Giving THANKS for Health Insurance!

It’s that special time when the temperatures are getting cooler, families are finally making travel plans to be together after many months apart, and people are putting together their Thanksgiving Day menus with anticipation. The holiday season is indeed one of the most wonderful times of the year, and everyone at Carroll Marshall Insurance is excited to celebrate!

However, Thanksgiving carries some risks along with all the excitement. Here are several common mishaps that can happen around Thanksgiving, and what you can do to prevent them.

Too Hot to Handle

Burns are a common Thanksgiving mishap. From turkey fryers to tongs left too close to the stove’s heat, burns can range from minor to severe, and you don’t want one to ruin your holiday! Some ways to protect yourself this season are…

• Make sure small children are kept away from hot cooking surfaces, including stoves, grills, and any fryers being operated.
• Use good-quality hot-pads and/or oven mitts when working in the kitchen.
• If frying your holiday bird, make sure it is FULLY THAWED and totally dried off before placing it (carefully) in the hot oil.
• Follow all fryer instructions carefully and keep everyone else clear of the area around the fryer.

Carve the Bird…and That’s All

Knife incidents are another issue that many doctors (and insurance companies) see around the holiday season. Unfortunately people can celebrate a little too much and are sometimes feeling merrier than they should be by the time the bird-carving comes around. Using any knife, but especially a carving knife or electric knife, while intoxicated is dangerous. Lacerations are commonplace in this situation. Injuries have even included people with puncture wounds from the turkey’s sharp bone fragments! Protect yourself by…

• Stay sober, or get someone else who is to take over carving the bird.
• Keep hands and fingers clear of all blades when carving the turkey. Slice away from yourself.
• Keep others (especially small children) away from the bird while it’s being carved and away from sharp objects on the table and in the kitchen.

Play It Safe

Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and are a time for lots of fun. However, that fun can turn dangerous if you don’t keep your “head in the game.” If you’ve had a little too much to drink, perhaps watching football with the guys is a better option after Thanksgiving dinner. If you are going to “play” after the meal, make sure you follow basic safety protocol. Using vehicles such as ATVs, motorbikes, etc.? Wear a helmet, and drive safely. Opting for a quick family football game? Watch for slippery patches, wear appropriate gear if needed, and make sure any little ones in the group are watched out for to prevent accidents.

Additional things to watch out for during holidays are basic kid safety issues such as covered outlets, baby gates for stairways, covers/screens for fireplaces, etc. As always, supervision is your biggest defense against accidents with kids, so make sure all adults are keeping their eyes open!

Perhaps our biggest hint for this holiday season is making sure your health coverage is up to date for each member of your family. An already risky time of year doesn’t need to be complicated by unexpected medical bills! If you have questions about your coverage call Carroll Marshall Insurance. We care about our clients and want to make sure your money is well-spent on upcoming Christmas gifts and holiday festivities, not at the E.R.!