Friday, July 04, 2008

Health Tips for July 4

Health Tip: Safe Activities for Kids on the Fourth

A Fourth of July party for kids can include a number of fun and safe activities, according to Prevent Blindness America. These include:

* Letting little ones make decorations with crepe paper, construction paper, stickers and glue.
* Planning food-making activities like patriotic pizzas and desserts.
* Getting the kids to decorate T-shirts or hats with paint and decals that glow in the dark. By the time nightfall rolls around, their new night-bright clothes will be dry and ready to model.
* Replacing sparklers with glow sticks, glow necklaces or novelty flashlights.
* If you live in the right areas of the country, you can enlist kids' help in catching nature's alternative to fireworks -- a jarful of fireflies.

Health Tip: Protect Your Pets From Fireworks

Safe family fun on the Fourth of July means remembering the safety of pets, too, especially when it comes to noisy fireworks displays.

* Don't leave pets alone outdoors, even if tethered or in a fenced yard.
* Remove sharp objects from enclosures.
* Turn on the radio or TV for distraction.
* Don't take pets to fireworks shows.
* Don't leave pets unattended in cars.
* If pets must be outside, keep them on a leash or in carriers.
* Protect pets from children who are using fireworks.
* Use sedation on horses and some dogs if necessary; your veterinarian can advise you about giving a pet a mild sedative or tranquilizer to calm fears of an extremely stressed animal.
* Pick up leftover sparklers and other sharp objects after the festivities.

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