Fireworks or Fractures? SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS
Fireworks are as much a part of Independence Day in America as hot dogs and parades. Sparklers, bottle rockets, and firecrackers are so familiar that many people make them an integral part of their holiday rituals. You might want to think again about that, safety experts say. Nearly 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms in 2023 for fireworks-related injuries, and eight died, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. In recognition of July as National Fireworks Safety Month, here are a few common missteps that cause fireworks injuries every year. The sparklers that delight children, for example, are a leading hazard. Although many adults assume sparklers are safe, they are actually handing those tots a wire that is less than a foot long and burns at 1,500–5,000 degrees Fahrenheit — as hot as a blowtorch! Severe injuries can result if a child grabs the end of a lit sparkler, walks into it, or tries to use it like a light saber. Also, while home-fireworks fans may regard a “dud” that fails to ignite as a non-event, they are actually among the most dangerous threats of all. When amateur pyrotechnicians try to relight bottle rockets or Roman candles that fail to ignite,
they can easily be injured if the fireworks blow up belatedly. In other cases, people fail to back away quickly enough from a lit firework. If it goes off sooner than expected or simply explodes, serious injuries can result. Among injuries, harm to hands and fingers is most common, federal data show, followed by injuries to the head, face, ears, and eyes, including the cornea, retina, or the eyeball itself. Eyes are especially at risk because fireworks combine heat, chemicals, and sudden force. Most at risk of injury were teens ages 15–19, followed by children ages 5–9. A few simple safety practices can prevent you or your loved ones from injury. Light fireworks one at a time and step back. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy. If you encounter a dud, don’t try to relight it! Instead, douse it with water and let it cool off before discarding it. The safest way to enjoy dazzling fireworks displays, experts say, is simply to avoid bringing fireworks home at all. Instead, relax on your lawn or in a park and enjoy a professionally managed pyrotechnic show!
CHEESY TOMATO-BASIL STUFFED CHICKEN
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INGREDIENTS • 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved • 2–3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
• Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
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