This Thanksgiving appears to be the return of the big bash for families that opted for smaller gatherings and distant blessings during the peak of the pandemic.
Here are some Christmas safety, health, and sanity guidelines to help you brush up on the basics:
1. The turkey
The huge bird is the centrepiece of most Thanksgiving dinners, but it’s critical to handle raw chicken correctly to prevent spreading bacteria that might send your guests home with food illness. Thaw carefully. According to the Agriculture Department, a frozen turkey takes roughly 24 hours to defrost for every 4 to 5 pounds of weight. In a pinch, it may be thawed in a cold water bath or even in the microwave, but it must be cooked right away. Also, do not wash the turkey. According to Jennifer Quinlan, a Drexel University nutrition sciences professor who has examined customers’ turkey-handling behaviours, rinsing it in the sink is a terrible idea since it might transmit potentially hazardous pathogens like salmonella to neighbouring places. Instead, dry the turkey with paper towels before placing it in the roasting pan.
2. Cook completely and instantly refrigerate
A meat thermometer is the best method to ensure your turkey is properly cooked, to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Lisa Shelley, a food safety researcher at North Carolina State University. Don’t rely on the colour of the turkey juices or the golden-brown skin. Once the turkey has been served, refrigerate it and any leftovers (mashed potatoes, gravy, yams) within two hours. “Really, establish a timer when you put everything out,” Quinlan said. “You’ll be astonished how quickly two hours pass.”
Don’t scrimp on the cleaning either. Before making food and touching raw poultry, wash your hands. However, examine the countertops, chopping boards, and any potentially contaminated instruments, according to Shelley. After cleaning with soap and water, sterilise with chlorine bleach. “There are two steps,” she explained.
3. Zones of danger
According to Dr. Christopher Kang, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, some holidays are recognised for certain injuries. Carve with care. As Turkey Day injuries attest, slicing a turkey is far more difficult than it appears. “We often see a lot of hand and finger injuries with any cutting and carving,” said Kang, an ER doctor in Tacoma, Washington. Make sure the carving knife is sharp, and always cut away from yourself. Don’t stick your hand beneath the blade to grab a piece of meat.
Watch out for turkey fryer fires. Deep-fried turkey may seem delicious, but it’s a risky dish to make at home. The fryers can overturn and leak, and the combination of a frozen or partially thawed turkey and hot oil might result in an explosion. Even when this does not occur, Kang claims to have witnessed several severe scorching injuries produced by hot oil.
4. Stay away from the ‘triple-demic.’
Thanksgiving celebrations often cause an increase in other ER visits as generations assemble and exchange germs. The threat presented by covid-19 and other viruses this year, including an early flu season and RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, is a constant concern, according to Kang. Some illnesses are more dangerous to babies and young children, while others are more dangerous to older individuals. “What age group is safe?” Kang asked. To limit the risk of infection and serious disease, ensure that everyone who is eligible is up to date on their vaccines. Stay at home if you have any signs of disease, even if they are “allergies” or “just a cold.” Consider requiring guests to take a quick covid-19 test before arriving. Make sure your house is well-ventilated by opening windows and using a portable air purifier. Consider wearing masks indoors to safeguard the most sensitive guests.
5. Take care of your mental wellness.
It may be difficult to host — or attend — a Thanksgiving holiday celebration after almost three years of a terrible epidemic. According to the American Psychological Association, it’s critical to have realistic expectations — and to plan ahead of time — to avoid common family hazards. Make some time for yourself. Maintain your healthy habit despite the holiday stress. If you normally exercise, take a lengthy stroll and “reflect on parts of your life that bring you joy,” according to APA specialists. Set boundaries ahead of time. If you’re concerned about confrontations or heated debates at your Thanksgiving table, the APA recommends making sure everyone understands that Thanksgiving is a time to focus on “thanks, appreciation, and everything you have, including each other.”
