Consumer News: Inflation isn't stopping holiday spending, but it's changing how people shop

Simple precautions can help prevent painful falls, pumpkin-carving cuts, and other holiday mishaps

• Pumpkin carving is a leading source of Halloween injuries, with cuts potentially damaging tendons, nerves, and blood vessels in the hand.

• Poorly fitting costumes, shoes that slip, and masks that block vision can increase the risk of trips and falls.

• Choosing safer carving tools, improving visibility, and following basic trick-or-treating rules can help families avoid preventable injuries.

Between picking out costumes, decorating pumpkins, and heading out for candy, Halloween offers plenty of ways for families to celebrate. But a few seasonal activities can also lead to injuries that put a damper on the festivities.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is reminding families to take precautions before Halloween celebrations get underway. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 3,200 Halloween-related injuries were treated in hospital emergency departments annually from 2020 through 2023. Pumpkin carving accounted for 55% of those injuries.

While a fall or cut might seem like a minor mishap, some injuries can be more serious than they initially appear. Taking a few simple steps can help families enjoy their Halloween activities while reducing the risk of an unexpected trip to the emergency room.

Pumpkin carving and costumes pose injury risks

Pumpkin carving deserves particular attention because a slipping knife can cause more than a surface-level cut. According to the AAOS, injuries to the hand can damage tendons, nerves, or blood vessels, potentially affecting movement or sensation.

The organization warns that numbness, tingling, or difficulty moving a finger after a carving injury should be evaluated promptly. Even cuts that appear small may require medical attention if they affect the structures beneath the skin.

Costumes can also create hazards. Outfits that drag on the ground, shoes without good traction, and masks that limit visibility can make it easier to trip or fall. Dark streets and unfamiliar walking routes add another challenge for trick-or-treaters.

Simple steps can make Halloween safer

Families can reduce the risk of injuries by making a few adjustments before the festivities begin. Here are some tips from the AAOS:

• Think about the logistics of your costume. Look for outfits that fit properly and won't drag on the ground. Sturdy, comfortable, slip-resistant shoes are a better choice than high heels, flip-flops, or clogs. Bright colors and reflective tape can help children remain visible after dark, while face paint can provide an alternative to masks that obstruct vision. The AAOS also recommends choosing flame-resistant costumes and accessories.

• Leave sharp tools to adults when carving pumpkins. Let younger children decorate with paint, markers, or other non-carving supplies. Adults should work in a clean, dry, well-lit area and use tools designed specifically for carving pumpkins. If a cut occurs, apply pressure with a clean cloth and raise the injured area above the heart. Seek medical care if the cut is deep or bleeding continues after 10 to 15 minutes. Clean the wound with soap and water and cover it with a clean bandage.

• Adult supervision is key. On Halloween night, children younger than 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Families should stick to sidewalks, cross at designated crosswalks, carry flashlights, and approach only well-lit homes. Older children going without parents should travel together and follow a planned route.

• Skip fire. Avoid using candles in jack-o'-lanterns in favor of glow sticks or artificial pumpkin lights.

A little preparation can help keep the night's biggest scares where they belong: in the decorations, not the emergency room.

These pricey pans promise big results, but some buyers are disappointed

• Premium price, mixed reviews: Some HexClad owners complain about food sticking and disappointing nonstick performance.

• Lifetime warranty limitations: Manufacturing defects are covered, but normal wear and improper use generally aren't.

• Where you buy matters: Costco's generous return policy could provide valuable protection on an expensive cookware purchase.

I was standing in Costco's returns line recently when I noticed someone ahead of me returning an entire set of HexClad cookware. Not just one pan, but the whole set.

The shopping cart filled with cookware caught my eye because its a fairly expensive brand with a seven-piece set selling for about $380 at Costco. If you want the full 12-piece set, youll spend $700 on the Hexclad website.

While I don't know exactly why that shopper returned the set, it got me wondering whether HexClad actually lives up to the hype. Especially when I saw a recent Tasting Table article highlighting complaints from owners about sticking food, durability, and whether the cookware justifies its premium price tag.

Plenty of customers love their HexClad pans. But before spending serious money, here are five things worth considering.

1. Nonstick doesn't mean nothing sticks

HexClad markets its hybrid cookware as combining stainless steel durability with the nonstick convenience that home cooks want.

But some owners complain that food still sticks, particularly delicate items like eggs.

Unlike traditional smooth nonstick pans, HexClad uses a textured hybrid cooking surface that may require a different approach.

Consumer tip: If cooking your breakfast eggs easy-over is your go too, its smart to buy one pan before investing in an entire set. Then you can test it out with the foods you prepare most often.

2. These pans require some maintenance

One thing that shoppers might not expect is that HexClad recommends seasoning its hybrid cookware before first use.

The company also recommends cooking at lower temperatures than you might normally use because the pans heat efficiently. From the reviews, the shoppers that love these have spent time figuring out how to get their pans at the right temperature for what theyre cooking.

