Make Thanksgiving about family and fellowship, not hospital visits
Every fourth Thursday in November, Americans gather to give thanks for blessings received throughout the year. A four-day weekend, shopping and leftover induced naps also helps reduce some daily-life stressors.
But while this yearly routine may seem ideal and trouble free, statistics tell a different story.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Thanksgiving is the most dangerous day to drive, most likely day to have a heart attack and the overall U.S. mortality rate reaches its annual spike. Many factors contribute to these numbers, including more traffic, cold weather and the flu, but many of these issues are preventable.
If you’re driving, have a plan before you start you begin your trip. Some simple suggestions include:
- Check tire wear and pressure. Underinflated, worn tires can cause a blowout.
- Program your route in your smartphone/GPS, and print out a copy before you leave.
- Pay attention. Inattentive and distracted driving is a leading cause of roadway fatalities.
- Leave plenty of time to accommodate weather, detours and traffic delays.
- If you get sleepy, find a safe place and rest.
Thanksgiving is a popular time for coronary events due to excess food, salt, alcohol consumption, emotional and psychological stress and people forgetting to pack or take necessary medications. If you suspect a coronary event call 9-1-1. Besides practicing moderation and taking needed medications, make sure someone at your Thanksgiving gathering knows CPR. Not trained? Find a First-Aid/CPR class near you.
Lastly, use common sense when engaging in typical holiday activities like deep-frying a turkey and preparing a multi-course meal. Inspect your fire extinguishers expiration date (yes, they do expire) and have one readily available if needed. The extinguisher in your kitchen cabinet may not be suitable for stove or grease fires. Know your codes and purchase accordingly.
If you plan to deep fry a turkey, here are a couple of must-knows:
- More cooking fires occur on Thanksgiving than any other day of the year; most start in the garage or on the patio.
- Remember that a frozen turkey displaces cooking oil, often right onto the cook and surrounding area causing serious burns and potential fires.
- Have a fire extinguisher nearby. When in doubt call 9-1-1.
Thanksgiving is a day of celebration, not a day of waiting in the emergency room or on the street watching firefighters put out a fire at your house.
Having a plan is planning to have a good, safe time.
