HOLLAND, Mich., Nov. 13, 2025 — In the season of gratitude with Thanksgiving quickly approaching, Holland Hospital aims to help keep West Michigan residents healthy this holiday season. Thanksgiving marks one of the biggest cooking holidays of the year as families gather around the tables for festive holiday meals. Ada Pariser, MD, with Holland Hospital Primary Care - Hudsonville, offers simple and practical tips to prevent common holiday injuries and illnesses and outlines recommendations for when to seek medical attention.
“Thanksgiving is an important time for families to gather and enjoy tradition and we want everyone to celebrate safely and happily,” said Dr. Pariser. “By taking a few simple steps, from safe food handling to practicing injury prevention, we can help ensure the holiday is memorable for the right reasons.”
To prevent common holiday mishaps, Holland Hospital offers these quick tips:
- Practice “Stand By Your Pan”: Unattended cooking is the leading factor in home cooking fires (NFPA). Stay in the kitchen when food is on the stovetop and check on your turkey frequently.
- Treat cooking burns carefully and immediately with cool water.
- Minor burns, minor cuts, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can often be addressed at Urgent Care.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, call 911 immediately. Also call 9-1-1 if a loved one is choking.
- Quickly put away leftovers to avoid foodborne illnesses.
- Practice proper knife skills to prevent cuts.
- Limit alcohol intake and don't drive if you've consumed alcohol.
- Go to the Emergency Department for severe burns, severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, chest pain, or any life-threatening illness or injury.
In addition to practicing general safety throughout the holiday, families are encouraged to be mindful as they prepare their plates. With the average Thanksgiving meal containing an estimated 3,000 to 4,500 calories, Dr. Pariser offers the following tips for healthier and more mindful eating, while still enjoying the festivities. “The key is balance,” she shares. Additionally, West Michigan families are encouraged to:
- Begin with a healthy breakfast.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Be mindful of appetizers and desserts.
- Create Your Plate Well. Focus on putting a variety of nutrients on your plate. Aim for half of your plate including fruits and vegetables and the other half featuring your favorite dishes.
To ensure you and your family are prepared for a healthy holiday season, or to discuss any health concerns, schedule an appointment with Dr. Pariser or another Holland Hospital Primary Care Provider. To find a provider, visit hollandhospital.org/findadoctor. For information about Holland Hospital’s Urgent Care, Walk-In Care, and Emergency Care, visit hollandhospital.org/convenient-care.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
Nov. 13, 2025