While its not particularly difficult, it may definitely surprise some shoppers who are expecting out-of-the-box nonstick pans, especially based on the price point.

Consumer tip: Read the care instructions before buying. If you want cookware that requires minimal attention, make sure HexClad fits your cooking style.

3. The lifetime warranty has limitations

A lifetime warranty sounds reassuring when you're spending hundreds of dollars.

But HexClad's warranty covers manufacturing defects, not normal wear and tear or damage caused by improper use. That distinction matters if your cookware stops performing the way you expected.

Consumer tip: Read the warranty exclusions, save your receipt, and document potential defects with photos. Don't assume every performance complaint qualifies for a replacement.

4. You might be paying for features you don't need

HexClad's hybrid design combines features of stainless steel and nonstick cookware.

But do you need both in every pan?

For many home cooks, a quality stainless steel skillet for searing and a separate, inexpensive nonstick pan for eggs could accomplish the same everyday tasks for less money.

Consumer tip: Skip the matching set unless you'll use every piece. Buying individual pans can prevent expensive cookware from collecting dust in your cabinets.

5. Costco's return policy could be your best protection

You've gotta love the Costco return policy. Specifically, their satisfaction guarantee generally allows members to return any cookware they're unhappy with.

That's potentially valuable when you're buying something you can't fully evaluate until you've cooked with it and used it for a while.

Consumer tip: Compare retailers' return policies before buying and test your cookware promptly. Keep the receipt and original packaging until you're confident in your purchase.

The bottom line

HexClad may be worth the investment for cooks who appreciate its hybrid design. But expensive doesn't automatically mean better.

Before dropping hundreds on a complete set, try one pan, understand the warranty, and buy from a retailer with a return policy you're comfortable with. These few easy steps will make your life easier if you decide theyre not for you.

E-One, Forest River, and Greenpower are part of this week's auto recall roundup

New research finds pet ownership is linked to better emotional wellbeing, more movement, and stronger social connections among older adults aging alone

• A survey of 900 adults aging alone found that pets may help reduce loneliness, ease stress, and improve emotional wellbeing.

• Dog owners reported the highest physical activity levels, while cat owners also described ways their pets encouraged daily movement and routine.

• Researchers say planning for pet care, costs, and emergency support can help older adults enjoy the benefits of companionship.

Pets may offer more than companionship for older adults who live alone and lack regular support from friends or family. New research from Mather Institute suggests that having an animal in the home could help these individuals stay active, feel better emotionally, and maintain social connections as they age.

The findings are particularly relevant as more older adults navigate life without a built-in support network. Pets can provide a sense of purpose and structure to everyday routines, while activities such as walking a dog or chatting with other pet owners can create opportunities to connect with people.

The study focused on how pet ownership relates to healthspan, or the number of years a person remains in good health and enjoys a good quality of life.

One of the things this research reminds us is that healthspan is about more than medical care, Jennifer Smith, vice president of Mather Institute, said in a news release. Social connection, purpose, and physical activity can make a world of difference and pets can help support all three. Even a 10-minute walk with your dog can create opportunities to be active and connect with others. For many, pets also provide companionship and emotional support. We hope this report highlights the meaningful role a furry friend can play in aging well.

How researchers studied pet ownership and well-being

Mather Institute surveyed 900 adults aged 55 and older who were aging alone. The organization describes solo agers as people who live alone and do not regularly have family or friends available to support them.

Researchers examined participants' experiences with pets, including their reported emotional wellbeing, stress, physical activity, and social interactions. The survey also explored differences between people who owned dogs, those who owned cats, and those who did not have pets.

The findings reflect participants' reported experiences rather than proving that pet ownership directly causes improvements in health. Still, the results offer insight into how animals may fit into the everyday lives of older adults who have limited social support.

What the results could mean for consumers

The survey revealed several encouraging connections. Seventy-six percent of participants reported better emotional wellbeing associated with their pets, while 62% said their pets helped reduce stress. Another 45% reported increased physical activity, and nearly half said their pets helped ease loneliness.

Dog owners reported the highest physical activity levels, scoring 42% higher than adults without pets. Meanwhile, cat owners described smaller bursts of movement through feeding, playtime, and household routines.

The results also varied by age. Among adults ages 55 to 64, dog owners reported fewer depressive symptoms and better overall wellbeing than cat owners. For participants ages 75 and older, cat owners reported fewer depressive symptoms than their dog-owning counterparts.

For consumers considering a pet later in life, the findings suggest companionship could be a meaningful part of staying connected and active. However, researchers also highlighted practical challenges, including financial pressures, the time required to care for an animal, and uncertainty about who could step in during an emergency.

Mather Institute recommends matching pets to an owner's health and lifestyle, identifying trusted backup caregivers, and seeking community programs that can help with tasks such as dog walking or veterinary visits. These preparations may make pet ownership more manageable while helping older adults enjoy the companionship animals can provide.