Summer brings fun and lovely weather, perfect for celebrating our country’s independence! While celebrating our freedom, be sure to enjoy your free time while also staying free from injury.
There’s a lot of activities you and your family can do to celebrate the Holiday, such as hosting a backyard barbecue, baking an assortment of treats, listening to music, taking a road trip, swimming in pools and lakes, and much more! Of course, let’s not forget the main attraction, FIREWORKS!
Here are some ways to protect yourself this 4th of July:
Use earplugs/ earmuffs
Protect your hearing from fireworks or loud music.
Wear sunscreen
Reduce your risk for sunburn and wear sunscreen when you are in the sun. UV rays are the leading cause of most skin cancers, so applying sunscreen helps protect yourself from the harmful radiation of UV rays.
Bring sunglasses
Choose sunglasses with 100% UV protection on the label to protect your eyesight from the sun! You can also use it as protective eyewear if you are handling fireworks.
Secure life jackets or protective swimming gear
If you choose to celebrate the Holiday on the water, be sure to have the correct water safety supplies. Be alert while swimming or boating and be cautious of water conditions
Have access to a hose or water bucket
If a fire starts, from either a bonfire or fireworks, stay close to a water source such as a hose – or keep a water bucket on hand!
Drink lots of water and stay in the shade
Proper hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and to become overheated. Heat-related illnesses are preventable with shade and limited sun exposure. Unfortunately, being overheated is one of the most common concerns during the Fourth of July.
Get more information
Look into some of our Injury Prevention Educational Programs to aid in your protection this summer and help avoid potential injuries in the future at nghs.com/injury-prevention/
Northeast Georgia Health System wishes you a happy Independence Day! For anything unanticipated, our Urgent Care locations are open and ready to care for you. Visit ngpg.org/urgent-care to find the nearest location and shortest wait time!