KOSCIUSKO — Summer is officially here.  The fourth of July is a time for celebration.  Unfortunately, summer fun also has its’ share of accidents and injuries.  Here are some helpful hints to keep you and your family safe this fourth of July. 



Grilling dangers:

Use grills according to the recommendations of the manufacturer.  Be sure to not add lighter fluid to the hot coals, and do not use gasoline.  Establish a safety zone of 3-5 feet in which no children should come around the grill.  Be sure when grilling to not have loose fitting clothes on that can catch fire. 



Sunburn:

Spending all day outside is very common on the Fourth.  Be sure to have plenty of sunscreen on hand.  Remember that when getting into and out of the water to use sunscreen with each water exit.  Also, be sure to use clothing to protect yourself from the suns rays and to also protect the eyes with sunglasses, and the face with a hat. 



Foot injuries:

Footwear is very important.  There are objects that are in the grass that you don’t know about.  Be sure to keep shoes on, whether flip-flops, sandals, or sneakers, at all times. 



Water safety:

It goes without saying that children should be supervised at all times when in the water, whether your child can swim or not.  It’s best to swim in areas where there is a certified lifeguard.  If there isn’t, be sure that there is rescue equipment such as a ring buoy or a shepherd’s crook available to rescue a swimmer that may be in trouble. 

– Don’t swim right after eating.  This can lead to cramping and can make you feel sick at your stomach.  Try to wait at least 30 minutes between the food and water. 

– Don’t dive into shallow water.  Head and neck injuries can occur when diving into shallow water. 

– Water injuries don’t just occur when swimming, be sure to observe boating rules when on the open water in a motorized vehicle.  The most important rule here, do not use alcohol when on a boat, especially when you are the driver.  Be sure safety equipment is available on the boat if needed, and be sure all who are on board wear a life vest. 



Fireworks:

Injuries from fireworks make up about 95% of all injuries seen in Emergency Departments on the fourth.  About 5% of these injuries will require hospitalization.  Remember that children should be supervised when using fireworks, even sparklers.  In fact very young children should not handle sparklers at all.

Be sure to have a water hose or a fire extinguisher close by when using fireworks.  Again, make a safety zone when lighting fireworks to prevent injury.  Keep from lighting fireworks near a road or a street.  This is very distracting to drivers, and could cause an auto accident.  Be sure not to point fireworks at another’s home or car, or person. 

When lighting fireworks, don’t wear loose clothing that can catch on fire, but do be sure to wear shirts and footwear to prevent spark injuries to the body and feet. 



Traveling:

If you are on the road on the holiday, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going.  Expect heavier than usual traffic, and anticipate longer stops along the way, due to more people in the service stations.  Of course, obey the speed limits and do not drink and drive. 

Independence Day is a time to celebrate the greatness of America.  It’s a time to be with family and friends and to unwind and relax.  Observing safety rules along the way will keep your family safe this fourth of July, and out of the Emergency Room. 



Brenda Zamudio is a fitness consultant and registered nurse. Email your health questions to editor@starherald.net