4th of July is upon us and for most it’s a time to relax, spend time with friends and family, and have some fun. As you celebrate, we suggest these tips for staying healthy and safe this holiday weekend.
Designate An Adult To Watch The Swimmers
Many 4th of July holiday celebrations are held near water as kids enjoy cooling off in the pool, beach or at the lake as part of the fun. Unfortunately, several drownings happen at parties or social events where there are plenty of adults around – everybody assumes someone else is watching the water.
Always designate an adult to closely watch children in the water. This person should also have immediate access to a telephone so they can call 911 in case an accident does occur.
Practice Safety When It Comes To Fireworks
A fireworks display at home may sound like a fun way to celebrate Independence Day, but amateur shows, including the backyard variety, can be dangerous. The most common injuries that occur are lost vision and eye loss. Bottle rockets tend to cause most of the injuries.
There are about 11,000 fireworks-related injuries every year, with almost 2,200 of those affecting the eyes. Consumer fireworks are responsible for one third of all eye injuries.
Go watch a professional fireworks event instead and don’t do this at home.
Watch Out For Salmonella
Salmonella is no respecter of holidays. Fourth of July picnics and parties can provide the ideal climate for the bacteria’s growth, which can lead to food poisoning. When dealing with food in warm weather follow these tips:
- Refrigerate or freeze perishables immediately, and cook food at recommended temperatures to kill bacteria.
- Wash your hands in hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before preparing, serving or eating food. And thoroughly wash plates, utensils, cutting boards and countertops after contact with raw meat.
- Avoid leaving food standing for long periods of time.
Avoid Overheating During Your Holiday Activities
Heat may be your most serious opponent as summer kicks off into high gear for the long holiday weekend. But with a few simple precautions, heat-related problems can be avoided.
Some tips to help prevent heat exhaustion include:
- Avoid intense physical activity during the hottest periods of the day.
- Recognize the symptoms associated with heat exhaustion, which can include nausea, dizziness, weakness, headache and pale skin.
- If signs of overheating occur, get out of the heat to somewhere cool and keep adequately hydrated: water is best; avoid sugary drinks, caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July
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