THE NEW YORK POST – Thanksgiving is supposed to be a day of celebration — but it’s actually one of the most dangerous holidays on the calendar. It’s all too easy to go from breaking bread to breaking bones.
No one knows this better than me. I’ve worked in the ER on Thanksgiving for the last 12 years.
Here are the five most common Thanksgiving injuries and illnesses — and simple ways to avoid a trip to the emergency department.
Cuts and lacerations
We see a lot of lacerations, particularly on the hands and fingers.
People cut themselves all the time on Thanksgiving because they’re using new tools, like shredders, mandolines and especially sharp knives.
Plus, cooks are often distracted because they’re busy talking with family and friends. Maybe they’ve had a few glasses of alcohol.
So I recommend staying focused on the task at hand, carefully reading the instructions of new cooking devices and practicing with them before the big day.
Burns
We also see quite a few patients with burns on Thanksgiving. Burns are often found on the face, hands, forearms and even feet due to dropped food and sauces.
The infamous turkey fryer is a common cause of Thanksgiving burns. They get really, really hot and can overflow if they’re not used correctly.
Not only can turkey fryers injure you — they can spark fires that damage your property.
It’s really important to review the instructions carefully, follow them precisely and wear appropriate protective gear.
I recommend tough cooking mitts that cover your hands, wrists and forearms.
Orthopedic injuries
The next category is trauma to bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Forget football on TV — the real action is the games in the backyard or the horseplay in the living room.
Unfortunately, family fun can lead to major pain. There are a few ways to prevent holiday sprains, fractures and concussions …
