Hockey Games Help Emergency Rooms
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Some Quebecers watch hockey instead of going to the hospital.
Hospitals in Montreal had fewer visits during hockey games.
People delay non-urgent care until after hockey games.
Hockey games help crowded emergency rooms.
People want to watch hockey games, said Levine.
This happens during other sports events in Canada.
A study found fewer hospital visits during the Olympics.
Quebec hospitals had fewer visits during hockey games.
There were 100 fewer patients on game nights, said Brousseau.
Levine sees this pattern at McGill hospitals.
Two Montreal hospitals had fewer patients during games.
Hospitals were less crowded during a playoff game.
After games, hospitals return to normal or get busier.
The same thing happens outside of hospitals.
Ambulance calls decrease during hockey games.
This is more noticeable during playoffs, said Antoine-Germain.
Not all hospitals see the same pattern.
One children's hospital does not see a link.
Another hospital also does not see a link.
Parents watch games in the waiting room, said Landry.
One hospital had more emergency cases on game nights.
The Montreal Heart Institute saw more cardiac cases.
Hockey games can be bad for your heart, said Hall.
Reducing stress helps, said Hall.
Levine encouraged patients to consider clinics.
Do not drive if you are partying, said Levine.
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