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Fireworks are fun to watch, exciting to hear, and a wonderful way to mark a special occasion. Most people have fond memories of watching a dizzying display of starburst fireworks light up the night sky. Others, unfortunately, may recall a trip to the hospital emergency room because of a fireworks-related injury.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 9,600 people are treated annually for injuries caused by fireworks. More than 45 percent of injuries are to the hand or finger, and 17 percent to the eye. One-fourth of fireworks accident victims are children under the age of 15, and men account for slightly more than two-thirds of fireworks injuries.

The safest way to watch fireworks is at a professional show, not by setting off fireworks at home. When viewing a fireworks display, respect the safety barriers and select a safe viewing distance of at least 500 feet away. If you know someone who is planning a fireworks show of their own, you may want to share these safety tips:

  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area.
  • Children should not be allowed to play with fireworks.
  • Watch children closely when setting off fireworks.
  • Keep an extinguisher, hose, or bucket of water nearby.
  • Do not light fireworks inside or near dry vegetation.
  • Do not pick up a firework that has not gone off. Do not try to relight it. Douse it with water and dispose of it.
  • Read the directions on fireworks before setting them off.
  • Stand several feet away from lit fireworks.
  • Do not light more than one firework at a time.
  • Do not wear loose-fitting clothing when lighting fireworks.

To learn more about fireworks safety, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/FireworksSafety.

Photo credit: Photodisc/Thinkstock

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

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Some things just seem to go together, like peanut butter and jelly, pencil and paper, and night and day. Other things don’t go hand in hand nearly as well, like oil and vinegar, cats and water, and a square peg and a round hole. Another pair that doesn’t mix is medications and sun.

Some medications, from common antibiotics to heart medicines, can increase sensitivity to the sun that may cause the skin to burn in less time and at a reduced level of exposure to the sun than normal. This drug-induced sensitivity to the sun is called photosensitivity. There are two basic types of photosensitivity reactions — phototoxicity and photoallergy. 

Phototoxic reactions usually appear within 24 hours of exposure and look like an exaggerated sunburn. Skin damage can range from mild redness to swelling and blisters. This type of reaction is limited to areas exposed to the sun and usually disappears after the drug is discontinued. In a photoallergic reaction, an eczema-type rash may develop a few days after exposure that could spread to parts of the body that were not in the sun.

Examples of phototoxic drugs include certain antibiotics, antihistamines, malaria medications, cancer chemotherapy and cardiac drugs, diuretics, diabetic medicines, painkillers, skin and acne medications, and psychiatric drugs. Common photoallergic drugs include some sunscreens, anti-microbials, painkillers, cancer chemotherapy drugs and fragrances.

The most important step in treatment is discontinuing the drug, if possible, that is causing the photosensitivity. Usual sunburn prevention measures also may help, such as avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen. Topical steroid creams could be used to help alleviate redness and antihistamines can minimize itching.

For more suggestions about managing medications, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/ManageMedications.

Photo credit: iStock/Thinkstock


Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

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Gentlemen (and ladies): Fire up your grills! Whether you are a seasoned veteran of many cook-outs or just learning how to barbecue like a pro, here are a few tips to help you keep your meals lean and healthy so family members and friends will come back for more.

Don’t be afraid to marinade.
Marinating meats not only adds great flavor, but also can help reduce the formation of heterocyclic amines, substances that could potentially increase the risk of cancer.

Smaller is better.
Portioning meat into smaller cubes or slices can speed up cook time so they have less chance of charring.

Get the temperature right.
The ideal temperatures are 165 degrees for ground poultry, 160 degrees for ground red meats and fresh pork, and 145 degrees for red meat steaks or chops.

Turn down the heat.
Keep the heat down with a low flame to reduce the chances of burning or charring.

Take it off.
Remove any visible fat on meat to reduce flare-ups. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, another potential cancer-causing substance, come from smoke that forms when fat drips from meat onto the grill. 

Don’t always think meat.
Vegetables are great grilled, especially onions, corn on the cob, eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms and asparagus, as well as apples, pears, peaches and bananas. 

Save time and pre-cook.
Reduce the amount of time on the grill by partially cooking meat in the microwave. Be sure to put the partially cooked meat straight onto the grill to finish cooking. 

Keep it clean.
Scrub the grill with a brush before and after grilling.

It’s not just what you grill, but how you grill it that can help make foods healthy, flavorful and safe. For more healthy grilling tips, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/HealthyGrilling.

Photo credit: Stockbyte/Thinkstock

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com