Stay Safe This Holiday Season

Shopping, planning, cooking, playing: who has time to think about health right now? It’s when we’re most distracted that we leave ourselves vulnerable to injuries or accidents or let health slide, says Anthony Zalewski, MetroHealth’s Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator.

Common seasonal injuries and health concerns:

1. Food-prep mishaps

Burns, especially from turkey fryer accidents, spike every holiday season. Cuts on fingers and hands are another common cooking injury.

2. Cold-weather hazards

Beware of the risk of frostbite in freezing temperatures.

3. Traffic accidents

Drivers in a hurry plus alcohol at parties spell an increase in dangerous road conditions.

4.Heart attacks

Overexertion, from snow-shoveling, for example, can cause cardiac arrest.

5. Stroke

According to the American Heart Association when temperatures turn cold, stroke cases rise.

Keep yourself safer this year

To reduce your chances of getting hurt, follow these simple steps:

1. Slow down

Many holiday injuries happen because you’re trying to do too much at once. You may reach into a hot oven without a potholder or drive too fast.

2. Deep fry the right way

Keep that fryer outside; indoor use raises the risk of a house fire. And only put a fully thawed bird in the fryer; a frozen turkey may explode in the hot oil.

3. Avoid cutting your fingers and hands

Here are some tips:

• Keep your knives sharp and well-maintained
• Make sure to use the right knife for the job
• Keep your hands dry when using a knife, wet hands can lead to slipping and injury
• Keep your fingers tucked in like a claw
• Use a guard or a cutting glove while cutting with a mandolin
• Start cutting slowly, increase your speed with cutting as you are more comfortable

4. Celebrate responsibly

Alcohol and cannabis use and driving are a dangerous mix. Choose a designated driver or take a car service when necessary.

5. Shovel smart

If you have a preexisting heart issue, use a snowblower or hire someone to remove snow. If you can, push snow out of the way rather than try to lift heavy, wet shovelfuls.

6. Stock your car for an emergency

Hazardous road conditions can leave you stranded in the cold. Prepare by keeping an extra blanket or coat, a first aid kit, snacks and water in your car.

When should you get medical care?

Head to an urgent care for minor cuts or burns. Go to the emergency department if you feel it’s more serious—for example, if you can’t stop bleeding. If you or a loved one experience any signs of heart attack or stroke, call 911 or head to the emergency department immediately.

Your Questions Answered

Q. What are the most common holiday injuries?

A. Holiday injuries often happen while cooking, decorating, traveling or shoveling snow. Burns, cuts, falls and car crashes are more common this time of year. Taking your time and staying focused can help prevent many accidents.

Q. How can I stay safe while cooking for holiday meals?

A. Use oven mitts when handling hot dishes, keep your hands dry when using knives and be extra careful with turkey fryers. If you use a fryer, keep it outdoors and make sure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking.

Q. What should I do if winter weather makes travel risky?

A. Drive carefully, avoid driving after drinking alcohol or using cannabis, and keep an emergency kit in your car. Pack items like a blanket, water, snacks and a first aid kit in case you get stranded in the cold.