By Seth Daniel
The holiday season represents a distinctive period when routines shift dramatically from the rest of the year. These disruptions frequently trigger unhealthy habits, illness outbreaks, and challenges for individuals battling eating disorders or substance addictions.
Entering the holidays armed with preparation and careful attention—whether monitoring what’s on the table or what toys surround the children—becomes essential.
Who better to consult than an expert on maintaining wellness through this festive stretch?
Recently honored as one of the region’s Top Doctors in Boston Magazine’s December issue, Dr. David Roll serves as a primary care physician treating patients of all ages and holds the medical director position at both CHA Revere and CHA Everett Primary Care practices. The magazine’s annual ranking evaluates leading physicians across every medical specialty, including primary care.
According to Roll, having an exceptional team surrounding him proves essential—a reality that shapes quality medical practice.
“I’m very fortunate to have a great team in Cambridge Health Alliance and at our clinics in Everett and Revere, with a great range of physicians, physician assistants, nurses and other staff to help improve the health of our communities,” he explained. “Medicine today is a team sport and there are no top doctors without top teams.”
The region’s Top Doctor offers these observations about health considerations throughout the holiday weeks.
Q: Numerous people struggle with illness during celebrations and gatherings—flus, colds, and various other conditions spread readily at holiday events. What protective steps work best?
A: Everyone in my household receives a flu vaccination, which I recommend to my patients as well. The modern vaccines cannot transmit influenza. Protect your grandparents and children from potential hospitalization by getting vaccinated yourself if nothing else convinces you. Equally vital are hand washing and covering coughs—straightforward practices with substantial impact.
Q: Dietary challenges intensify when food becomes intertwined with holiday traditions. Maintaining healthy eating habits or adhering to diets proves particularly difficult during this season. What guidance do you offer?
A: Balance remains the key principle. Reduce dinner portions if you’ve been snacking throughout the day. Prepare for substantial holiday meals by eating sparingly and consuming abundant water beforehand. Sample each offering with small portions rather than full servings.
Q: Post-holiday depression generates frequent discussion. Does this actually occur? How might individuals prepare, and should they?
A: The phenomenon exists. Following an extended vacation and family time, people sometimes struggle with the absence of anticipated events. Scheduling something enjoyable—perhaps a weekend getaway—two or three weeks after the holidays provides something to anticipate. Consider booking your annual physical for 2018 as the new year approaches, enabling conversations with your care team about overdue screenings.
Q: Is venturing outside without proper winter clothing truly dangerous, or does this belief lack scientific foundation?
A: Largely unfounded. While cold air and low humidity create marginally more favorable conditions for certain throat and nasal viruses, viruses cause colds. The actual reason winter produces higher cold rates involves increased indoor time spent alongside others.
Q: Throughout your practice, what recurring health issues emerge during the holiday season?
A: A persistent cough concerns many patients arriving at our offices. Few realize coughs typically last approximately 18 days on average. Home remedies and over-the-counter treatments usually manage symptoms effectively without requiring antibiotics. For illness evaluations, CHA Revere Care Center provides sick visits weekdays and Saturday mornings through 1 p.m.
Q: Which warning indicators should parents monitor in their children surrounding the holiday period?
A: Beyond typical respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses, this season sharpens the struggles of food, fuel, and housing insecurity—impacts felt most severely by vulnerable populations, particularly children and elderly individuals. Community members with resources should consider supporting local food pantries and winter services addressing critical needs.
Q: For patients battling substance use disorders, how do you approach the holiday season’s particular risks?
A: Those in recovery benefit from advance planning for challenging social situations: arrive late, depart early, and bring a supportive sober companion. Requesting assistance isn’t weakness—support surrounds you through friends, colleagues, Cambridge Health Alliance’s medical staff, or community partners.
Q: Gift-giving and toys introduce potential dangers. Must parents prioritize toy safety, or is such concern excessive?
A: Relatives with good intentions frequently select age-inappropriate gifts. Age specifications exist specifically to protect younger children from choking hazards involving small components. Ultimately, watching children closely—particularly around small toys—replaces any substitute. Purchase protective equipment when gifting skateboards or bicycles.
Q: Which holiday dessert do you enjoy most?
A: My mother’s date bars remain my favorite—an indulgent treat requiring balancing through careful eating habits, particularly when dessert calls for seconds.