Celebrate with a Bang
July 01, 2017
Independence Day, also known to many as the 4th of July, is one of the highlights of the summer months! This holiday involves spectacular fireworks, delicious picnics and fun in the sun. While this holiday is nothing but smiles and enjoyable for the majority, approximately 230 families each year end up in the emergency room from firework-related injuries. More than 50 percent of all those injured are from burns and are generally between the ages of 25 and 44, with men being more at risk than woman.
Protect yourself and your family from firework-related injuries this Independence Day! Here are a few tips to protect your family on this sparkling holiday:
- Don’t give sparklers or bottle rockets to young kids. Temperatures of these products can reach about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit – that’s hot enough to melt some metals!
- Never lean over fireworks when lighting the fuse.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- If you find unexploded fireworks, leave them alone. Never try to relight or handle them.
The 4th of July holiday is usually a time when many of us overindulge on delicious food. Keep these tips in mind when preparing for a scrumptious picnic or barbeque:
- Place cold foods in a cooler with ice. Cold food should be stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below to prevent bacterial growth.
- Don’t cross-contaminate foods. Be sure to keep raw meat, poultry and seafood securely wrapped and separated from other foods.
- Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water before packing them in the cooler or serving.
The summer sun can also take a toll on you and your family while enjoying the outdoors. Be sure to apply before heading outside and reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Although many turn to alcohol to celebrate the holiday, be sure to drink water so dehydration does not ruin the festivities. Staying hydrated can also help prevent heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
This 4th of July is going to go off with a bang when you follow the tips above! If you do experience any injuries or illness, be sure to visit Huron Regional Medical Center’s emergency room to be examined. Quality health care is close to home! From all of us here at Huron Regional Medical Center, stay safe and have a magnificent 4th of July holiday!
Sources: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic
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