Dangers of the Fourth of July
by KYW's medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough
The July 4th holiday is a time of celebration and certainly we should pause and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this great country with all of its freedoms. But from a medical standpoint I get very concerned every year on the fourth.
The first problem is the fact that families are travelling in high numbers. Combine this with the fact that there are barbeques and all sorts of opportunities for people to drink alcohol and you realize that the roads can be extremely dangerous.
The other problem is one that comes up again and again -- the danger of fireworks. I don't know if you have noticed but fireworks are much easier to purchase these days. The problem is that many people do not take them seriously. The risks can be severe and the damage great.
Combine fireworks with alcohol and…you get the idea. Please be careful this holiday.
