Happy Independence Day! The Fourth of July is a holiday usually packed with fun gatherings and events. Americans from coast to coast typically celebrate our nation’s birthday with picnics, parties, road trips, and fireworks. Here are some tips and advice from HealthcareNOW Radio to make sure you are staying safe and healthy while still celebrating and enjoying Independence Day.
How to Have a Safe 4th of July
The American Red Cross offers safety tips you can follow on Firework Safety, Picnic Safety, Water/Water Park Safety and Beach Safety. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. At picnics, wash your hands before preparing the food and if you are going to cook on a grill, always supervise the grill when in use. Children and adults should learn to swim so they at least achieve the skills of water competency. Provide close and constant attention to children you are supervising in or near water and always swim in a lifeguarded area.
Say Yes to Sun Protection
Planning to spend time at the beach or pool this weekend? Remember to protect your skin! According to the CDC, most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Protection from UV rays is important all year. The UV Index forecasts the strength of UV rays each day. If the UV index is 3 or higher in your area, protect your skin from too much exposure to the sun. Read this overview to protect yourself this holiday weekend.
Make Safety a Priority
The National Safety Council urges everyone to make safety a Priority this 4th of July.
The NSC also advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. They may be legal but they are not safe.Also check out their tips on summer safety, boating safety, surviving hot weather, insect safety, and bike safety.
Summer Playlist
Looking for a new podcast? Taking a trip this summer? Doing any holiday traveling? Or just sitting on the beach or pool side relaxing? We have selected popular episodes from our network’s radio and podcast shows for this special summer playlist.
Make Healthy Food Choices
Going to a picnic or a barbecue? Here are some tips to keep your health on track:
Tip #1: Always eat breakfast! It’s the best way to start your morning. Think of that first meal as fueling your body and giving you energy for the rest of your day.
Tip #2: Eat every two to three hours. Good snacking between your meals will ensure you aren’t starving when you sit down to a meal. Feeling starving can lead to some not so healthy food choices!
Tip #3: Drink water all day. Before every meal, every snack and even in between!
Are you hosting the picnic or need to bring a dish? Check out these Tips for a Healthy Summer Picnic from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Check out this video from Wooster Community Hospital Health System:
HealthcareNOW Radio wishes you a happy, healthy and safe 4th of July!
