Health and safety tips as the Fourth of July approaches

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- With the Fourth of July just a few short days away, healthcare professionals are reminding us of some safety tips to enjoy the holiday.

A few general tips include wearing sunscreen, avoiding direct sunlight, taking frequent breaks from the heat and drinking water before you are thirsty.

In terms of fireworks, doctors tell us to keep them out of reach of children, make sure to use them in an open area and do not hold them in your hand.

Kinzie Everard with Norton Children’s Hospital Prevention and Wellness says, “From a safety standpoint, we would like to leave the firework displays to the professionals. Attending a public firework display is much safer than trying to do one at your own home because fireworks can be very unpredictable.

Doctors recommend giving your children glowsticks rather than sparklers to avoid burns. Another thing to keep in mind if you are around a pool or body of water is to maintain supervision of children at all times.

Everard adds, “Make sure someone is designated to be the water watcher, and if that person has to step away for a minute, make sure they identify somebody else to take their place. So that way, you are ensuring that somebody is keeping an eye on the kids.”

And while you keep an eye on them, make sure they are playing a good distance away from any grills or other hot equipment. And to avoid the risk of food poisoning, make sure to put food away after serving.