title: Jewish holidays and their associated medical risks.
abstract: Religiosity is inherent in human cultures. Being different in many aspects, all have rules regarding appropriate behavior and rituals. Celebrations of social events and of holidays prevail in all major religions. These include code of dress, prayers, special food and activities which may have negative health implications. The Jewish religion is 'blessed' with an abundance of holidays each with its unique health implications. In this paper we provide an outline of the character of these festivals and possible medical repercussions on those celebrating them. Observant members of the Jewish religion and teams treating this population should be knowledgeable of potentially associated risks. Pre-holiday periods should be specifically targeted for educational and preventive activity in order diminish injury or morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Division of Community Health, Department of Family Medicine and Siaal Research Center for Family Practice and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, 84105, Beer-Sheva, Israel, urkin@bgu.ac.il.
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Urkin
authors.forename: Sody
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Naimer
mesh_terms: D003469:Culture; D005215:Fasting / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006693:Holidays; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D007585:Jews; D012307:Risk Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000208:ethnology*