Santa aging well, ho-ho-ho'ing to health

The Pennsylvania Medical Society spotlights Mr. Claus to educate the public about living longer; others raise awareness of a seasonal spike in heart attacks.

By Victoria Stagg Elliott, AMNews staff. Dec. 24/31, 2007.

Physicians suspect that Santa Claus is able to make his annual around-the-world gift-giving journey because he is vigilant about getting yearly influenza vaccinations, having regular checkups and staying physically active, according to a statement issued by the Pennsylvania Medical Society last month.

"Santa never misses an appearance or a delivery, and that makes me think he gets an annual flu shot. He knows how dangerous it would be for him to spread influenza to the children, elves or Mrs. Claus, and how disappointing it would be for him to come down with the virus," said William Lander, MD, a family physician in Bryn Mawr, Pa. and past president of the organization.

The society issued this statement during the holiday season to point out what could be learned about Santa's longevity that may be applicable to patients.

"What we tried to do with this was take something relevant to the time in the calendar as an opportunity to educate patients about what they should be considering for their health," said Daniel Glunk, MD, an internist in Williamsport, Pa. and president-elect of the medical society.

According to the statement, the man in red most likely takes precautions against skin damage by using gloves, lip balm and sunscreen. His fitness routine probably includes flexibility and balance exercises to allow him to shimmy down chimneys and walk along rooftops, although physicians do worry that the extra weight around his middle will eventually be to his detriment.