With Thanksgiving right around the corner, millions of Americans across the country will get together with friends and family to celebrate the festive day with food – and lots of it. The holiday season gives them an excuse (and a valid one) to splurge and munch their way to bliss. But many people take their festive spirits to a bit of an extreme, some more than others. According to the Calorie Control Council (CCC), many people eat over 4,500 calories in a single Thanksgiving gathering.

Yet the main thanksgiving dinner isn’t the problem. What comes before (or after) the meal plays a bigger role on our health and weight management. Of the 4500 calories, 1500 calories come from the additional treats before or after the main meal. These may include chips, dips, and drinks. Exposing yourself to so much junk food in quick succession is a recipe for disaster.

COMMON AILMENTS THAT OCCUR DURING THANKSGIVING

1) Turkey and Salmonella

Many chefs will cook turkeys only a few times a year and have little experience with the large bird. Raw turkey must be cooked properly and handled carefully. Undercooked turkey meat can lead to a slew of food-borne illnesses such as salmonella poisoning along with diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Thanksgiving tends to, sometimes, coincide with multiple incidences of salmonella outbreaks.

If you’re affected by such illnesses, make sure to drink plenty of water to reduce the severity of diarrhea. In the case of extreme abdominal pain, seek emergency medical help.

2) Accidents Happen

You may not think about it, but the kitchen can be a dangerous place. After all, it’s the one room in the house that offers so many ways of hurting yourself. This danger is amplified during Thanksgiving since people frequent around hot ovens, microwaves, stoves, dishes, and pots – increasing the chances of getting third degree skin burns and even chopped fingers!

Most skin burns can be treated at home using a bandage and ibuprofen. Extensive skin burns will need urgent medical attention.

3) Other Injuries

Family get-togethers provide a good opportunity for people to get caught up in lively physical activities such as post dinner football, sometimes under the influence of alcohol. When people who had been inactive during the rest of the year suddenly expose themselves to sports activities, they run the risk of getting back injuries, broken bones, and sprained ankles. If you feel you’ve sprained your ankle or arm, rest in a position with the affected area above your heart to minimize swelling.

Additionally, you can take over the counter pain relievers, cold packs, and anti-inflammatories to reduce any pain or swelling. If the symptoms persist for a few more days, then you may need to see a doctor.

REMEMBER TO TOSS IN A FEW VEGGIES FOR GOOD MEASURE

Start your Thanksgiving Day by piling up on the vegetables to increase the feeling of satiety. The idea is to decrease room for the more fattening junk foods and of course, the main course itself during the course of the day. Avoid eating turkey skin since it is high in fat and calories while low in volume.

As a general rule, mix in the high calorie items with low calorie items to ease up on the calorie overload. Eat your food sensibly in controlled portions, and make sure to enjoy the holiday.