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According Dr. Emyll Chynn, of the American Council on Science and Health, Americans spend 100 million dollars a year treating firework-related injuries. Over 10,000 people seek emergency room treatment and approximately a dozen people died from fireworks-related injuries.  Half of these injuries occur during the 4th of July weekend. Fireworks-related injuries often involve the eyes (33% of ER cases). Of those cases, 33% of ocular fireworks injuries result in a permanently blind eye, acccording to U.S. Eye Injury Registry Data. Since children make up approximately 50% of these injuries, that means that 75 children lose an eye each 4th of July weekend.

Many of these injuries are easily preventable by utilizing just a few common sense measures recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

1. Always have adult supervision
2. Wear protective eyewear
3. Do not light fireworks with matches, use a "punk" (a specially designed lighting stick)
4. Have a bucket of water ready.
5. Follow manufacturers' directions and dispose of used fireworks properly
6. Never give a firecracker or sparkler to a child
7. Never use a bottle rocket.
8. Do not light firecrackers bigger than your pinkie, do not light them indoors, and avoid relighting duds.
9. Never put fireworks in your pocket, throw them while lit, or make homemade firecrackers.
10. In case of eye injury, do not touch the eye.  Tape a clean paper cup over the eye to prevent contamination or further injury.  Immediately seek medical attention.

Following these 10 easy steps will help you to stay Fit for Life in July!