Doctor: Too much holiday stress can lead to illness

PHOENIX — Some people get so stressed during the holidays that they require a visit to the doctor’s office.

It is supposed to be a happy, joyous time of year, but holiday stress is sometimes too much for some, both emotionally and physically.

“That type of emotional and physical stress could actually push us into acquiring any type of illness, and can make us susceptible to having the flu,” said Dr. Sarika Desai, a cardiologist at the Abrazo Arrowhead Campus.

Desai said she sees patients all the time that are overwhelmed this time of year, adding that people sometimes let the holidays dictate their eating habits and their lifestyle. She said it is important to be realistic about what you can handle.

“If you can’t take care of yourself it’s very hard to take care of other people,” Desai said. “Be cognizant of your own feelings [and] your own symptoms during the holidays.”

Desai said if you feel lonely or isolated during the holidays reach out to other people or volunteer your time.

Related

State’s 1st primary care medical clinic for autism opens in PhoenixPhoenix Children’s uses model patients to teach healthcare workers new skillsBarrow Neurological Institute gets $5M Arizona health grant for brain injury drug trialMayo Clinic in Phoenix again makes U.S. News & World Report list of 20 best hospitalsArizona erases more than $1 billion in medical debt for nearly 671,000 residentsArizona joins 22-state lawsuit to block federal insurance rule that would gut ACA protections