Prevent injuries by handling fireworks with care

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Balaji Shankar

Fireworks are a traditional part of America’s celebration of Independence Day on July 4. Although legal consumer fireworks that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations can be relatively safe, all fireworks are hazardous and can cause injury. In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks-related injuries. Of these injuries 56 percent were injuries to extremities while 36 percent were to the head.

“Be sure to read and follow directions on fireworks labels to understand what they do,” said State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson. “Serious injuries caused by handling fireworks include loss of vision, amputation of fingers, and even death.”

Who gets hurt?
• Those most frequently injured by fireworks are children between the ages of 5 and 14 years old.
• Males accounted for three-fourths (70 percent) of fireworks injuries.
• In 2007, sparklers, fountains and novelties alone accounted for 36 percent of emergency-room fireworks injuries.

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Heat Can Be Deadly: Take Precautions

Alabama’s summer climate with its extreme temperatures and high humidity can lead to heat-related illnesses and deaths if not treated. Heat-related illnesses occur when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The Alabama Department of Public Health cautions everyone to be alert to the warnings that may signal help is needed.

Heat stroke, sometimes called sunstroke, is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Warning signs of heat stroke vary, but include the following:

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Joost Nelissen

An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F)
Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
Rapid, strong pulse
Throbbing headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Unconsciousness

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H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
latest update from CDC, June 14, 4:30 PM CDT

A Pandemic Is Declared
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.

More than 70 countries are now reporting cases of human infection with novel H1N1 flu. This number has been increasing over the past few weeks, but many of the cases reportedly had links to travel or were localized outbreaks without community spread. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world.

WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.

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Visit http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ for more information.

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