Four For The Fourth: Experts Offer Ways To Make Independence Day Safer
Kansas State UniversityFrom food to fireworks, Kansas State University experts suggest four ways to make this Fourth of July safer for the whole family.
From food to fireworks, Kansas State University experts suggest four ways to make this Fourth of July safer for the whole family.
Think twice before you pick up that box of sparklers at the grocery store "“ and don't even give the Roman Candles or firecrackers a second look. "They are neither safe nor sane," said Dr. Bruce Cairns, medical director of the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Hospitals, echoing the motto of the National Fire Protection Agency.
It's possible to celebrate the Fourth of July -- and fireworks -- safely. A fire and emergency management expert shares ways to enjoy the flash and not get burned.
Many Americans believe that July 4, 1776, the day that the Declaration of Independence was adopted, was glorious and celebratory, yet the history of that day tells a different story. Central Michigan University history professor Tim Hall is available to comment on the often-misunderstood history of the holiday.
Summer is the peak season for lightning, the deadliest storm weather except for floods. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there are an average of about 50 people struck and killed by lightning each year in the United States.
Orthopaedic surgeons offer tips to minimize golf-related injuries.
An ER doctor with The Methodist Hospital in Houston answers questions about how to stay out of the emergency room this summer.
Do you remember the carefree days of summer and running barefoot with the feel of the cool green grass between your toes? Keeping the lawn nice and trimmed is not the backbreaking chore it used to be, thanks to riding and traditional mowers. Lawn mowers can be dangerous. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) advises people to exercise extreme caution when operating these tools.
Scientists in Wisconsin have discovered an ingredient that prevents the formation of ice crystals that can spoil the smooth, silky texture of ice cream and other frozen foods. The substance, which acts like an antifreeze, is non-toxic and doesn't change the taste of foods, the researchers say.
Flip flops, pedicures, running barefoot...all these are synonymous with summer, but they could be doing more harm than good for your feet. Tracey Vlahovic, D.P.M., dispels 10 common myths about feet to keep them - and you - safe and healthy this summer.
The summer brings many thunderstorms to the U.S. and Javad Parvizi, M.D., Ph.D., one of the nation's leading joint specialists from the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, says we should believe people who say they can forecast them with their aching joints. He explains the science behind wet weather's affects on the joints of millions and provides information for pain relief.
As beach season gets underway, many people bring their workout regiment with them to the shore. And that means running along the beach, in the sand. It is commonly thought that soft sand better cushions the joints, making running on the beach more beneficial. However, Michael Ciccotti, M.D., chief of Sports Medicine at the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and head team physician to the Philadelphia Phillies, warns why beach runners should beware.
Although movie sequels don't always do as well at the box office as the original, they tend to do much better than non-sequels, according to a new study in the July Journal of Business Research. And timing is everything "“ the shorter the period between releases, the better.
Registered dietitians at UT Southwestern Medical Center say that a better and cheaper way to lose weight is to follow a plan designed specifically for you by a registered dietitian.
Grandiose displays of fireworks, parades, and concerts are hallmarks of celebrating the Fourth of July. According to James Heintze, American University librarian emeritus and author of The Fourth of July Encyclopedia (McFarland, 2007), little has changed since 1776 in terms of how we celebrate America's birthday.
High school students at the world's only hands-on Explosives Camp are learning how to blow stuff up just in time for the Fourth of July.
Belize is an unforgettable mix of tropical waterfalls, limestone caves and ancient Mayan ruins, making it one of the most popular destinations for ecotourists. Faculty and students from UMass Amherst are working with the government of Belize to limit the environmental damage to these natural wonders caused by ecotourism.
As sand lovers gear-up for summer fun, beach volleyball gold medalist Misty May-Treanor and Powder Pouch, LLC are teaming-up to offer tips that will help ensure beach goers are prepared for their trip to the shore. More than 100 million people are visitors at beaches along our nation's coastlines each year where they will realize a wide range of health and beauty benefits!
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute physicians and nurses are encouraging people when they are outside, whether they are spending a day at the beach or a few hours working in their yard, to be aware of the dangers of overexposure to the sun and to practice sun safety.
Summer, though a joyous time can be filled with perils. However, there is no need to stay indoors. It just takes a little preparation to get the most out of long summer days while protecting your health.
Researchers have found several plants, including blue flag iris, that can reduce the amount of common pesticides used on gold courses in soils. Using these plants as a "living filter" on the edge of golf greens will help protect waterways from the impact of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.
The dehydration that summer frequently brings combined with swilling too much ice tea increases your risk of kidney stones, says James Cummings, M.D., professor of urology at Saint Louis University.
Nutrition and dietetics expert offers tips for avoiding dreaded vacation weight gain.
