Holiday Injury Prevention Tips

November 21, 2022 — Health & Safety Tips, Resources

For many Americans, Thanksgiving is an important holiday which brings family and friends together. Unfortunately, this holiday is also when Physicians Premier sees a surge in cases involving preventable injuries.

We want everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving this year. Please read on to learn more about some holiday injury prevention tips so your family can focus on the festive fun.

Preventing injuries this Thanksgiving

This holiday is a busy time for the family, and being prepared can help lessen not only stress levels but also help prevent injuries.

Let’s keep you out of the emergency room this Thanksgiving! Take the time to read our tips, and please share this with family and friends so we can all stay safe.

Injury prevention tips in the kitchen

• Keep anything that is flammable – including potholders, dishtowels, and oven mitts – away from the stove.
• Make sure you have a cleared space to place your turkey before you take it out of the oven. This way you don’t have to struggle with a hot pan while looking for a safe place to set it.
• There are turkeys that are massive, so don’t forget to lift with your legs, not your back.
• Grab pots and pans only by their handles, and be sure to use potholders when checking the turkey.
• Prevent yourself from accidentally knocking pots over by keeping pot handles away from the edge of the stove.
• Be extra careful when handling hot liquids to prevent kitchen burn injuries.
• It is always wise to keep your fire extinguisher close to the kitchen.

Preventing carving injuries

• Keep all your fingers intact this year! Keep focused, and do not let anyone distract you when you are carving or slicing food.
• A lot of accidents happen when using dull or blunt knives. Ensure that your knife is sharp before use.
• Take your time while carving the ham or turkey. Never rush. While you are preparing the dishes, do not also hurry your knife work.
• Anchor your cutting plate or board on a non-slip surface. Don’t ever try to carve your turkey on a slippery surface.

Preventing alcohol-related injuries

• Under no circumstances should you drink and drive.
• If you are taking special medications, be sure to consult with your doctor to check if mixing your medication with alcohol can have possible side effects.
• Protect yourself and plan ahead, especially since drunk driving accidents tend to peak during the holidays.

Preventing sports injuries

• Be sure to wear appropriate shoes and clothes before engaging in sports.
• Be sure to warm up with a little jog or jumping jacks before the game, and remember to do some stretching before and after a workout.
• If you have been drinking, do not play sports.
• Stop playing if you feel pain. If you think you are injured, visit your nearest Physicians Premier facility for evaluation and treatment.

All of us at Physicians Premier would like you to keep in mind that YOU are the reason someone is thankful this year! Stay safe this Thanksgiving holiday so your family will have more reasons to be grateful. Should you need immediate medical attention during the holidays, know that all our facilities – including our Bryan, TX emergency room – is open 24/7 for you and your family.

Sources:

“‘Tis the Season for Holiday Cooking Safety,” John Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/tis-the-season-for-holiday-cooking-safety
“Safety Tips For Holiday Celebrations,” Washington University Physicians, https://otservices.wustl.edu/safety-tips-for-holiday-celebrations/
“How to prevent accidents around the holidays,” UCI Health, https://www.ucihealth.org/blog/2016/11/holiday-safety-tips
“Tips to Avoid Holiday Sports Injuries,” HSS, https://www.hss.edu/playbook/tips-to-avoid-holiday-sports-injuries/