Health
Fourth of July fireworks: 4 tips to help veterans and other PTSD sufferers enjoy the holiday
The Fourth of July should be a day for all Americans to celebrate our nation’s birthday.
But for some, especially America’s heroes, celebratory traditions like setting off fireworks can be mentally and emotionally grueling.
Research has shown that fireworks can trigger PTSD symptoms, as detailed in a 2020 blog post published by Penn Medicine News.
WHAT IS PTSD? SYMPTOMS THAT CAN EMERGE AFTER EXPERIENCING A TRAUMATIC EVENT
As the explosives are usually set off at night, with bright flashes and loud bangs that come at inconsistent intervals, veterans may struggle with these celebrations.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Florida family physician and former Navy Officer Dr. Christopher Scuderi offered tips for people with PTSD to prepare for the sudden, loud noises of the Fourth of July holiday.
Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks over the Empire State Building in New York City on July 4, 2023. (Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency)
Here are four.
1. Talk to neighbors
PTSD sufferers should ask their neighbors if they plan to set off fireworks so they aren’t caught off guard if it does happen, Scuderi said.
In a previous interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Tony Brooks, a combat veteran based in Everett, Washington, also recommended having this “simple human-to-human conversation.”
Speaking with neighbors about their firework plans can bring mental relief to veterans, experts say. (iStock)
He recommended that anyone planning to set off fireworks brings up the topic casually in conversation.
This step offers an opportunity for others to voice their concerns without forcing them to admit something they may wish to keep private.
FDA PANEL REJECTS MDMA-ASSISTED THERAPIES FOR PTSD DESPITE HIGH HOPES FROM VETERANS
Veterans who have issues with fireworks will most likely speak up if they’re mentioned, according to Brooks — even if the response is as simple as, “I’m not a fan of them.”
2. Gear up
For veterans who will be indoors, Scuderi recommended darkening the room, as well as using ear protection, such as foam earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, while fireworks are going off.
“Have some items around the house that can help with self-care before the holiday that will center you if you are exposed to loud noises,” he advised.
One expert suggested using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones while fireworks are going off. (iStock)
For those planning on being out in the evening, Scuderi suggested having a designated driver in case triggers occur.
3. Practice relaxation techniques
Having self-soothing methods on deck during stressful times can be helpful, according to Scuderi.
This might include deep breathing exercises to calm the nervous system or other mindfulness techniques, like mindful eating using “all of your senses (how does the food look, smell, feel),” Scuderi said.
AS 4TH OF JULY APPROACHES, HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT VETERANS, PTSD AND FIREWORKS
“Sometimes the 5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise can help with recentering,” the physician said.
“What are five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can feel, two things you can smell, and one good or grateful thing you can say about yourself?”
Practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques can come in handy during loud fireworks, an expert said. (iStock)
Scuderi also recommended practicing positive self-talk.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Just reminding yourself that you are in a safe zone can help,” he said.
“Accept your emotions and remind yourself that [fireworks] are startling for anyone, and that you are safe.”
4. Cool the body down
Especially during the hot summer months, Scuderi suggested cooling the body temperature by taking a cold shower or using an ice cube or bag of frozen vegetables on the skin.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
“[This] can help with PTSD triggers,” he said.
A vendor sells American flags to spectators waiting for the start of the Independence Day firework show at the Washington Monument on July 4, 2022, in Washington, D.C. (Nathan Howard)
Not every PTSD sufferer is the same, Brooks mentioned, as many veterans enjoy Fourth of July fireworks.
For veterans who are struggling with their symptoms, Scuderi suggested reaching out to VA resources like the PTSD Coach mobile app of VA crisis line 1-800-273-8255.
“Or talk to your family physician about options for treatment,” he added.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
Forgot your password?
Get back to the Sign In
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
An Alabama woman was bitten by a rabid fox recently as she unloaded groceries from her car, according to local reports.
The Atmore woman, whose name was not disclosed, was reportedly holding a loaf of bread when “seemingly from out of nowhere, she was attacked and bitten by a fox,” according to a news release from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).
The woman, described as “older,” received post-exposure treatment to help prevent rabies infection.
HOT SUMMER SAFETY: HOW TO KEEP YOUR PETS HEALTHY IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES THIS SEASON
The fox was taken to the Alabama Department of Public Health Bureau of Clinical Laboratories, where it was tested and confirmed positive for rabies.
