Avocados popularity spawns rise in hand injuries

Friday, May 12, 2017
UNITED KINGDOM -- Avocados are very healthy for you, but they may not be great for your hands if you're not careful.

Doctors in the U.K. are reporting a surge in hand injuries suffered while people cut avocados.
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One London surgeon says he sees about 4 patients a week with cuts.

Another hospital gets a lot of cases Saturdays, around brunch-time.

The bad trend is also showing on social media, with the hashtag #AvocadoInjury or #AvocadoHand.

Some of the injuries include nerve damage and require surgery.



To avoid injuries while cutting an avocado, follow this simple technique: put it on a flat surface, hold it down with one hand and then slice horizontally, twisting the avocado to turn it.
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To remove the stone, the California Avocado Commission says SCOOP it out, DO NOT WHACK IT with a knife or poke it with the tip of a knife.

That's especially dangerous, since the avocado's soft flesh is exposed. It's very easy for a knife to go through that and into your hand.

For detailed directions on safely cutting an avocado, click here.

Or check out this video.
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