Back to home July 2012
Lee Physician Group - Convenient Care
Use Caution When Planning Summer Holiday Celebrations
Sparklers, bottle rockets and firecrackers are main players in Independence Day
holiday celebrations, but the party can turn dangerous if people do not use caution
when handling these explosives.
Common injuries include:
- Burns, especially on hands
- Lacerations and fractures
- Eye injuries
- Head injuries, often from falling debris
- Ear trauma
- Lung injuries from smoke inhalation
- Falls, sprains, cuts, bruises and heat exhaustion from being outside
“Planning is the key to a safe holiday—bring sunscreen, plenty of fluids, make sure you have a shady area if outdoors, avoid areas where individuals are using fireworks,” says Paul Fortier, M.D., a Convenient Care physician “Keep all foods well-chilled right up until serving or cooking and don’t eat anything that has been left out in the heat.”
Dr. Fortier recommends attending a professional fireworks display and choosing activities that do not have a high level of danger as a way to enjoy summer holidays.
“Beaches, swimming, fishing, kayaking, nature trails, hiking, biking, camping, sports, equestrian activities, academic and technical pursuits, shopping, visiting historic sites and theme parks are good options,” he says. “Some of these require some safety rules, but all can be done safely.”
Patients who find themselves with an injury such as a severe sunburn or sprain can find treatment at Convenient Care locations in Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Both locations are open July 4 and on most holiday weekends throughout the year.
“When a patient comes in, injured or ill, during a holiday, we provide the best care possible,” Dr. Fortier says. “My goal for my patients is to quickly help them with the medical problem they came in for, make them feel as comfortable as possible, and give them excellent medical care. I also make sure follow-up is in place and give education about the problem, including prevention. The goal is to not only fix the present problem, but avoid future problems.”
Dr. Fortier recommends attending a professional fireworks display and choosing activities that do not have a high level of danger as a way to enjoy summer holidays.
Paul Fortier, M.D.
Convenient Care
Lee Physician Group
Page Field
4771 S. Cleveland Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33907
239-343-9800
Pine Island Road
1682 NE Pine Island Road
Cape Coral, FL 33909
239-424-1655