Health urgencies and emergencies do not take time off over the holidays--a reality that can be difficult for healthcare workers trying to balance professional obligations and time with their families. "The holidays are a stressful time for many reasons, and for people from all walks of life. The emergency department is an epicenter for all things during the holidays," Michael Bohrn, M.D., past president of the Pennsylvania College of Emergency Physicians, told PR Newswire. Keys to coping with the strain, according to experts, are to recognize that patients don't want to spend their holidays at the hospital either, and understanding the importance of being there for patients year-round. In fact, one report indicates heart-related deaths increase by five percent during the holiday season, with fatal heart attacks peaking on Christmas, the day after Christmas and New Year's Day. Article