Avoid the ‘boo-boos’ this Halloween

    Halloween is among the top three holidays producing the most emergency room visits, according to a nine-year study of pediatric emergency room visits between 1997 and 2006. Most of the injuries were to the finger or hand with 33.3 percent being lacerations and 20.1 percent being fractures. The greatest portion of total injuries, at 30.3 percent, were sustained by children, ages 10-14. Therefore, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends children and adults take the following simple precautions to remain safe for Halloween:
    —Children should not carve pumpkins. However, some carving devices or kits can be used by older children with adult supervision. Young children can have fun emptying the seeds instead of carving. Think about painting pumpkins instead of carving, as well. Remember to wash all pumpkins with soap and water before they are carved, because bacteria may be on the surface of the pumpkin and can be ingested accidentally, causing severe illness.
    —Remember to use a pumpkin carving kit or knives specially designed for carving, as they are designed to not get stuck in the pumpkin.
    —Always carve pumpkins in a clean, dry and well-lit area and make sure there is no moisture on the carving tools or your hands. Remember to cut away from your body, and do not rush.

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