“Regular physical activity benefits health in many ways, including helping build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints; helping control weight and reduce fat; and preventing or delaying the development of high blood pressure (GAO, 2012). Exercise is one of the least expensive ways to stay healthy, with one study finding that exercise can prevent chronic diseases as effectively as medication (British Journal of Medicine, 2013). A comprehensive study and analysis of existing research found that leisure-time physical activity is associated with reduced risk of 13 different types of cancer, including breast, colon, liver and myeloid leukemia (National Institutes of Health, 2016).”

aspenprojectplay.org/youth-sports-facts/projects/benefits

“Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes excessive fear of certain situations. Some people may even resist leaving home. With medication, cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes, patients can overcome the disorder and participate in things they enjoy. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the better the treatments will work.”

Cleveland Clinic

The rays that come from the sun radiate heat can damage skin and eyes.  UV-A rays has lower energy, it penetrates deep into the eye and may injure the macula, the part of the retina, responsible for sight in the center field of vision.  UV damage is also cumulative and has been linked to eye problems later in life including tumors, cataracts and macular degeneration, an eye disease which currently has no cure.  UV-B radiation is presumably more dangerous and is mainly absorbed by the cornea and lens of the eye and can damage those tissues. Both ultraviolet-A (UV-A) and UV-B induce cataract formation and are not necessary for sight. Photokeratitis, or corneal sunburn, is a result of intense exposure to UV-B.

Chicago Eye Institute

“Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage DNA in your skin cells and cause skin cancer.  In the UK almost 9 in 10 cases of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds.  Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer, compared to never being burnt.”

Cancer Research UK

“Summer has arrived and while the sun is shining bright it’s a golden time to highlight July as UV Safety Awareness Month! We all love to take in those warm summer rays, but everyone must remember to protect their skin and eyes from the damaging effects of the sun. The sun emits radiation known as UV-A and UV-B rays.”.

Veterans Administration (VA.gov)

“That’s right, kids get arthritis. It is a common misconception that only “old” people are afflicted with arthritis. Nearly 300,000 children in America have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis. The Arthritis National Research Foundation funds arthritis research to find a cure for arthritis, and this includes trying to find a cure for the hundreds of thousands of children suffering each year with this debilitating disease. ”

Arthritis National Research Foundation ANRF The Arthritis National Research Foundation

For the continuation of the 4th of July Celebration, for those off in this celebraton  ENJOY celebrating this day safely!

“Every year there are over 16,000 fires caused by fireworks in the weeks leading up to and right after the Forth of July holiday. There are also thousands of people burned including some of who use the use of eyes, hands, or limbs.  Sparklers alone account for 1/4 of the emergency room firework injuries. ”

National Fire Protection Association

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate with friends and family the vast opportunities our country has given us. While we reach the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Independence Day traditions and celebrations are a go, but that may not be the case everywhere. Be sure to check your local restrictions before hosting barbeques. If your state is fully opened and you plan to attend an event, be vigilant about your safety and that of your belongings. Here are a few other tips to help you get through the festivities.

WAYS TO STAY SAFE ON THE FOURTH OF JULY

1. Stay cool and hydrated especially in areas very hot!

July is one of the hottest times of the year and it’s easy to fall victim to sun or heat stroke. Stay cool by being a shade-seeker: bringing an umbrella with you, wearing a hat, or staying under the covered portion of a porch or patio. It’s equally as important to wear sunscreen as well as light and loose clothing.

Finally, don’t forget the water. Many times, we get caught up in festive food and drink options and forget to add in water. Aim for eight cups or more per day, depending on how hot it is outside or how much sweet or salty food you are consuming.

2. Consider the safety of your food

The heat not only has an impact on you but your food as well.  Having a BBQ and thinking of throwing all the meat on one platter outside awaiting the grill? Think again. Keep raw meat and seafood cold until it’s ready to be cooked. Once it’s ready, keep it hot until it’s consumed, then put in the fridge once everyone is done, meaning, don’t let it sit out. Contaminated food or items that have sat out too long can lead to food poisoning of some sickness, like infection.

3. Be mindful at events

Summer and celebrations mean concerts, BBQs, and state or county fairs. But it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t leave your food, bag, or belongings unattended, and if the event is happening at night, be sure to stick with a friend. Fireworks are prime for theft as they are loud with those watching focused on the show.

4. Prevent eye injury

Prevent Blindness Texas has declared June 28th through July 4th as Fireworks Safety Awareness Week. Fireworks can damage your eyes, too. Contusions and lacerations are the most frequent injuries to eyes, which include foreign bodies in the eye.

If you do encounter an eye emergency, follow these steps to save your sight.

In the event of an eye emergency:

1. Do not rub the eye. Rubbing the eye may increase bleeding or make the injury worse.
2. Do not attempt to rinse out the eye. This can be even more damaging than rubbing.
3. Do not apply pressure to the eye itself. Holding or taping a foam cup or the bottom of a juice carton to the eye are just two tips. Protecting the eye from further contact with any item, including your hand, is the goal.
4. Do not stop for medicine! Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve pain. Aspirin (should never be given to children) and Ibuprofen can thin the blood and increase bleeding. Go to the emergency room at once – this is more important than stopping for a pain reliever.
5. Do not apply ointment. Ointment, which may not be sterile, makes the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine.

Overall, the best way to prevent eye or other injuries is to not play with fireworks and do not let your child play with fireworks, even if their friends are.

“This week is Fireworks Safety Week. Whether you are staying at home or going to a big celebration, leave the fireworks to the professionals to ensure a fun and safe Fourth of July for the whole family! Fireworks injure thousands of people every year, and some injuries result in death. Be safe and smart this summer and don’t play with fireworks.

Home fireworks, like sparklers, bottle rockets, and firecrackers were responsible for 2,100 hospital visits, and fireworks in general were responsible for 7,300 hospital visits in the year 2019. Burns are the most common injuries, with burns to the fingers, hands, arms and legs, but eye injuries also occur.”

NBC5W-Dallas Fort Worth