Avoiding injuries during the holidays

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – ‘Tis the season…for not just being jolly but also for accidents and mishaps…as we eat, gather and encounter more unusual foods and allergens than normal.

And all these dangers are in many of our homes. Dangers such as toys, cooking injuries and allergic reactions.

Dr. Ed Hadley, an emergency department physician at Tristar Greenview on Lovers Lane, says the risk for injuries extends into the kitchen since all the cooking, baking and boiling can cause burns. And with gift-giving, toys can have small parts, which might pose a choking hazard — and that includes batteries, especially small “button” batteries.

He says allergies are common since you may be exposed to a food you’re allergic to.

Acting fast is the key. For burns, rinsing with cold water and applying a first-aid burn cream may help. If the pain is intense or the burn is large or severe, visiting an emergency department is the best option. And for possible allergic reactions, it’s important to get help immediately even if just a rash develops since other problems like difficulty breathing and occur quickly.

But using a little extra care to prevent these injuries might help keep your holiday season on track.