- Blog
Safely Celebrate the Holidays
Posted on 09-27-2024 in Hand, Elbow & Wrist by Dr. Steven Kronlage
Sometimes the hectic pace of the holiday season causes people to unknowingly let their guard down, making them more susceptible to bone, joint and muscle-related injuries. And let’s face it, ending up in your doctor’s office or the emergency room during the holidays is anything but jolly. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for and safely celebrate the season, especially when it comes to holiday decorating and potentially hazardous gifts.
Holiday Decorating
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on average, 160 decorating-related injuries occur each day during the holiday season. This includes hand and other extremity injuries due to artificial trees and stands, lights and other adornments, and falls while hanging lights and other decorations, which account for half of the injuries. Typically, falls are associated with ladders. To minimize the risk of injury related to climbing ladders, remember to:
- Select the right ladder for the job. When working at low and medium heights, choose step stools or utility ladders. Extension ladders are ideal for use outdoors to reach high places, as when hanging items from the rooftop.
- Inspect ladders for loose screws, hinges, or rungs that may not have been fixed from last use.
- Clean off any mud or liquids that have accumulated on the ladder.
- Set up the ladder correctly. Identify a firm, level surface. Watch for soft, muddy spots or uneven flooring, and never place a ladder on uneven ground. Remember the 1-to-4 rule: the bottom of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall for every 4 feet that the ladder rises.
- Move materials with caution when on the ladder, and always position the ladder close to the work area so you do not lose your balance and fall.
- Wear proper footwear with securely tied shoelaces.
Children’s Toys
Toy-related injuries continue to impact thousands of children in the United States each year. According to the CPSC, in 2020, there were nearly 150,000 toy-related, emergency department-treated injuries among children ages 14 and younger. In particular, nonmotorized scooters account for 21 percent of all toy-related, emergency department-treated injuries. The number of injuries increased 17% in 2021, from 35,600 scooter injuries reported in 2020 to 41,700 injuries reported in 2021.
With toy manufacturers and retailers facing both supply-chain delays and global shipping issues, consumers are concerned about a possible toy shortage. This could lead to a mad dash to buy products from anyone that has them available, which increases the opportunity for dangerous or counterfeit products on the market. In addition to following age guidance when purchasing toys and including any appropriate safety gear with your purchase, follow these safety tips for online shopping:
- Always buy from stores and online retailers you know and trust.
- To avoid counterfeits, scrutinize the product, the packaging and the label. If the price seems too good to be true, this could be a sign that the product is counterfeit.
- Look for a certification mark from an independent testing organization and the manufacturer’s label on electrical products.
While we sincerely hope your holidays remain jolly and accident-free if you experience an injury to your upper extremities, the fellowship-trained physicians at North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists are here to help. Dr. Steven Kronlage, Dr. Alex Colemanand Dr. James Piorkowski provide non-surgical treatment options and surgical intervention for adult and pediatric patients. We also offer same-day and next-day appointments in our Gulf Breeze and Pensacola locations, as well as telehealth visits. State-of-the-art, on-site imaging and diagnostics are also available at both locations to make visits as convenient as possible. Give us a call today at 850.807.4200 or schedule an appointment online.
Check out some of our related posts:
Treating Pain with Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Chronic pain management continues to be a challenge for those looking for an effective non-opioid analgesia option. At North Florida Bone and Joint Specialists, Dr. Erik Nilssen and Dr. Josh Hackel provide patients with several alternatives, including Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS). Performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, PNS is an extremely safe procedure that is noted to be effective in most individuals selected for treatment. PNS involves two steps. During the initial testing phase, the electrode is connected to an external device. If the trial is successful with pain relief, then a small lead or wire is implanted into the patient’s body under the skin.
Fireworks Injury Prevention
While fireworks can be the highlight of your Fourth of July celebration, they pose significant risks, particularly to the hands and arms. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2022 Fireworks Report, the hands and fingers account for 29% of the body parts injured, the highest percentage of any body part. The same report also indicated that 73% of all fireworks-related injuries occurred in the weeks leading up to and after the July 4th holiday. Understanding these dangers and taking preventive measures can help ensure your Independence Day remains fun and injury-free.
Smith Named OsteoStrong Medical Director
Recently, fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Brett Smith was appointed as the new Medical Director for OsteoStrong® Gulf Breeze and OsteoStrong® Cordova Pensacola, marking a significant milestone for the brand locally. As a global wellness franchise, OsteoStrong® provides a unique, science-backed system for strengthening bones, joints, and muscles using cutting-edge technology and personalized care for its members.