It's that time of year again...ghosts, goblins, costumes & candy! While Halloween is an exciting holiday for children and adults of all ages, there are several precautions to be mindful of to ensure you're in for nothing but a treat(s)!
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) stresses the importance of taking the proper steps to avoid injuries this Halloween.
The following are the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS SAFETY TIPS:
- Never let children carve pumpkins. Adults carving pumpkins should remember to use specifically designed carving knives, rather than kitchen knives, as they are less likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin skin. Carve the pumpkin in small, controlled strokes, away from oneself on a strong, sturdy surface.
- Carving knives should be kept in a clean, dry, well-lit area. Any moisture on the tools, hands, or table can cause the knife to slip, leading to injuries.
- Should a pumpkin carver cut a finger or hand, make sure the hand is elevated higher than the heart and apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. If continuous pressure does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, an emergency room visit may be necessary. Additionally, it may be wise to follow up with a hand surgeon to make sure everything is okay and nothing needs repair.
- Be considerate of fire hazards when lighting jack-o-lantern candles or use non-flammable light sources, like glow sticks or artificial pumpkin lights. Alternatively, try painting pumpkins for a fun, creative option and remove the risks of carving.
- Halloween costumes should be light and bright, so children are clearly visible to motorists and other pedestrians. Trim costumes and bags with reflective tape that glows in the dark.
- Costumes should be flame-resistant and fit properly. Be sure the child's vision is unobstructed from masks, face paint or hats. Costumes that are too long may cause kids to trip and fall, trim or hem their costumes as necessary.
- Children should wear sturdy, comfortable, slip-resistant shoes to avoid falls.
- It is important that children walk on sidewalks and never cut across yards or driveways. They should also obey all traffic signals and remain in designated crosswalks when crossing the street.
- Trick-or-treaters should only approach houses that are well lit. Both children and parents should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
- Be aware of neighborhood dogs when trick-or-treating and remember that these pets can impose a threat when you approach their home.
- It's also a good idea to carry a cell phone while trick-or-treating in case of an emergency.
Happy Halloween!
Caleb Bourque
Scheduling regular check-ups is the best way to take control of your health -- and the best part is: The Affordable Care Act is now requiring some important preventative services be covered under your current health plan at no additional cost to you.
