Goodyear — The holidays are a time for celebration, family, and festive meals — but for many, overindulgence in rich foods and alcohol can lead to unexpected illness. Abrazo reminds you that if symptoms become severe, lingering, or alarming, it may be time to seek emergency care.

Did you know Abrazo West, Scottsdale and Arrowhead Campuses all have the fastest emergency care within a 5-mile radius — based on a comparison of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data?

This means, if you live near one of these hospitals, you can feel confident knowing top notch help is nearby if or when you need it most.

“People tend to wait too long because they don’t want to ‘ruin the holiday,’ but certain symptoms should never be ignored,” said Dr. Brian Hess, Chief Medical Officer, Abrazo Health and Carondelet Health Network.

“If you experience chest pain, severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, trouble breathing, confusion, or anything that feels ‘not normal,’ it’s safer to be evaluated right away. Quick care can make all the difference,” said Dr. Hess.

Common holiday-related ER visits include:

• Severe abdominal pain from overeating or gallbladder issues
• Dehydration or vomiting from excessive alcohol consumption
• Heart-related symptoms triggered by stress, salty meals, or alcohol (“Holiday Heart Syndrome”)
• Breathing trouble from winter respiratory illnesses
• Accidental injuries during holiday gatherings

Abrazo Health encourages everyone to enjoy the season responsibly, listen to your body, and seek medical help if you or someone feels seriously wrong or in case of any fall or injury.

Abrazo Health emergency departments are open 24/7 with experienced providers ready to deliver fast, high-quality care.