Holiday hazards: Some things we love can be toxic

The holiday season is a time of gaiety, festive parties, gift giving, special foods and colorful decorations.

It's also the time of year some area families wind up making unscheduled trips to the emergency room or a veterinarian.

While Santa's checking his list to see who is naughty or nice, do some checking of your own to ensure your home is a safe place to enjoy - or escape from - the holidays.

Dr. James Ruppel, affiliated with Anne Arundel Medical Center, and with a private practice in Arnold Station, suggests the biggest problem with the holidays is "everybody gains weight from overeating."

He also points out...