CELEBRATE THE 4th OF JULY SAFELY

CELEBRATE THE 4^th OF JULY SAFELY
A few precautions can help protect your family this holiday
 
The Fourth of July means spending time outdoors at cookouts, parades, and fireworks shows, which means fun for everyone; however, Patient First physicians would like to remind you to take a few precautions that can help you celebrate the holiday safely.
 
Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays using these tips:

• Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF, even when it is cloudy. Reapply at least every two hours.
• Avoid uninterrupted sun exposure between 10am and 4pm whenever possible.
• Cover up when you can with long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Hats are fine, but remember baseball caps won’t protect your ears and neck from the sun.

• Sparklers cause most fireworks injuries. They burn at high temperatures, and can cause severe burns. Do not let small children handle sparklers, and dispose of burned out sparklers in a bucket of water.
• Stay away from ground based “sparkler” devices. If one does not go off as expected, douse the device with water before approaching.
• Distance is important at public fireworks displays. Do not get too close to the launch site in case something goes wrong.
• Do not pick up fireworks debris at these displays.
• Just like drinking and driving, fireworks and alcohol do not mix.