Carbon-monoxide poisoning can cause permanent brain damage or even be fatal. Carbon monoxide takes the place of oxygen in the blood, causing cells to suffocate. The holidays can be particularly hard on older family members, especially when they can't be with their relatives, says Dr. Myron Weiner, vice chairman for clinical services of psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. But there are things we can do to make holidays happier for older family members who are not able to join other family members during that time. Weiner suggests that families write or telephone more often during a holiday season.
Smaller children can color or paint and send holiday pictures they've created.
A surprise package of small holiday decorations in the mail is a nice touch, or a holiday flower arrangement can be wired. And whatever you do, don't forget to telephone the person at least once on the actual holiday. As many allergy sufferers know, fall offers new obstacles for their feelings of well-being. Along with color changes, cooler weather and the holidays come itchy, watery eyes. Because of increasing wind speeds, and higher mold counts, allergy sufferers may find that their eyes are itchy, watery or drier than normal.