Every year, thousands of people end up in the ER for a surprisingly silly reason — cutting avocados. “Avocado hand,” as doctors now call it, happens when someone tries to remove the pit with too much force and the knife slips straight into their palm. ER physician Dr. Joe Whittington says roughly 9,000 Americans are treated for it annually. The usual mistake? Holding the fruit in one hand and striking down hard with the other.

The safer method is gentler and smarter: grip the knife near the handle, tap the pit lightly, and twist to lift it out. It’s a tiny change that prevents deep cuts, tendon damage, and ruined dinners. Dr. Whittington’s viral warning reminds home cooks that good food isn’t worth a trip to the hospital. Even that slightly brown avocado isn’t spoiled — it’s just oxidized. Slow down, slice safely, and protect your hands while you perfect your guacamole.