A jolly story for Christmas

Perhaps Scrooge was right, after all. Christmas is one of the most dangerous days of the year. We're not talking about accidents with Christmas trees or uncooked turkeys — although there are plenty of both — but about heart attacks and other deaths.

Research from the University of California at San Diego and Tufts University in Boston published in Circulation magazine earlier this month found that heart deaths and non-heart deaths in the US increase by nearly five per cent each during the 14 days spanning Christmas and the new year.

The researchers suggest that during the busy holiday season, people are less likely to seek medical attention for heart pains. Deaths go up also because of accidents caused by those on the road going to visit relatives. The researchers also speculated that holiday timetables at hospitals and clinics could make it more difficult to get the necessary care.

Haven't bought that last minute gift? No stuffing for the turkey? Forgotten to invite your partner's mother again? Forget it. Relax. It may be the best present you can give yourself.

As the Nashville City Paper puts it: Y'all be careful out there, you hear?

Have a good one.