Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the many blessings in our lives. We gather with friends and family for a relaxing day of eating home-cooked meals, backyard soccer, and college football. Along with the joys of the day can come opportunities for unexpected injuries.
Thanksgiving can be surprisingly rough on your body. We want you and your crew to stay safe this Thanksgiving whether you're flying across the country, frying a turkey, dodging gravy burns, or playing a game of flag football with the neighbors.
We've listed a few of the most common injuries that can happen over the Thanksgiving holiday to be prepared for.
Cooking a large meal, especially one that consists of dishes you rarely prepare, can prove to be hazardous. Be sure to take safety precautions when preparing the dishes below and always have a working fire extinguisher in the kitchen in case of a fire.
Beware of deep frying a turkey. Although delicious, deep frying a turkey comes with a host of risks. The National Fire Protection Association reports that "the use of turkey fryers can lead to devastating burns and other injuries, and the destruction of property due to the large amount and high temperature of oil used." Leave it to the professionals, and look for a store that sells deep-fried turkey's this year.
Knife related wounds are a concern, especially if you are an inexperienced turkey carver. Use a sharp knife, and cut slowly!
Watch for little hands in the kitchen. Kids are curious and may try to touch or taste-test the dish that JUST came out of the oven. Before preparations begin, give the children in your home instructions about avoiding the kitchen while adults are cooking.
A turkey can be heavier than expected! Be sure to lift with your back and share the lifting duties with another adult. Also, watch for splattering when taking the turkey in and out of the oven.
Cooking can lead to property damage as well as personal injuries. According to The National Fire Protection Association, "there were 1,550 cooking fires on Thanksgiving in 2013, reflecting a 230 percent increase over the daily average."
Be sure to stay hydrated. It's easy to opt for that perfect glass of white wine or favorite beer with your meal. But, it's a good idea to have a glass of water right beside it. It's important to know your own limits regarding alcohol, especially if there will be driving from home to home throughout the day. Nothing ruins a holiday like a DUI.
Today is a day of fun and games outside! The cool crisp air begs for a game of soccer or football. However, if you're a couch potato turned football star, here are a few things you can do to prepare your body and a few general rules to remember.
Convince your fellow players to play touch or flag football instead of tackle.
Get ready by stretching out your muscles. In fact, start now by stretching every day leading up to Thanksgiving.
Play sports BEFORE consuming alcohol.
If you get injured, stop playing. Don't try and push through pain only to make the injury worse. Take a break, and ice the injured area.
Traveling by airplane or car presents its own hazards. When traveling by plane, be sure to give yourself extra time at the airport as the amount of folks traveling will be higher than average. Wash your hands when exiting from the airplane to minimize germs.
If you chose to travel by car, it's also important to give yourself extra time. The roadways will be busy as well as rest stops, gas stations, and restaurants along the highways. Drive cautiously, and be prepared by bringing a car kit containing waters, food items, first aid supplies, and a full gas can in case of an accident or delay. You never know what may happen while on the road.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving this year, and keep in mind that injuries can happen at any time. Be safe and be prepared.