Health Briefs TV Relays Cautions for July Fourth

Never use sparklers in the house or home

The upcoming July Fourth holiday in the United States is a time of celebration, family picnics, firework shows, and injuries. Health Briefs TV relays cautions for the Independence holiday.

As Americans being to prep and prepare homes, lawns, and food for the holiday weekend, there are important health and safety reminders to consider:

Lawns and the outdoors

• Carefully trim trees, bushes and shrubs. Be aware of power and cable lines hidden in thick tree branches. Wear sturdy, enclosed shoes and long sleeves to prevent slips from ladders and scratches on arms.
• Be sure swimming pools have secure gates and fences to prevent small children from possibly drowning.
• Clean outdoor furniture with water only.
• Wear swim goggles when enjoying public pools and in oceans, lakes and other bodies of water to prevent eye infections.
• Use plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat when spending a lot of time in the sun. Reapply often and don’t forget to protect the ears, nose and mouth.
• Use sparklers and snappers cautiously. Avoid letting small children use them. Snappers can pop under someone’s legs and cause burns. Sparklers crackle and pop scaring animals and kids. Stand away from other people when using them. Fireworks sold to consumers cause more burns to hands, arms and faces than anywhere else, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Homes and food

• Refrigerate all food well in advance of picnics and barbeques. Use sealed containers to prevent spills and contamination from air.
• Clean up counters and tables when done using them immediately so pets and toddlers don’t ingest food with bones, chocolate or anything which might cause an allergic reaction.
• Keep alcoholic drinks away from surfaces that kids can reach.
• Pack plenty of beach towels, bug spray and sunscreen for everyone.
• Keep everyone hydrated with a supply of cold water and fruit juices. Flavor it naturally with berries, oranges, lemons, limes and mint.

The Health Briefs TV show wishes readers a safe and healthy Fourth of July.

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