Skip to content

Cancer Survivor Awareness Month: Honoring Survivors, Highlighting Challenges, and Spreading Hope

Search

Latest Stories

Giving as Medicine for the Soul

According to Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew, giving is about more than just money—it’s about offering your time, your talent, or whatever is meaningful to you.

Akarawut Lohacharoenvanich
Research

Giving as Medicine for the Soul

A woman in a sleeveless green dress stands at a clear podium, speaking into a handheld microphone. She has long, dark hair and wears a pink ribbon pin, symbolizing breast cancer awareness. A projection screen behind her shows a live feed of her speech.

Breast cancer survivor Karla Mingo shares her journey to inspire women and emphasize the life-saving importance of early detection.

Health Awareness Month Calendar

From Pain to Passion: Karla Mingo’s Journey Inspires During Cancer Survivors Month

A smiling young woman with braided hair, wearing a light-colored blazer and watch, holding a grey coffee mug with both hands. She is sitting in a modern, well-lit office space with green plants in the background.
Black women deserve to practice self-care, even while navigating the demands of the workplace.
istock - PeopleImages
Women

From Burnout to Balance: Why Black Women Must Prioritize Self-Care at Work

Editorial

Fireworks, Hot Dogs, and No Trips to the ER: Your Ultimate 4th of July Safety Guide

Fireworks, Hot Dogs, and No Trips to the ER: Your Ultimate 4th of July Safety Guide
Photo by Anthony Roberts on Unsplash
Beth Frutkin
By Beth FrutkinJul 01, 2024
Beth Frutkin
Founder and driving force behind Divine Health, Beth combines her expertise in marketing and technology to make health information accessible, engaging, and impactful. Her passion for health education stems from personal experiences and a desire to bridge the gap between science and everyday wellness, ensuring readers have the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Through Divine Health, she curates and shares valuable insights on nutrition, fitness, mental health, medical advancements, and emerging health trends.
See Full Bio

The 4th of July is a day of celebration, patriotism, and fun-filled activities, from barbecues and parades to fireworks and outdoor adventures. However, it's also a day that comes with potential risks. Following safety guidelines can ensure a memorable and safe holiday for everyone. Here are some essential safety tips for celebrating the 4th of July.

1. Fireworks Safety

Fireworks are a quintessential part of 4th of July celebrations, but they can be dangerous if not handled properly. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), thousands of people are injured each year in fireworks-related incidents, with burns and injuries to the hands and face being the most common .

Tips:

  • Leave it to the Professionals: Attend public fireworks displays conducted by trained professionals rather than using consumer fireworks.
  • Follow Local Laws: Be aware of and follow all local laws regarding fireworks.
  • Keep a Safe Distance: If using fireworks at home, keep them away from people, houses, and flammable materials. Light them one at a time, and never relight a dud.
  • Supervise Children: Ensure that children do not handle fireworks and maintain close supervision at all times.

2. Grilling Safety

Barbecues are a staple of 4th of July festivities, but grilling can pose risks if safety precautions are not followed. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that July is the peak month for grill fires .

Tips:

  • Check Your Grill: Before using the grill, check for gas leaks and ensure it is clean and in good working order.
  • Grill Outdoors: Always grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Keep the grill away from the house, deck railings, and overhanging branches.
  • Supervise the Grill: Never leave the grill unattended while in use. Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
  • Use Proper Tools: Use long-handled tools to avoid burns, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.

3. Water Safety

Many people spend the 4th of July at pools, lakes, or the beach. Water activities can be fun but also dangerous without proper precautions. The American Red Cross emphasizes the importance of water safety to prevent drowning and other injuries .

Tips:

  • Swim in Designated Areas: Only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
  • Watch Children Closely: Never leave children unattended near water. Ensure they wear appropriate flotation devices.
  • Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol while swimming or supervising children in the water.
  • Know Your Limits: Be aware of your swimming abilities and avoid venturing too far from shore.

4. Sun and Heat Protection

Spending time outdoors on the 4th of July means exposure to the sun and heat, which can lead to sunburn, dehydration, and heat-related illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide guidelines for protecting yourself from the sun and heat .

Tips:

  • Apply Sunscreen: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
  • Seek Shade: Take breaks in the shade to cool down and protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
  • Wear Protective Clothing: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes.

By following these safety tips, you can ensure a fun and safe 4th of July celebration. Whether you’re enjoying fireworks, grilling, swimming, or simply spending time outdoors, taking precautions can help prevent accidents and injuries, allowing you to fully enjoy the holiday.

References

  1. National Safety Council. (2021). Fireworks Safety. Retrieved from NSC.org.
  2. National Fire Protection Association. (2020). Grill Fires. Retrieved from NFPA.org.
  3. American Red Cross. (2019). Water Safety Tips. Retrieved from RedCross.org.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Sun Safety. Retrieved from CDC.gov.

