5 tips to stay out of the ER on St. Patrick’s Day

5 tips to stay out of the ER on St. Patrick’s Day

Last year 31 percent of the U.S population was expected to go to a bar for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and if previous years are an indicator, thousands will end up in the emergency room with alcohol-related injuries.

Overindulging around St. Patrick’s Day has become a major concern. Binge drinking abuse omay lead to:

  • Drunk driving
  • Fights
  • Loss of balance
  • Physical injuries
  • Altered mental status
  • Risk taking behavior
  • Traumatic injury
  • Inappropriate behavior

“Our Emergency Department had a 250 percent increase in alcohol intoxications with 65 patients arriving the weekend prior to St. Patrick’s Day and 25 the following weekend,” says Dr. Patricia Lee, an emergency medicine physician at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago.

Dr. Lee offers these tips for having a safe St. Patrick’s Day celebration:

  • Eat something when you drink.
  • Have a wingman to give you feedback and assess your sobriety.
  • Do not drink to excess.
  • Monitor yourself for early inebriation.
  • After an alcoholic drink, the next one should be nonalcoholic such as having a glass of water or club soda.

“There is nothing wrong with having a little fun with friends, and family, but all with moderation,” says Dr. Lee. “Making smart choices will help you avoid a trip to the ER.”

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Comments

8 Comments

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health enews Staff
health enews Staff

health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.