Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- The Fourth of July typically means food, fireworks, family, and fun, but it can also mean ending up in the emergency room if you don’t take the proper precautions.
Emergency room physicians say they see an increase in patients in the summer from several common conditions when more people are outside, but by planning ahead you can stay healthy.
Here are few tips:
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water or sipping on sports drinks with electrolytes.
- Foodborne illness is another culprit, so wash your hands often when preparing your meals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says food should be refrigerated within two hours or one hour if it’s above 90 degrees out.
- And finally, overheating from too much sun is a real threat, so be sure you have light, loose fitting clothing on and wear wide-rim hats that protect the head and shade the face. And don’t forget the sunscreen.
