For many families, carving pumpkins is a favorite Halloween tradition, but using sharp tools can also put hands and fingers at risk for injury.

Duretti Fufa, MD, hand and upper extremity and trauma surgeon at HSS, appeared in a recent segment to share tips for carving pumpkins safely. 

Dr. Fufa recommends using a pumpkin carving kit instead of a kitchen knife and making sure the pumpkin is stable before getting started. When carving, she advises to never cut toward your hand and to use a controlled sawing motion rather than a stabbing motion. Most importantly, take your time. Avoiding rushed movements and keeping your hands out of the path of the carving tool can help reduce the risk of cuts and other hand injuries while carving pumpkins this Halloween.

Watch the full segment at insideedition.com.