As millions of football fans prepare to watch the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, doctors and health officials urge caution and suggest making a game-day health game plan to avoid an unexpected trip to the ER.
Alcohol-Related Injuries
Alcohol-related injuries tend to rise around major events like the Super Bowl, where people may consume more alcoholic beverages than they want to or realize. This alcoholic consumption can lead to clouded judgment and reckless behavior that may include driving while intoxicated or engaging in unsafe activities.
Heart Attacks
Adrenaline-charged events like the Super Bowl can result in increased heart rate and blood pressure, which could lead to heart attacks among those most susceptible to sustaining one. Research studies have shown that high-stakes activities like the Super Bowl are more likely to contribute to cardiac events. At least one study shows these events can double spectators’ risk for a cardiac event.
How to Make a Game-Day Game Plan for Your Health
Health experts recommend following a few simple guidelines to ensure your celebration is a safe one:
- Moderate your drinking and do not drive while intoxicated.
- Take any medications you’ve been prescribed to treat conditions such as heart problems, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure in the days leading up to the big game.
- Eat in moderation, especially foods that containing fats and sugars and that are high in sodium.
- Avoid smoking, which can curtail the body’s blood vessels from constricting, dilating, and reacting properly.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re consuming alcohol.
- Take frequent breaks by stepping away from the screen or going outside to calm yourself and relieve stress.
If you suspect that you or someone else is having a heart attack, immediately call 9-1-1.