Take precautions so that you and your loved ones aren't among the 6,000 people who are treated in emergency rooms because they fell putting up holiday lights and decorations, or who suffer one of the 49,000 luggage-related injuries, or are among the 500,000 who are injured from winter sports.

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Injuries during holiday months are common - because of falling, luggage-related injuries, injuries from winter sports, and more common health hazards.

With a little advance planning and attention to detail, most of these can be avoided.

To keep yourself and loved ones out of the emergency room during the holiday season, avoid these common holiday health hazards:

Cut fingers from opening packages (use scissors, not a knife, when opening packages)

Falling down stairs (walk, don't run; don't block your vision)

Falling off ladders (stay away from wobbly ladders)

Slipping on ice (avoid the ice; shovel it)

Colds/flu ("perfect the air kiss" and wash hands often)

Heartburn (don't overeat; avoid fatty, spicy foods; skip after-dinner mints; take over-the-counter antacid)

Hangover (avoid excessive alcohol consumption; after drinking consume water or juice to avoid dehydration)

Allergies (mold or dust on your ornaments might be the culprit)

Back pain (use correct squat posture when picking up boxes or heavy luggage)

Stress (learn to say no; avoid over-scheduling yourself; hug or hold hands with your loved one)