Santa Claus is looking a bit tired on the eve of the 2024 end-of-year holidays. Already in 2009, an article published in the British Medical Journal and titled “Santa Claus: a public health pariah” was worried about Santa’s worrying state of health. Fifteen years later, the situation has not improved, as highlighted in an article published on Thursday, December 12, in The Conversation.
Santa Claus, in fact, combines all the risk factors. According to his representations in the cinema, he is approximately 1.80 meters tall and weighs between 80 and 136 kilos. This size gives him a robust appearance, but at his age, the end of year celebrations represent a real ordeal. While it helps that he stores a little fat to stay warm during his long sleigh rides, he also has to deal with the problem of being overweight. The Conversation even evokes a situation of obesity.
The tons of cakes and glasses of milk that parents and children prepare for him on Christmas Eve only increase the risk of chronic diseases. To reduce the risk of stroke or diabetes, it might be a good idea to opt for healthier alternatives, like oatmeal cookies or a few clementines.
Santa Claus could indeed suffer from rosacea, but this condition is not only due to the bad weather he faces while flying on his sleigh in the blizzard. In 2018, scientists published a serious study on the skin diseases that he could contract due to his fair skin and the extreme conditions of the Arctic Circle: rosacea, hives, itching, skin inflammations and frostbite.
However, according to The Conversationhis red cheeks could also result from alcohol intolerance, which is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure and even certain cancers. This year, Santa Claus seems determined to make a good resolution: say goodbye to mulled wines from the Christmas markets. A decision that is all the more reasonable as it is essential not to drive a sled under the influence of alcohol.
Despite his efforts, it will be difficult for him to avoid lung diseases caused by the coal dust that he inhales each time he passes through a chimney, due to the lack of a protective mask. It’s just as impossible to escape the enormous stress of preparing presents for thousands of children around the world, not to mention the 36 hours straight he has to work on Christmas Eve to deliver them.
At 124 years old, Santa is starting to wonder if it’s just time to retire.
