I was reading a diary the other day by a Kos writer who was on their way to the ER with heart attack symptoms. It got me to thinking about the danger Christmas poses to your health.
Follow me on DKos 4 (to the ER, with heavy heart) 
http://www.dailykos.com/...
by Seneca Doane
I had just read a recent article before this diary about how heart attacks increase during the holiday season. It seems overindulging in high fat foods (cookies, fudge, eggnog) as well as stress of shopping and all that partying can be very harmful to your heart. The most deadly days are just ahead.
Research shows that heart attack deaths begin to increase around Thanksgiving, continue to rise through Christmas, peak on New Year's Day, and then drop off. In addition to known risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and smoking, experts point to overindulgence and stress as major contributors to this less than merry phenomenon.
Being prepared can help save a life; studies show that the use of aspirin at the onset of a heart attack could save as many as 10,000 lives each year.
Read more: http://www.thirdage.com/...
Being aware and quick thinking can save the lives of people you love.
Outlook
Each year, about 1.1 million people in the United States have heart attacks, and almost half of them die. CAD, which often results in a heart attack, is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States.
Many more people could recover from heart attacks if they got help faster. Of the people who die from heart attacks, about half die within an hour of the first symptoms and before they reach the hospital
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/...
So, while you are making merry, pay attention to those around you, know the signs of heart attacks and keep the aspirin handy.
Those symptoms include
• Chest discomfort - pressure, squeezing, or pain
• Shortness of breath
• Discomfort in the upper body - arms, shoulder, neck, back
• Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating
These symptoms can sometimes be different in women.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/...
Have a happy and healthy holiday.