Kids running through crowded kitchens, families competing in flag football games, and hungry guests watching the turkey being carved. Sound familiar? With travel restrictions far behind us and vaccines available for everyone ages six months and older, Thanksgiving as we used to know it is back.

The holiday season is a time of cherished family traditions, but the memories are much sweeter when everyone stays safe and healthy. As medical director of Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care, my team and I treat people of all ages over the holiday weekend for everything from cuts and burns to sport-related sprains and food poisoning. 

Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe and healthy this Thanksgiving and throughout the rest of the holiday season:  

  1. Care for cooking burns: The Thanksgiving kitchen is full of opportunities to burn yourself or someone else. So how do you assess and treat a burn? First, run the burned area under lukewarm or cool water (not icy cold, as this can cause more damage) for 10 to 15 minutes, then check the burn for size and color. Most cooking-related burns can be treated with soothing creams like aloe and over-the-counter pain medications. But immediate medical care should be sought for burns larger than 1-2 inches, those in a really sensitive area, or charred skin that’s white, brown, leathery, or shiny.
  2. Prevent food poisoning: You may know about salmonella, but have you heard of Clostridium perfingens? It’s the so-called “buffet germ” that grows fastest in large portions like casseroles, gravies, and any food sitting at room temperature. Both types of bacteria will give you tummy trouble. Never wash your bird. Cook your turkey and stuffing to at least 165⁰ F, and keep food at 140⁰ or warmer or 40⁰ or cooler if it’s not being eaten right away. Consider making your stuffing outside the bird for an even safer option. If you suspect food poisoning, drink lots of fluids, including electrolytes.
  3. Know your knife safety protocols: Thanksgiving brings out the chef in everyone, but some people at the counter may not have proper knife skills. With more than 1/3 of knife-related injuries happening in the kitchen, you can protect your fingers by making sure you have sharp knives, as dull blades require more pressure to cut. Curl your fingers and cut away from your body when trimming or deboning. Keep your knives off counters and out of sinks by washing and storing them immediately.
  4. Practice safe hygiene: Whether you’re trying to prevent food poisoning or the flu, the number one hygiene recommendation is to wash your hands. The rules always bear repeating: wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, prepping food, eating a meal, and using the restroom. 
  5. Sick-season protocols: Fall and winter are peak cold-flu-COVID season, so consider establishing new protocols for guests, like checking vaccine statuses. You can also request guests take rapid COVID-19 tests before attendance. If your group has any high-risk individuals, you can consider even more rigorous testing protocols like PCR tests available at Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care centers. Ask guests to screen themselves for any cold, flu, or COVID symptoms and stay home for even mild symptoms.
  6. Prep before you play: For people ages 25 and older, Thanksgiving is the peak day for football injuries. From pulled muscles and sprained ankles to broken bones, ERs see an uptick in people who have taken on the vigorous sport without much prep and are often inebriated. The best defenses are to exercise regularly throughout the year, avoid alcohol before the game, and stretch and warm up your body before engaging in intense play. Strains and sprains are the types of injuries better seen at Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care than at your ER.
  7. Limit alcohol intake: Every single Thanksgiving-related injury or hazard becomes exacerbated by alcohol. Consider this: DUI offenders being monitored for alcohol consumption increase their intake by 33% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Alcohol consumption dampens your ability to properly manage everything from kitchen knives and turkey fryers to your vehicle. Consider including mocktails, sparkling waters, and other alcohol-free options as part of your celebratory activities.

With some preparation and caution, this Thanksgiving will be one to remember. If you or your family members need care, anyone is welcome to visit one of Legacy-GoHealth Urgent Care’s 12 urgent care centers across Oregon and Washington. Visit https://www.gohealthuc.com/legacy for more information.