Antiperspirant is an easy way to end your bug bite woes.
Ants aren't the worst danger lurking in your picnic basket. Get tips for packing a healthy picnic and avoiding common food safety issues.
Allergy shots offer a preventative option for severe allergic reactions to bee stings.
From July 4th fireworks to driving, Loyola trauma chief cautions that summer is the deadliest time of the year for teens.
Whether your summer vacation plans involve staying close to home or crossing the globe, you'll want to put as much thought into protecting your health while traveling as you do choosing your destination. A new report, Healthy Travel: A 10-Minute Consult from Harvard Medical School, provides the information you need for a safe and healthy trip, including this list of important health-related items to take along.
Through his award-winning blog, "Dangerously Irrelevant," (http://www.dangerouslyirrelevant.org/), Iowa State University professor Scott McLeod asked K-12 educators to suggest ways that parents could use technology to facilitate active learning for their kids this summer. He then compiled a list of the top 10 ideas.
Kids can "Go Global" this summer with a selection of great books to read from Maryland Education Assistant Professor Jennifer Turner.
It's not always easy for dads to develop a strong relationship with their children. Social worker John Dietrich with The Menninger Clinic in Houston offers five tips to help dads strengthen their relationship with their kids.
As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, individuals and families across the U.S. are planning their holiday trips and summer vacations. Central Michigan University economist Philip Thompson is available to comment on how skyrocketing gas prices will affect holiday travel and vacation plans throughout the country this summer.
About six million children in the United States attend summer camp each year and 24 percent of children ages 6 to 12 attend summer day-care programs. For parents this could raise concerns regarding the mental health of their children.
National Wildlife Federation's Great American Backyard Campout is scheduled for June 28. Great way to kick off the summer and introduce your family to some outdoor fun while connecting with nature.
The risk of the two major prostate diseases, cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can be reduced by changes in lifestyle, such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a normal weight and eating a healthy diet. Alan Kristal, Dr.P.H., associate head of the Cancer Prevention Program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, has conducted many studies that suggest men need not feel helpless against prostate cancer or BPH.
With all the information available out there, it's becoming harder than ever for a young athlete to filter truth from myth, and detangle the good from the bad and the ugly, say experts from the Johns Hopkins Children's Center.During May, Physical Fitness and Sports Month, they want to stress the importance of good sports nutrition and, as the hot weather approaches, the dangers of dehydration.
All too often, childhood memories of reading revolve around mothers. But children "“ and the entire family "“ benefit from dad's involvement in their education. The National Center for Family Literacy offers several easy and effectives ways for fathers to take a more active role.
Summer is here and the kids are out of school. While summer is the perfect time for fun and games, it's important to keep safe, too. Shepherd Center, a catastrophic care hospital in Atlanta, specializes in the medical treatment and rehabilitation of people with spinal cord and brain injuries. Shepherd Center also focuses on education to prevent these types of injuries.
With hurricane season about to begin, those living in high-risk areas should heed the lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina: think Home Depot, not Homeland Security.
The United States is bracing for what predictions say will be a "well-above-average" hurricane season. Texas Tech University has a number of wind scientists with extensive experience researching hurricanes such as Rita and Katrina and can speak as experts about various aspects of these devastating storms.
With some college and university tuition, room and board costing as much as $40K each year, one would think a generous portion of that would be earmarked toward campus safety. Unfortunately, according to a recent article in Smart Money, that is not the case: colleges tend to allocate only about 1.5% of their budget for security.
Osteoporosis is traditionally thought of as a women's disease, however, it also poses a significant threat to men. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, twelve million men are at risk of the disease, yet, despite the large number of men affected, osteoporosis remains under-diagnosed and under-reported.
Interview availability with the executive director of the Center for Summer Learning at The Johns Hopkins University, about tips for parents to avoid "summer slide" and what to look for in a quality summer program.
Tulane University experts are available to speak on a variety of topics related to safety and summer.
NewYork-Presbyterian offers backyard barbecue safety tips.
The dangers of urban air pollution are of special concern to those who exercise by running, bicycling or skating. These individuals, while trying to help their bodies through exercise, should take care that they do not harm themselves through exposure to air pollution.
Sunglasses are not just a fashion statement; their lenses block harmful UV rays that, in severe cases, can cause permanent damage to the eyes in the form of cataracts, pterygium and possibly retinal degeneration.
As the temperature rises and the risk for heat stroke increases, people should be aware of how their bodies are handling the heat. Minimizing the stress of heat on your body by staying hydrated and spending more time in an air-conditioned environment will keep you cool and healthy throughout the summer months.
NewYork-Presbyterian Dietitian offers summer slimming guidelines.
NewYork-Presbyterian physicians recommend R.I.C.E. and other advice for enjoying outdoor activity.