William Penn Life, 2011 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2011-11-01 / 11. szám
Our Health Corner Debbie Wolfe, rn Thanksgiving safety Tips to help ensure your family enjoys a healthy holiday THE HIGH TEMPERATURES are finally in the 80's here in Florida. We are even enjoying temperatures down to the 60's at night. Some of you are feeling a chill in the air and are enjoying the beautiful colors of your trees. This can only mean one thing: Fall is here! And so is my favorite holiday—Thanksgiving. With the maturing of my children and my grandchildren, I have grown to enjoy the simple gathering of my family for a feast. I anticipate this holiday all year long. It begins with my husband's search for the largest most perfect turkey. Last year, it weighed in at a whopping 31.3 pounds! I have to bake two extra pans of dressing for each of my sons to take home, because only "mom's dressing tastes like mom's." (I think they tell me that to make me feel good.) Everyone else brings their yummiest dish, giving each of us an opportunity to brag a little and feel good. It also guarantees days of great leftovers for all. The afternoon ends with everyone sitting around the table talking, really talking. Sounds like a perfect day, right? But did you know some people spend the end of this day in the emergency room? Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days for firefighters. The U.S. Fire Administration reports that on Thanksgiving Day, more than 4,000 fires will occur. The average number of cooking fires double. There are several easy ways to avoid fires: • Don't leave the kitchen when frying or grilling. • Use a timer and do kitchen checks when simmering, baking, broiling and roasting. • If deep frying your turkey, keep the fryer outside, away from walls, fences and other structures. • Keep all pot holders and food wrappers three feet away from the stove. • Keep small children and pets three feet away, too. • Make sure handles of pots and pans face inward. • Don't wear loose clothing and sleeves while cooking. • Make sure all candles and smoking materials are put out after the guests leave. Food born illnesses are another potential problem for my favorite holiday. The average city hospital will see double the patients suffrom © Paul Cowan / Dreams time. 10 0 November 2011 0 William Penn Life
