The Friday Five - Have a Happy, Healthy Fourth!

Independence Day is right around the corner but don’t worry, we have you covered. The fourth of July is a holiday packed with fun gatherings and events. Americans from coast to coast celebrate our nation’s birthday with picnics, parties, road trips and fireworks. This week’s Friday Five offers tips and advice to help you have a happy, healthy and safe July 4th celebration!

Fireworks – Celebrate Safely
The stars of the show on the fourth of July are always the fireworks. While it is best to leave it to the experts to create a safe and delightful display, many are tempted to try their hand at setting off a few loud crackers. If you are so inclined the first thing to do is check out the laws in your state. Once you know what is legal review these safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety and let the show begin!

Stay safe this Independence Day!#KSDOL #4thofJuly #IndependenceDay2018 #fireworksafety pic.twitter.com/LkYd5nvN9L

— Kansas Dept of Labor (@KansasDOL) June 28, 2018

Don’t Become a Statistic
While Emergency Rooms across the country will likely see an uptick in fireworks related injuries, sadly these admissions won’t be their only concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 40 percent of all highway deaths between 2007 and 2011 were caused by drunk driving over the Fourth of July weekend. If statistics don’t rattle you check out this friendly reminder from Esurance (@esurance) about rate increases due to receiving a DUI.

Keep Mosquitoes at Bay
Dusk is prime feeding time for sharks and mosquitoes alike. Since you are much less likely to be eaten by a shark than a mosquito lets focus on defense against those buzzing little buggers. Thankfully, Consumer Reports interviewed experts who explain how to keep mosquitoes away from you and out of your yard.

Get rid of #mosquitoes with these #tips! https://t.co/4pxutXtD9v

— ABC Pest NorthTX+OKC (@abcpestandlawn) June 28, 2018

Health(ier) Party Food
As with all of our holidays in the US, the fourth of July seems to have become focused a great deal on the food we eat for the holiday. Most of the time the appetizers, desserts and main dishes are packed with unhealthy ingredients and mountains of calories, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The internet is full of healthier options for all of the courses on your menu. These options from Greatist even include calorie friendly adult beverages.

#July4th will be here soon! Get some healthy #party ideas – http://t.co/bYg7OtAw0L #Pinterest #HealthyLifestyle pic.twitter.com/IjdGeQChpp

— Leann Forst, MBA CHC CEOC (@LeannForst) June 9, 2015

Grilling Safety
No doubt at some point over the Fourth of July holiday you may indulge in a freshly grilled burger or hot dog. The National Fire Protection Association (@nfpa) offers some tips and reminders to properly use your grill safely to prevent fires.

Planning a BBQ to celebrate the 4th of July? Keep your grill out in the open, away from the house, deck, branches, or anything that could catch fire. For more tips, visit: https://t.co/yHW2itQeY7 #grillingsafety #july4th #independenceday #RedCrossReady #grillmasters pic.twitter.com/BXCQLKTqEb

— Red Cr_ss NCR (@RedCrossNCR) June 28, 2018