7 Tips for a Healthy Fourth of July

Simple steps to stay safe while celebrating Independence Day.



quicklist: 1 category: Tips for a Healthy Fourth title: Bring Some Earplugs url: text: And no, we're not talking about using them to tune out cousin Barry. A new report from Loyola University Health System finds that the sounds of summer—such as fireworks and marching bands—can actually damage your hearing.



quicklist: 2 category: Tips for a Healthy Fourth title: Swim in Clear Water url: text: Whether you're planning on making a splash at the beach, pool, or even lake, a good rule of thumb is to only dip into clear, good-smelling water.


How Healthy Is Your Beach?

quicklist: 3 category: Tips for a Healthy Fourth title: Practice Safe Eating url: text: Keep from throwing your diet to the (hot) dogs with our 10 perfect-portion plate ideas that show you cookout combos for 400 calories or less.


quicklist: 4 category: Tips for a Healthy Fourth title: SPF in Advance url: text: Applying your sunscreen a few days in advance—a couple times a day—means you can significantly improve your skin's protection from harmful rays. Just be sure not to buy into some of the more sketchy label claims with our Sunscreen Decoded Guide.

quicklist: 5 category: Tips for a Healthy Fourth title: Follow the Heat and Humidity Rule url: text: To keep from dehydrating, implement the 70/70 rule: When the temperature and humidity are both above 70, you enter the dehydration danger zone, says cradiologist Arthur Agatston, MD.


quicklist: 6 category: Tips for a Healthy Fourth title: Alternate Your Alcohol url: text: You'll probably have a cocktail or two, and the safest way to consume them is to: (a) make sure you have plenty of food in your stomach, and (b) alternate each cocktail with a non-acoholic beverage, like water or decaf soda to help stave off alcohol-induced dehydration.

quicklist: 6 category: Tips for a Healthy Fourth title: Protect Your Pet url: text: If you're bringing Fido along, remember to apply pet sunblock every 3 to 4 hours to their least hair-covered spots, and use pet-friendly insect repellants. Find more ways to protect your pets with our Summer Pet Safety Tips.