SCALDING SENIORS

Scalds and seniors

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, I'm Ira Dreyfuss with HHS HealthBeat.

A study indicates seniors who do their own cooking have a higher risk of getting scalded. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mef Galle looked at national data on visits to emergency departments.

The study found that scald burns are among the most common injuries to people ages 65 to 79, creating about 8,600 emergency department visits a year. Galle says most of the burns took place at home - in the kitchen, dining room or bathroom.

To avoid burns from food, Galle advises:

[Mef Galle speaks] "Use a rear burner, if possible. Place hot items in the center of the table in the dining area. And be sure that the microwave ovens are easily accessible and placed below face level."

The study is in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Learn more at hhs.gov.

HHS HealthBeat is a production of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. I'm Ira Dreyfuss.