Claus for Concern

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Trouble

Ask almost anyone to describe Santa and they’re likely to offer a similar picture: a portly, jolly looking man with white beard, glasses and rosy cheeks. But, while his appearance may be synonymous with the season of goodwill, it doesn’t suggest Santa’s in the best of health.

Drink and be Ruddy

Santa’s flushed complexion is often viewed as an indication of his cheery nature – but red cheeks can also be a symptom of rosacea, a chronic skin condition. From drinking all the sherry and beer left for him to carrying heavy loads of presents, to windburn from flying through the air on his sleigh, Santa’s lifestyle seems to include many of the things that can exacerbate rosacea.

Baby, it’s Cold Outside

The good news is that research shows that overweight alcohol drinkers are less likely to suffer from cold-induced injuries. After all, exposure to extreme cold temperatures put Santa at significant risk of frostbite. Spending just a few minutes in these temperatures is enough to narrow the blood vessels in Santa’s extremities.

Stuck Up the Chimney

Squeezing into soot-filled chimneys is also a significant health hazard for Santa. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to many of the particulates found in chimneys increases the risk of various cancers. Carbon particulates can get trapped deep in the lungs, taken up by immune cells and cause lung diseases.

Conclusion

With all these potential health issues, it’s a wonder Santa manages to deliver presents at all. Perhaps those of us who leave refreshments for Santa on Christmas Eve might consider offering some healthier alternatives to the traditional mince pies and cookies. A diet of such high fat, high sugar snacks increases the risk of developing obesity and chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and colorectal cancer.

FAQs

Q: Is Santa really overweight or obese?

A: According to various portrayals in festive films, Santa stands anywhere between 5’6” to 6’6” tall and weighs between 80kgs-136kgs.

Q: What are the risks of Santa’s lifestyle?

A: Santa is at risk of developing various health issues, including obesity, chronic conditions, and cancers, due to his lifestyle of excessive drinking, poor diet, and exposure to extreme temperatures and soot-filled chimneys.

Q: Can Santa’s health be improved?

A: Yes, Santa can improve his health by adopting a healthier diet, reducing his alcohol consumption, and taking precautions to protect himself from extreme temperatures and soot-filled chimneys.