From fireworks to barbecues: How to handle medical issues this Fourth of July

Independence Day is summer's ultimate day of fun and leisure.

Between firing up the grill, spending all day in the sunshine and passing sparklers around, summer is an amazing time to make memories with friends and family.

Unfortunately, among all the fun lurks some prevalent potential party crashers - namely burns, foodborne illnesses, minor cuts and sprains, and dehydration.

According to the Urgent Care Association of America, knowing what to do and where to go to treat a mishap can allow everyone to enjoy the wonderful celebrations of summer with peace of mind.

"Fun in the sun can inevitably lead to a number of common health issues. Consumers need to be aware of the most efficient, convenient and cost-effective ways to get minor medical problems treated," said Dr. Robert Kimball, president of UCAOA.

Burns

Firing up the grill or catching some rays is summer in a nutshell - and also comes with risks of burns.

The first step is determining the severity of the burn. A first-degree burn only affects the top layer of skin, and some swelling and redness may occur. These burns can generally be treated at home with a cold compress.

Second-and third-degree burns, however, require professional medical treatment.

"With a second-degree burn, the burn is moist and painful with blistering and swelling that usually lasts for at least 48-72 hours. Also, the skin around the burn turns white when pressed, then turning back to red," said Dr. Kimball.

"Immediately following this type of burn, submerge the area in cool water, then loosely wrap in sterile gauze," he added.

To avoid infection, seek professional medical care as soon as possible.

Third-degree burns may be caused by steam, hot oil, grease, chemicals, electrical currents and hot liquids.

Depending on the size and severity, many of these burns can be treated at an urgent care center. However, some may need to be treated at an emergency room - especially electrical or chemical burns.

Barbecue illness

"Foodborne illness can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea," said Dr. Kimball. "It is caused by eating food that contains bacteria, viruses or parasites - an unfortunately common side-effect of cooking and serving spoil-prone foods outdoors."

If you have the above symptoms, continue to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, eat small meals and avoid soda. If you have severe belly pain, cannot eat or drink, or have blood in your vomit or bowel movements, seek medical help.

Dehydration, which often accompanies foodborne illnesses, also can be the result of too much exertion in the hot sun or extreme heat, combined with not drinking enough fluids. Symptoms include swollen tongue, dry mouth, weakness and dizziness, and heart palpitations.

"While mild dehydration can be resolved by rest and fluids, visit an urgent care center if you have a fever over 100° Fahrenheit, severe diarrhea, unexplained weight loss or weakness," said Dr. Kimball. "This could be a form of heat exhaustion, or even a prelude to heat stroke - which has more serious symptoms and needs to be treated at the ER."

Bruises, sprains

Whether it's a whiffle ball game, a belly flop into the pool or a tumble on the deck, many of the Fourth of July's most fun physical activities come with an inherent risk of minor injuries.

Sprains, cuts, bruises, contusions and even minor broken bones can be treated at an urgent care center since they are non-life-threatening, said Dr. Kimball.

To find an urgent care center, visit www.whereisurgentcare.com.