Avoid injuries during Halloween activities

Rosemont, IL – Be mindful of safety when carving a pumpkin and trick-or-treating this Halloween, recommends two orthopaedic groups.

The top injuries from Halloween activities are hand wounds from pumpkin carving and leg injuries from falls caused by costumes that are too long or impair vision, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America.

To help avoid injuries, the groups recommend the following:

• Walk on sidewalks and never cut across yards or driveways when trick-or-treating.
• Make sure costumes are flame-resistant and do not pose a tripping hazard.
• Use artificial lights or glow sticks instead of candles in decorations.
• Use knives designed for pumpkin carving.
• Carve pumpkins in a clean, dry and well-lit area.