Rabies is a viral disease that can be fatal if not treated before emergence of symptoms, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
An Alabama woman was recently bitten by a rabid fox (not pictured), according to local reports. (iStock)
It is typically spread to people or pets through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.
“Although rabies is primarily found in wild animals since widespread vaccination of domestic animals began over 70 years ago, it continues to be a public health threat,” said Dr. Dee W. Jones, Alabama’s public health veterinarian, in the release.
EIGHT PUPPIES ABANDONED IN SWELTERING TEXAS HEAT RESCUED BY DEPUTIES
“Although attacks such as this by rabid wildlife are rather uncommon, it highlights the risk rabies continues to pose and hopefully reminds people to be aware of the risks and continue to vaccinate their pets.”
The woman (not pictured) was unloading groceries from her car when she was bitten. (iStock)
Owners of dogs, cats and ferrets 12 weeks of age and older are legally required to keep their pets up to date on rabies vaccination in the state of Alabama.
“Vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should exposure occur; thus, vaccinations protect animals, as well as their owners and caretakers,” the release stated.
The health department also urged people to not allow pets to run loose, properly dispose of any food scraps, refrain from feeding or keeping wildlife as pets, avoid animals that are behaving strangely, and keep children away from stray or wild animals.
“Although attacks such as this by rabid wildlife are rather uncommon, it highlights the risk rabies continues to pose and hopefully reminds people to be aware of the risks and continue to vaccinate their pets,” said a veterinarian. (iStock)
Anyone who has been bitten by an animal or otherwise exposed to rabies should contact a doctor and the health department.
Approximately 60,000 Americans receive medical care following a potential rabies exposure each year, per the CDC.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Dr. Marc Siegel, a physician, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and Fox News medical contributor, spoke with Fox News Digital about post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
“Rabies treatments are reliably found in emergency rooms, as there isn’t enough demand to keep the shots in every doctor’s office or urgent care clinic,” he said.
“Treatment involves a vaccine series and rabies immunoglobulin (a medication made up of antibodies against the rabies virus),” a doctor told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“Treatment involves a vaccine series and rabies immunoglobulin (a medication made up of antibodies against the rabies virus).”
Effective preventive treatment is close to 100% successful if administered properly, Siegel said.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
“Conversely, if rabies infection takes hold, it is close to 100% fatal,” he warned.
Rabies prevention treatments can be expensive, however, Siegel noted — in Washington, D.C., the first treatment alone has reportedly cost some patients more than $15,000.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Alabama Department of Public Health for comment.
Banned
Banned
Banned
Banned
Banned
Banned
Banned
Banned
Banned
Banned
Banned
Banned
Banned
Banned
Gestational limit
Gestational limit
Gestational limit
Gestational limit
Gestational limit
Gestational limit
Gestational limit
Ban blocked
Ban blocked
Ban blocked
Legal
Legal
Legal
Legal
Legal
Legal
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
Legal with new protections
California Senate candidate Steve Garvey says he would vote for Trump 'right now'
Delta flight from Detroit to Amsterdam diverted after passengers served spoiled meal, spokesperson says
Hunter Biden sues Fox News over ‘mock trial’ miniseries
Power outage in the East Bay affecting thousands
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews help keep Zoo Miami elephants cool – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
At least 2 dead as tornadoes hit Alabama, damage homes across Southeast
Cash Dash: Trump tops Biden in fundraising battle the past three months
Hungary's Orban pushes for ceasefire deal during Kyiv visit
Robert Towne, Oscar-winning writer of 'Chinatown,' dies at 89
Dems 'coming to terms' that Biden 'not in control' following disastrous debate: former WH doc
Judge delays Trump’s sentencing in hush money case until September
-
News1 week agoA Florida family is suing NASA after a piece of space debris crashed through their home
-
Politics1 week agoBiden official says past social media posts don’t reflect ‘current views,’ vows to support admin ‘agenda’
-
World1 week agoIsrael accepts bilateral meeting with EU, but with conditions
-
World1 week agoNetanyahu says war will continue even if ceasefire deal agreed with Hamas
-
News1 week agoWoman accused of trying to drown Muslim child in Texas in possible hate crime
-
World1 week agoOver 10,000 Poles participate in Pride parade in Warsaw
-
Movie Reviews1 week agoMovie Review: “Casablanca” – A Timeless Masterpiece –
-
Politics1 week agoSupreme Court to review Tennessee ban of puberty blockers, transgender surgery for minors