RSU | Healthline

Healthline Archives | Student Health Center

July 2008

Each July 4^th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.

Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks -- devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.

To decrease your risk of injury, practice the following safety rules:

Energy drinks are all the rage among college students these days.

Most come in tall, slender cans with catchy names and promises to “ignite your mind” or “drink this and you’ll feel less sucky”.

What they don’t advertise is the caffeine content of these drinks, and the effect these amounts of caffeine can have on young adults.

Excessive caffeine, also known as caffeine intoxication, can cause:

Restlessness
Anxiety
Irritability
Muscle tremors
Sleeplessness
Headaches
Gastrointestinal problems; and
Abnormal heart rhythms

The downside of energy drinks is related to their overuse and misuse. When a student brings energy drinks to school and relies on them, instead of eating food, to supply energy for the day, it is a problem.

When an athlete believes he or she will gain a competitive edge by consuming several cans before a sporting event, it is a problem.

For those of you with children who consume energy drinks, be sure and limit your child to no more than one a day or none at all.

Cartoon of man lighting a firecracker.

Have a safe and spectacular Fourth of July!

SAFETY RULES

Before using fireworks, check with your local police or fire department to determine what is legal in your area.
Read all warnings and instructions.
Never build or experiment with homemade fireworks.
Never allow children to handle or light fireworks – including sparklers. (Sparklers burn at more than 1000ºF!)
Never hold fireworks while trying to light them.
Never relight fireworks that malfunction.
Be sure that spectators are out of range and are warned before lighting fireworks.
Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from houses, dry leaves and brush, and flammable materials.
Keep a bucket of water or water hose nearby in case of fire
If a fire starts, contact the fire department.

For more information, contact the OSDH Injury Prevention Service at (405) 271-3430, or your local county health department.

July 2008

Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.

Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks -- devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.

To decrease your risk of injury, practice the following safety rules:

Have a safe and spectacular Fourth of July!

Each July 4^th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.