Page 18 - 10-10-22

Page 18, RURAL-URBAN RECORD, October 10, 2022

Fall Home & Garden

FROM PAGE 16 ting these two ingredients together allows holiday hosts to ger threat than expecting parents may realize, as Stanford
iticians and nonprofit organizations spread the word about provide a new side with some familiar flavors at this year’s Children’s Health reports that roughly 2,000 children ages
the importance of protecting the species who call your region Thanksgiving dinner. 14 and under die each year as a result of injuries sustained
home. at home. Thankfully, many home injuries can be prevented.
· Do not get too close to wildlife. The beauty of wildlife Gnocchi with Roasted Cauliflower Expecting parents can get a head-start on being moms and
can be hard to resist, but the AWI urges animal lovers to dads by taking various steps to make their homes safer be-
keep their distance from animals they see in the wild. Do Serves 4 (as a main course) fore their babies are born.
not handle young animals found in the wild, no matter how 1 small head cauliflower, cut into small florets · Conceal cables and cords. Cables and cords pique kids’
vulnerable they appear to be, as the AWI notes that it’s not 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves curiosity. Pulling on cables and cords can put young children
uncommon for mothers to leave their young alone for long 3 tablespoons olive oil in the path of falling objects or increase their risk for injuries
periods of time while they forage for food. Kosher salt and black pepper involving electrical wires and outlets. Cable and cord con-
Wildlife faces an uncertain future in many parts of the 1 pound gnocchi (fresh or frozen) cealers are inexpensive and easily installed. Often used to
world. Individuals can do their part to protect wildlife and en- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cover cords hanging down from mounted televisions, con-
sure their long-term survival. Heat oven to 400 F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss the cealers also can be used to hide cords coming from comput-
Potatoes and cauliflower in cauliflower and sage with the oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 ers, lamps and other items that can pose a threat to young
teaspoon pepper. Roast, tossing once, until the cauliflower is
children.
a new way golden brown and tender, 25 to 30 minutes. children’s nursery, it’s best for parents to avoid hand-me-
· Avoid hand-me-down kids’ furniture. When furnishing a
Fifteen minutes before the cauliflower is finished, cook
the gnocchi according to the package directions. Divide the down furniture. The older a piece of furniture is, the less
Certain items are staples of the Thanksgiving dinner table. gnocchi among bowls and top with the cauliflower and Par- likely it is that the item will meet current safety guidelines.
For example, mashed potatoes, mesan. Some parents may be tempted to let their children sleep in
candied yams and stuffing Tip: Cauliflower florets are easier to separate if you re- the same crib they slept in as kids decades ago, but it’s safer
are Thanksgiving stal- move the core first. Place the head stem-side up. Using to eschew nostalgia in favor of products that meet the latest
warts. Pumpkin and a paring knife, cut around the core at an angle, creating a safety standards.
apple pies help wrap cone-shaped piece, then lift it out. If the head is very large, · Get rid of potential choking hazards. The National Safety
up the festivities. halve it first through the core. Council and the National Center for Injury Prevention indi-
Tha n ksg i vi n g cate that airway obstruction injuries are the leading cause of
hosts and hostess- What expecting parents unintentional injury-related deaths among infants less than
es interested in in- 12 months old. Prior to bringing their babies home, expecting
jecting more variety can do to make their homes parents can remove all small trinkets and other items that cu-
into their Thanks- rious children may want to put in their mouths. When buying
giving offerings may toys for kids, read the packaging to make sure each item is
want to consider a few safer safe for babies and avoid buying or accepting any gifts with
unique side dishes to small pieces.
complement their turkey din- New parents face a host of new and unique challenges · Store all medicines on high shelves behind cabinet doors.
ners. Sides that borrow from familiar when they bring their babies home for the first time. Lack of Vitamins and medicines should be stored on high shelves
flavors may fit seamlessly into the holiday feast and add sleep and dirty diapers are two well-known challenges par- behind cabinet doors. If kids can see them, they’ll likely try
spark to the meal. ents must confront when caring for newborns. While those to grab them. In fact, the NSC reports that children ages 19
This recipe for “Gnocchi with Roasted Cauliflower” from hurdles must be cleared after babies are born, other poten- and under account for roughly 8,000 fall-related emergency
“Real Simple Dinner Tonight: Done!” (Time Home Entertain- tial issues can be dealt with while parents are awaiting the room visits every day. Hiding medicines on high shelves be-
ment) from the editors of Real Simple is rooted in popular arrival of their children. hind closed cabinet doors reduces the risk that kids will be
ingredients synonymous with Thanksgiving. Gnocchi is a Prior to getting pregnant, parents expecting for the first poisoned and suffer a fall-related injury.
chewy and filling pasta made from potato - a holiday stan- time may not have given much thought to how safe their Expecting parents will soon have a lot on their plate. Tak-
dard, while cauliflower is a mild, versatile vegetable that home is for children. But with a baby on the way, safety must ing steps to safeguard a home before their babies are born
absorbs the spices and flavors of other ingredients. Put- be the utmost priority at home. Home injuries pose a big- can make the transition to parenthood that much easier.