As the holidays roll around, be weary of more injuries around the house, in traffic and more that can lead to dangerous back and head injuries!

(St. Petersburg, Fla.) December 21, 2009 – Holiday lights for the house, new toys…both for the young and the old, great food, friendly outdoor football – all these things ring cheery thoughts this holiday season. This time of year offers opportunities to bring families together and have fun but it can also pose additional risk to both back and head injuries because of the heightened holiday activity.

Nothing beats getting a new bike for the holidays – even when you’re not 10 years-old anymore. But these great gifts and holiday thrills can lead to unfortunate spills. Critical head and brain injuries can be prevented through the use of a bicycle helmet 85-88 percent of the time. Even a fall as little as two feet can result in a traumatic brain injury.

“Spinal and head injuries are common this season as people hang lights from trees and roofs or go up on roofs,” said neurosurgeon, David McKalip, M.D.

Traffic is a whole issue in itself. Family traveling to areas they are not familiar with means new territories are being driven. New traffic patterns and clogs in the roads can lead to catastrophe. Traffic accidents are at a high this time of year – not to mention holiday party drinking and driving risks.

“Back injuries are also at a high with lifting heavy presents or decorations – even lifting your grandson you haven’t seen all year!” said Dr. McKalip.

This holiday season, enjoy the new toys but remember to be safe from back or head injury!

Tips for a Thrilling Holiday:
1. Select a good ladder when stringing those holiday lights – making sure it is safe (i.e. secured on the ground, non-slip rungs, wooden to avoid electrical danger)

2. Be safe when on your ladder – have a spotter, remain balanced and untangle the lights before you climb

3. OR – Find alternatives to decorating that don’t require a ladder – Climbing a ladder or being on a roof may be too risky for many people. Try a different decorating approach that doesn’t require rooftops and trees – and ladders!

4. Wear your helmets – every helmet is designed differently depending on the activity. Research shows that wearing helmets for bicycling, skating, playing sports and riding motorcycles (and for ski trips!) can save lives and prevent injuries.

5. Buckle-Up even in your shinny new rides this holiday season

6. Use step-stools or guard rails when reaching in for items placed in high areas of your household

7. Store and lock your firearms keeping them out of reach when not in use – there may be visiting family in the house that may not know your rules or curious children who explore new places.

8. Cushion your play areas – make sure playgrounds have shock-absorbing surfaces

9. Review your fire safety when decorating your home and Christmas tree

10. Have fun when shopping but be cognizant of carts, escalators and criminal threats

11. Do not drink and drive – There are few things more tragic than holiday deaths and severe injuries on the roads, especially when they are completely preventable.

About Dr. McKalip: David McKalip, M.D. is a Board-Certified Neurological Surgeon of the brain and spine. He is president of the Florida Neurosurgical Society and Founder of the Pinellas Medical Foundation. He is a member of the Quality Improvement Committee of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. His practice is located at 1201 5thAvenue North, Suite 210 in St. Petersburg, FL. For more information about Dr. McKalip, contact him at (727) 822-3500 or visit www.McKalip.md