Ross Reed, Health Editor
Pictured above: Holiday shopping can bring the worst out in people both physically and psychologically.
With the holiday season upon us, we don’t realize the potential threats that are tagged to our shopping lists.
A report from Nationwide Children’s Newsroom said that small batteries the size of nickels and dimes are especially dangerous to children. If they ingest the batteries, the alkaline can erode through the esophagus and cause other serious complications. These batteries are found in many electronics, toys and even some gift cards as well.
This, however, is not the only hazard awaiting holiday shopping. According to Director of Health and Counseling Services Michelle Ronchetti, a major problem that occurs during holiday shopping is a lack of rest, with terrible eating choices attached.
“We tend to eat terrible when we’re holiday shopping,” said Ronchetti. “We almost give ourselves permission to eat terrible, because we are at the mall and it’s a treat.”
Ronchetti also commented about the great lengths people go to in the commercialism of the holidays. As people spend and cross over into overspending, this leads to stress and depression.
Also, if looking at the media concerning Black Friday, many people become overly aggressive and irrational during this time of year. From pushing, pulling out mace and pulling out guns, it seems shopping can bring the worst out in some people.
“It’s really all self-induced,” said Ronchetti. “Nobody goes in your house and says you have to spend money for Christmas.”
Besides the dangerous behavior and stress that can be a part of holiday shopping, there are dangers in the actual products as well.
When shopping, Ronchetti stresses the importance of looking for the best interest of the people in one’s household. Products with small pieces such as batteries and accessories are perfect choking hazards for small children. Also, the paints and dyes in some products have carcinogenic chemicals, such as BPA’s, which can leach into the bloodstream and has a correlation to cancerous diseases. BPA’s can be found in electrical devices, automobiles, reusable food and drink containers and many more products.
In addition, college students in particular should watch out for the things they ask for for Christmas. Many cellphones and laptops students desire have certain concentrations of radiation that can be contracted through close contact with the machine. Also, when it comes to video games, there is great risk of running a video game addiction during break.
Excessive use of the computer or television screens can affect your eyes, and nine times out of 10, a student isn’t very active during these activities, either.
Ronchetti wants student to understand the importance of balance in their lives, especially when it comes to our leisure time. Shopping is fun, and the holidays are a great time of year, but its good to be practical and aware of health hazards at all times.
Photo provided by Ross Reed.
Ross Reed
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