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’re talking about health and safety concerns for the holiday party season. Champagne adds a festive touch to a party, but it has the potential to cause injuries if you don’t uncork it properly.
In movies, the cork shooting across the room is part of the excitement, but Dr. Preston Blomquist, an ophthalmologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says that could lead to serious eye injuries if the cork hits someone. To prevent injuries, open champagne properly. First, chill it thoroughly, as a cork is less likely to explode from a chilled bottle. Hold the cork down while you remove the wire hood, and point the bottle away from people while you open it. Place a towel over the bottle, hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle, grasp the cork and gently twist it to break the seal. Ease it out of the bottle, using a little downward pressure to keep it from popping out of the bottle.
Visit http://www.utsouthwestern.org/ophth to learn more about UT Southwestern’s clinical services in eyes.
###
December 2008
Health Watch is heard Monday through Friday nationwide on ABC Satellite Radio. Call your local radio station and ask if they carry the program.
