Studies have shown it's not just the Superbowl post-game hangover that should be of concern to many of us. A study conducted by Dr. Donald Redelmeier of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, showed that the most dangerous aspect of Super Bowl festivities, especially for the losers, is the drive home. Sucks to be from Pittsburgh right about now.
Dr. Redelmeier’s research was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and states that the probability of a motor vehicle accident jumps 41% in the four hours following the game. This rate jumps to 150% in cities of the losing Superbowl team. Sure, being intoxicated (crying in your beer), inattentiveness (replaying the game over and over in your head-if only he had made that 4th and 3) and fatigue all play a role.
And when the Steelers fans say they are heartbroken, they are not just speaking figuratively. Super bowl can literally be a heartbreaker. Again, research shows cardiac deaths climb 15% in the days following the game. Conversely, there is good news for Green Bay. Cardiovascular deaths actually fall slightly in the hometown of the Superbowl winning team. This game isn't just about sport. It's a matter of life and death. Gives a whole new meaning to "sudden death" don't you think?
The good news? A professor of psychology at the University of Florida studied suicides during Superbowl weekend, evidently, not a big fan of the game. Leading up to the game I studied wine lists and best places to buy ‘all you can eat’ buffalo wings. The professor claims the Superbowl can be credited with a slight decrease in suicides. It is believed the social connections, camaraderie and large gatherings that take place during Superbowl can negate suicidal tendencies at least temporarily. Yes, it's all fun and games until somebody loses their life savings on Pro line.
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