The Thanksgiving holidays are meant for merriment and enjoyment, but that kind of excitement leads to injuries in some instances. It's common to think of jammed fingers while outside playing football, but there are common household injuries that occur regularly during the Thanksgiving holiday -- injuries like cuts and burns, that are so common you would not think twice about them until they happen to you.
Small to large cuts
Small or large cuts happen throughout the year and can occur inside or outside. During Thanksgiving, cuts are common from spending so much time in the kitchen. Knives, cheese graters, peelers or any other sharp object can leave you with a cut or a gaping gash that will send you to the emergency room.
Be careful while using knives when preparing your holiday meal, and consider using a non-slip cutting board. Place a wet wash cloth under your cutting board if it still slips or does not have grippers underneath.
Minor to major burns
Whether you're in the kitchen cooking, or watching someone else cook, try not to get burned this Thanksgiving holiday. Burn injuries occur from grease splatters, spills, touching a hot pan handle and many other ways.
Keep the pan handles towards the back of the stove, keep oven mitts readily available, and invest in a fire extinguisher.
Heartburn
You may not suffer from heartburn regularly, but it is one of the top five injuries over the Thanksgiving holiday, due to over-eating. Heartburn causes a painful burn in the chest and an acidic taste. Avoid over-eating and don't eat before laying down.
Excessive-alcohol injuries
Drinking alcohol is fine in moderation, but it's often overdone during the Thanksgiving holiday. Besides the dangers of drinking and driving, which should never be done, there are many negative results of drinking too much alcohol, such as inflammation of the pancreas, hepatitis and an irregular heartbeat.
Drinking can also bring on long-term social embarrassment if you get carried away. Do you remember the uncle that told all the family secrets after several drinks? Don't be that guy or gal.
Choking adults and children
Having a wonderful time on Thanksgiving is what the holiday is all about, but it can also cause choking incidents for those who are eating, laughing and drinking. Slow down while eating to avoid choking, and watch over your children closely. Your child can choke on some of the holiday dishes and candy.
Keep a close eye on very young children in a home that is not child-proofed, or full of holiday decorations. Small, glittery, bright accessories are enticing to small children. These items are often put in their mouths.
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