Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications  and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

 This week on Health Watch, we’ve been talking about how to keep Thanksgiving from being hazardous to your health. In addition to being aware of nutrition and food safety, you should also think about kitchen safety, especially if children are around. This is a family holiday, and that means there are opportunities for both togetherness and danger in the kitchen.

Dr. Pam Okada, a pediatric emergency specialist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says children shouldn’t be left unattended in the kitchen. Pay attention to where you set hot foods or liquids because children can pull them down on themselves by tugging on tablecloths or appliance cords. Don’t hold children while you cook. Let children participate in the meal by assigning them tasks that don’t involve heat, sharp utensils or electrical appliances.

Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/pediatrics to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in pediatrics.

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^{November 2008}