Keeping fireworks fun
Fireworks have been part of Fourth of July festivities every year except during World War II, when fireworks were canceled due to blackouts, according to "The Fourth of July Encyclopedia."
Fireworks warnings are also part and parcel of the holiday, but often go unheeded.
"Fireworks injuries cost millions of dollars every year, but the most heartbreaking cost ... is the human cost in suffering," says Dr. Brian Keaton, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. "We can never replace a finger, a hand or an eye, and burns leave scars that last a lifetime."
Keaton advises all to enjoy the Fourth of July at public fireworks displays, because it is best left to the professionals.
Dr. Jeffrey Gruen, of Revolution Health, agrees fireworks should be left to the pros. "As a father of three kids, I can tell you the last place you want to spend your holiday is in an emergency room!" However, if some insist on doing fireworks, he advises:
-- In case of an eye injury, don't rub the eye. Don't apply ointment. Don't give aspirin or ibuprofen. Instead, place a protective patch over the eye and go immediately to an emergency room, even if there is no pain.
-- Never give fireworks to children of any age. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees F. Don't let children handle firework fragments -- they have been known to explode.
-- Use fireworks outside only, wearing gloves and eye-wear, and with buckets of water handy.
Grills a fire danger
Barbecues are part of the Fourth of July, but safety can never take a holiday, especially if there are children about, a burn expert advises.
"Parental supervision is essential during a barbecue," says Dr. Roger Yurt, director of the Hearst Burn Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York.
Yurt advises keeping all children away from the grill. He also recommends taking the following steps when grilling:
-- If using a propane gas grill, inspect the tank and hoses for leaks, dents, cracks or corrosion. Always light the match before turning on the propane.
-- If using a charcoal grill, use water to make sure that coals are extinguished and be careful never to dispose of briquettes that are still hot.
-- Be alert to possible fire hazards near the grill -- long sleeves, loose clothing or structures like a patio covers. Keep the grill away from house walls -- siding can melt.
Sobering facts about alcohol
America's favorite beer-buying time is the Fourth of July, according to IRI InfoScan data.
The Independence Day holiday period is the top occasion for sales and servings of beer in the United States, ahead of Memorial Day, Labor Day and Super Bowl Sunday.
Before the beer starts to flow it's a good idea to recognize what alcohol portion sizes are, recommends Julia Chester, an assistant professor of psychological sciences at
Purdue University.
"There is a lack of knowledge about standard drink sizes and that leads to consuming too many calories and experiencing alcohol's harmful effects," Chester says.
The standard drink size is 12 ounces for beer, 5 ounces for wine and 1.5 ounces of 80 proof alcohol, however, the health conscious may also find the following research findings sobering:
-- Binge drinking, or exceeding the number of recommended drinks in a short period of time can damage the brain and liver.
-- Intoxication and the post-ingestive effects of alcohol disrupt people's ability to regulate calorie intake.
-- People do not regulate calories well when they are in liquid form -- this holds true for all beverages including soft drinks, coffees and sport drinks.
Fireworks can cause Fido to flee, and bite
Fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations can be frightening for pets, but a veterinarian from Purdue University's School of Veterinary Medicine says there are ways to avoid reactions that can cause injury to themselves or others.
"Owners need to use common sense when letting their pet join in the festivities," says Lorriane Corriveau. "Some dogs love to chase those spinning and swirling objects on the ground. Others are traumatized by loud noises."
Corriveau advises to never leave pets alone outdoors, even if tethered or in a fenced yard -- dogs, especially, may escape and become lost, injure themselves or bite someone. Small pets should be sheltered indoors and horses in their stalls.
To help lower the noise stress on pets during fireworks Corriveau says to:
-- Make sure all sharp objects are removed from enclosures and turn on the radio or TV for the pet for distraction.
-- Do not take a pet to fireworks shows, leave a pet in a car unattended and keep I.D. tags current if a pet does run away.
-- Protect animals from children who may not realize that waving sparklers or setting off "safe" firecrackers could upset a pet. Sedate horses and some dogs if needed.
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