Preventing Common Thanksgiving Injuries

Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season. It is a great time to reflect on what you are most grateful for, but if you are not careful, this holiday could include a trip to your local Cibolo ER. With this in mind, it is wise to take some time to prepare for a fun, happy, and safe holiday. Having a plan well in advance can help prevent accidents and lessen stress levels.

At Physicians Premier, we are always on the lookout for ways to keep you and your family safe in whatever you do. Here are some tips on preventing common Thanksgiving injuries.

1. Avoiding injuries in the kitchen

• Make sure that you have cleared a space before taking the turkey out of the oven.
• There are some turkeys that are huge. Do not lift with your back; do it with your legs instead.
• Keep a fire extinguisher close. You wouldn’t want anything to catch fire.
• Keep the pot handles away from the edge of the stove to avoid accidentally knocking them over.

2. Avoid carving injuries

• Make sure that you keep your fingers intact by not letting anything distract you while you are chopping or slicing food.
• Most accidents happen when using dull or blunt knives. Make sure that your knife is sharp.
• Take your time while carving the turkey. Don’t rush while you are doing your knife work and preparing the dishes.
• Never cut toward yourself. Do not attempt to catch a falling glass or knife.
• Never carve the turkey on a slippery surface. To be on the safe side, anchor your plate or cutting board on a non-slip surface.

3. Avoiding alcohol-related injuries

• Always remember to drink moderately and responsibly!
• Never drink and drive.
• Drinking impairs your coordination. Save the wine for later if you’re on cooking duty.
• Taking medications? Be sure to talk to your doctor well ahead of time if there are undesirable side effects from drinking alcohol with your medicines.

4. Avoiding burns

• Be sure to use oven mitts to protect yourself.
• Do your best to focus on the task at hand and to move slowly.
• Try not to manage too many dishes at once.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing. This is a fire hazard.

Physicians Premier, your Cibolo ER, would like to remind you in order to prevent common Thanksgiving injuries from happening, we must simply be mindful of the risks and dangers. Do yourself a favor and stay safe. But if for any reason you need us, know that we are open 24/7 – even on holidays!