Top Five Reasons for ER Visits at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. While everyone has their own traditions, most would agree that they look forward to an annual feast with loved ones and a four-day weekend. The last thing anyone thinks about is getting hurt or falling ill. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why feasting and football can end up taking a backseat to the emergency room.
TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING
It’s so tempting to overindulge on food, alcohol, and festivities. Enjoy yourself, but remember that you will enjoy those luscious leftovers much more tomorrow without suffering from indigestion or a hangover. There are also other more serious considerations to consider.
The consequences of overeating can lead to a whole other level of indigestion that can actually mimic a heart attack, and drinking and driving can change the course of your life forever.
So eat, drink, and be merry, but do so in moderation.
SAFETY FIRST
Whether you are the chief cook or are traveling to Grandma’s house, it’s important to take the necessary precautions. If you are driving in inclement weather or spending a day on the slopes of New Mexico or Colorado, you will want to exercise caution to avoid an unexpected emergency room visit.
If you are cooking, do your prep work in advance. By allowing yourself plenty of time, you are much less likely to accidentally cut yourself with a knife. Follow these protocols to stay safe:
- Always use a cutting board and make sure it’s secured
- Keep your fingers away from the knife blade
- Keep the knife tip on the cutting board while mincing
- Keep your knives sharp.
PROTECT YOUR GUESTS
Turkey is vulnerable to salmonella, so it’s critical to handle and cook it properly. Follow these recommendations to avoid sending your loved ones to the emergency room:
- Do not rinse your turkey; rinsing it actually spreads bacteria
- Cook your turkey until its internal temperature reaches a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit
- Clean all kitchen surfaces with an antibacterial disinfectant
- Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap
TAKE A MOMENT
Here in Amarillo, we love our fried turkey, but deep frying that big boy can be tricky. Take the time to do it safely by:
- Making sure your turkey is completely thawed before cooking; a partially frozen turkey placed in hot oil can start a fire
- Not overfilling your deep fryer with oil
- Keeping your arms and legs covered
- Always using heavy-duty oven mitts
BREATHE
Holidays can be stressful. Take a deep breath and plan ahead to avoid the chaos. Whether you are hosting or traveling, be sure to get enough sleep and stay hydrated to avoid overworking your heart and ending up in the emergency room.
Accidents or illnesses can happen despite your best efforts to stay safe and healthy. Rest assured that the ER on Soncy in Amarillo, TX is fully staffed with skilled emergency room physicians able to diagnose and treat any health issues you may experience.