes. The mix of rich meals, alcohol, disrupted routines, weather‑related factors, and heightened social activity creates a context where poisoning, chronic‑disease flare‑ups, and acute cardiovascular events become more likely. Understanding these dynamics enables healthcare teams to advise patients on safer holiday choices, prepare for common holiday presentations, and implement practical strategies to reduce risk while preserving the festive spirit. As holiday seasons recur, clinicians, patients, and caregivers benefit from clear guidance on moderation, hydration, medication adherence, and when to seek care for warning signs that warrant prompt evaluation. Source: Aktion Medicine survey, summarized by socialbites.ca