Recent

Empowering Minority Women Through Genetic Testing: Bridging Gaps in Awareness and Access
Women

Empowering Minority Women Through Genetic Testing: Bridging Gaps in Awareness and Access

Cancer Survivor Awareness Month: Honoring Survivors, Highlighting Challenges, and Spreading Hope
Health Resources

Cancer Survivor Awareness Month: Honoring Survivors, Highlighting Challenges, and Spreading Hope

Cord Blood Awareness Month: What It Is and Why It Matters
Health Topics

Cord Blood Awareness Month: What It Is and Why It Matters

Oncoplastic Surgery Is Redefining Wholeness for Black Breast Cancer Survivors
Women

Oncoplastic Surgery Is Redefining Wholeness for Black Breast Cancer Survivors

More Stories

A smiling young woman with braided hair, wearing a light-colored blazer and watch, holding a grey coffee mug with both hands. She is sitting in a modern, well-lit office space with green plants in the background.
Black women deserve to practice self-care, even while navigating the demands of the workplace.
istock - PeopleImages

From Burnout to Balance: Why Black Women Must Prioritize Self-Care at Work

By the time Alexis walks into the office, she’s already exhausted. She was up before dawn making sure her kids had what they needed for school, checking in on her aging mother, and answering a few work emails before she even stepped out the door. At work, she’s the go-to problem solver, the reliable one, the woman who “somehow does it all.” But beneath her polished exterior, she carries the weight of unspoken expectations, microaggressions, and the constant pressure to prove herself. The stress lingers in her tight shoulders, her pounding headaches, and the emotional eating she turns to late at night when the world is finally quiet. Like so many Black women in the workplace, Alexis is running on empty—because somewhere along the way, she learned that taking care of herself came last.

As Black women, we've inherited a complex relationship with self-care. From being celebrated as the "strong Black woman" to carrying the weight of our families and communities, taking care of ourselves often falls last on our endless to-do lists. As someone who gained and lost over 700 pounds before finding freedom from stress eating, emotional overeating, and yoyo dieting, I understand this struggle intimately.

Keep ReadingShow less
keep reading
Oncoplastic Surgery Is Redefining Wholeness for Black Breast Cancer Survivors

Ronda Henry-Tillman, M.D., a surgical oncologist specializing in breast cancer, is dedicated to ensuring that all women have access to the best possible options for their breast surgery.

Oncoplastic Surgery Is Redefining Wholeness for Black Breast Cancer Survivors

For many breast cancer patients, surviving the disease is just one part of the journey. The path forward often includes physical healing, emotional restoration, and reclaiming one’s sense of self. That’s where oncoplastic surgery is changing the landscape—offering women not only life-saving procedures but also renewed confidence and dignity.

This innovative approach blends oncology (cancer surgery) with plastic and reconstructive techniques, allowing surgeons to remove tumors while reshaping the breast for a more natural appearance. The result? A holistic healing process that honors both survival and self-image.

Keep ReadingShow less
keep reading
Health Is Wealth: The Hidden Cost of a Toxic Food Supply

Columnist Michelle Pettes encourages us to prioritize our overall health and well-being.

iStock / David Prado

Health Is Wealth: The Hidden Cost of a Toxic Food Supply

“A person who has their health has a thousand dreams. A person who is unhealthy has but one.”

Health is the foundation upon which all dreams are built. Without it, aspirations fade, replaced by the singular desire to regain what has been lost. Nowhere is this more relevant than in the African American community, where systemic barriers, economic disadvantages, and a toxic food supply fuel a crisis of diet-related diseases that shackle generations to illness and dependency.

Keep ReadingShow less
keep reading
Concierge Medicine: Personalized Healthcare at a Premium Price

Dr. Chrisette Dharma, Medical Director of Southwest Family Medicine Associates (SFMA), believes her practice strikes an affordable balance between concierge care and traditional medicine.

Concierge Medicine: Personalized Healthcare at a Premium Price

In today’s fast-paced healthcare system, many patients feel like just another number—rushed through appointments, waiting weeks for follow-ups, and struggling to establish a meaningful relationship with their doctor. This frustration has led many physicians, including Dr. Jill Waggoner, to turn to concierge medicine, a patient-centered approach that prioritizes time, accessibility, and personalized care.

“I had been in family practice for 25 years, managing between 6,000 to 8,000 patients,” said Dr. Waggoner. “That’s too many people. After doing that for so long, I wanted to spend more time with my patients and provide a different kind of care.”

Keep ReadingShow less
keep reading
Silent Surge: As Diseases Spread, CDC Quiet on Public Warnings
Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Silent Surge: As Diseases Spread, CDC Quiet on Public Warnings

In recent months, a concerning pattern has emerged in the U.S. public health landscape: while infectious diseases are quietly on the rise, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been notably more restrained in its public communications compared to earlier in the COVID-19 pandemic. From respiratory illnesses to measles outbreaks, the spread of disease is increasing—but without the loud, consistent messaging that once guided public behavior and preparedness.

This shift raises questions about public risk, trust in institutions, and the evolving role of the CDC in post-pandemic America.

Keep ReadingShow less
keep reading
×