CELEBRATE THE 4th OF JULY SAFELY
The Fourth of July means parades, cookouts and fireworks. This means fun for everyone, but a few precautions will help you safely celebrate the holiday.
Family cookouts are a Fourth of July tradition. Keep everyone safe when you fire up the grill. Remember these precautions:
- Keep children and pets away. Establish a 3-foot “Kid-Free Zone” around your grill.
- Use your grill outdoors only. Keep it away from your home, as well as any deck furniture or overhanging branches that might catch fire.
- Remove grease or fat from the grill tray so it does not flame up.
- Never leave the grill unattended.
- Grilling and drinking alcohol do not mix.
As you head outdoors for Fourth of July parades and parties, protect your family from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Patient First physicians have these suggestions to save your skin:
- Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF, even when it is cloudy. Apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before going outside.
- Wide-brimmed hats help shade your neck and face, but do not offer complete protection. Use sunscreen on these sensitive skin areas.
- Wear light-weight sun-protective clothing. Long sleeves and long pants help protect skin.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.
Fourth of July fireworks are spectacular. However, they can cause injuries. Here are 5 tips for fireworks safety:
· 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.
All Patient First medical centers are open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. on the Fourth of July and every day of the year. Patient First physicians are available to talk about injury prevention and treatment, either in-person or via Zoom. Please contact Brooke Waller at (571)340-2907 or email [email protected] for interviews.
About Patient First
Patient First provides non-appointment urgent care for routine injuries and illnesses, primary care for patients who do not have a regular physician, and Telehealth- allowing patients to visit with a provider directly through their smartphone, tablet, or computer. Each Patient First center has on-site digital x-ray, on-site laboratory, and on-site prescription drugs. Patient First currently operates medical centers in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Media Contact: Brooke Waller
(703) 652-1572 (Office)
(571) 340-1594 (Mobile)
