The unofficial start of summer often calls for outdoor fun, and the chance to finally fire up the grill! With increased time prepping food, comes more opportunity for knife-related injuries. Guacamole lovers alike have been plagued with the dreaded “avocado hand.” Serious injuries have occurred when trying to slice or score this beloved green fruit, often causing complex nerve and tendon damage.
Avocados aren’t the only culprit of food-prep accidents. Injuries are likely to occur when impatient grillers try to separate frozen hamburger patties with a knife, resulting in stab wounds to the hand. Barbecue burns to the hands and lower arms are also much more common during the summer months.
While enjoying the holiday weekend, be sure to cook with care. To avoid being yet another victim of “avocado hand,” always slice avocados on a flat surface and remove the pit with a spoon. Use heat resistant gear when grilling, and let your burgers thaw completely before separating. By following these simple tips, we hope you can enjoy your Memorial Day weekend without the interruption of a trip to the emergency room.
We wish you and your family a fun and safe holiday weekend, but if an accident does occur, Dr.STITCH is just a phone call away. Dr.STITCH is Long Island Plastic Surgical Group’s on call service for immediate and urgent treatment of lacerations, burns, complex wounds, facial trauma, and hand injuries. We hope you never need us, but we’re here for you if you do!