Health briefs: Facebook's suicide watch

Facebook is using its social-networking prowess to help prevent suicides in the United States and Canada. The site is launching a service that will allow users to report a suicidal comment they see posted on Facebook using either a special "Report Suicidal Content" link or on the report links throughout the site. The person who posted the worrisome comment will immediately receive an email from Facebook encouraging them to call the toll-free U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or to click on a chat session with a crisis worker. Both options are available 24/7 and provide free, confidential counseling to anyone in need.

Holiday hazards

Decking the halls (and elsewhere) for the holidays may be getting more dangerous, a new government report finds. In November and December 2010, more than 13,000 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments for injuries involving holiday decorations, up from 10,000 in 2007, and 12,000 in 2008 and 2009, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. "A well-watered tree, carefully placed candles, and carefully checked holiday light sets will help prevent the joy of the holidays from turning into a trip to the emergency room or the loss of your home," said commission chairman Inez Tenenbaum.

-- HealthDay