SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital - Mt. Vernon issued the following announcement on Nov. 26.
A Thanksgiving turkey or a Christmas ham can be a point of pride for many home chefs. These entrees for special holiday meals are often presented from the oven to great anticipation and fanfare as families gather to share traditions.
However, with carving knives and other sharp kitchen implements a necessary part of the equation, it’s important to take safety precautions to help prevent injuries that can be common but avoidable.
“Every year, I care for several patients who have injured their hands while preparing food in the kitchen,” said Dr. Clayton Nelson, an orthopedic hand specialist at SSM Health Bone & Joint/OSOI in Oklahoma City. “Many times, these injuries are minor and require no serious intervention; however, sometimes they lead to damage to arteries, tendons and nerves requiring surgery and prolonged rehabilitation.”
Dr. Nelson offered some tips to keep your hands safe while working in the kitchen:
Get comfortable. Adjust the item you’re cutting to fit your height and position. Never extend your reach or try to cut in an awkward position or location where you don’t have full control.
Cut down and away from yourself. The knife blade should always move in a steady, gentle motion away from yourself and others, and your free hand should be opposite of where the knife is carving.
Leave knife use to the adults. Any cutting, chopping or carving should only be done by adults operating in a safe environment. Similarly, be sure to keep knives and sharp implements out of reach of children when not in use.
Maintain the right cooking environment. Keep knife handles and cutting surfaces dry to avoid slips. Also, ensure your area is well lit.
Use the right tool for the job. Don’t use tools for reasons other than their intended purposes or in ways inconsistent with any directions that may have come with their packaging. Be sure knives are adequately sharpened before cutting.
In the unfortunate event you should become injured, Dr. Nelson recommends dialing 911 or visiting your nearest emergency room.
Learn more about our orthopedic care at SSM Health.
Original source can be found here.
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