While Thanksgiving is typically a day filled with happiness, it’s important to be aware of the various accidents and injuries that frequently occur during this holiday.
Emergency rooms across the country often see a rise in visits on Thanksgiving.
Here are some common Thanksgiving injuries and tips on how to prevent them:
- Knife-Related Injuries: These are common during the Thanksgiving meal preparation. Remember to exercise caution while carving the turkey and during all food preparation stages.
- Food Poisoning: This is a significant risk, especially with turkey preparation. To ensure safety, use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature at the thigh’s innermost part, the wing, and the breast’s thickest part. A temperature of 165 degrees or higher is safe. This is crucial as there was a report earlier this month from the CDC about a widespread outbreak of multidrug-resistant salmonella linked to raw turkey products.
- Burns: Thanksgiving sees an increase in cooking fires and burns. These often occur when cooks leave food unattended or mishandle hot pots and turkeys. Use oven mitts and be vigilant when handling hot items.
- Overindulgence: Excessive eating and drinking can lead to ‘holiday heart,’ or atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat. Hydration can often treat this, but it’s best to consume healthy portions.
- Alcohol-Related Accidents: Drinking excessively on Thanksgiving can lead to accidents, including drunk driving. If you’re on medication, be cautious about mixing it with alcohol, and ensure no one drives under the influence.
- Stress and Overexertion: Preparing a large meal can be stressful. Plan ahead and ask for help to reduce the risk of stress-related health issues.
- Domestic Disputes: Unfortunately, Thanksgiving can also see a rise in family feuds and domestic violence incidents. It’s important to maintain a peaceful and safe environment during family gatherings.
Remember these tips to ensure a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Day!