Visiting is a big part of the Thanksgiving holiday. But one place you don't want to stop by is the Emergency Department. Many home fires occur due to unsafe holiday cooking. Deep frying a turkey has become popular, However, we need to take all the necessary precautions with all holiday cooking. But there are those of us who need medical attention for lacerations, burns and other injuries that stem directly from holiday-related activities.
Lacerations
At Thanksgiving, it's not unusual to have too many cooks in the kitchen. Needless to say, keep knives and other sharp objects out of reach of children - and anyone else who's likely to be a little too cavalier about carving.
"Pay attention to what you're doing and be vigilant about where things are - that's best way to avoid injury, "Make sure you're familiar with the equipment before you start using it. And don't rush."
Burns
Many of us like to try something new for the big meal. Deep-fried turkey is a popular - and potentially dangerous - way to prepare the bird. Just remember that you want people oohing and ahhing over the finished product, not the preparatory pyrotechnics.
"The bird should be fresh or thawed - not frozen - and be careful to raise and lower it slowly to avoid splashing the hot grease, "It's also important to make sure you don't have any skin exposed. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and gloves for protection. Finally, have a working fire extinguisher nearby at all times."
Overexertion
Shopping on Thanksgiving weekend is like a full-contact marathon. Between the rock-bottom, door-buster deals offered on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it's possible to damage more than your bank balance.
If you're hitting the stores, avoid overexerting yourself, even if you're going with Cousin Sue, the super-shopper, remember that "shop till you drop" is just an expression, not a command. "It's important to pace yourself. This is especially wise if you're unaccustomed to being on your feet for long periods, or if you don't get much regular exercise. "Plan breaks where you can sit down and rest a little. And make sure you keep hydrated throughout the day." Think of all the great people-watching you can do during that break.
You're not out of the woods just because you do your shopping on Cyber Monday. If you're not careful, you could find muscle pain, stiffness and eye strain in your online shopping cart. "You want to have adequate lighting and your computer and chair positioned well for back, eyes and arms, Step away from the computer periodically to give you upper body a break.
Let’s stay safe this Holiday Season!