In 2007, approximately 6,400 Americans spent part of their Fourth of July holiday in the emergency room due to firework-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Despite warnings to consumers about the dangers of fireworks, the number of injuries every year has remained relatively steady. And unfortunately, the long-term effects of these injuries can be severe.

• During the day, let the kids decorate t-shirts or hats with paint and glow-in-the-dark decals.  Their creations will be ready by the time the sun goes down.
• Create your own noisemakers by using bicycle horns, whistles, bells, cymbals, or pots and pans.
• Glo-sticks, glo-ropes, and glo-jewelry can safely light the night for kids.

More than 350 people have now fallen ill in a Salmonella outbreak linked to certain types of tomatoes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 383 people in 30 states have been infected with Salmonella Saintpaul, a rare strain of the bacteria.

Tim Russert, a television journalist and political talk show host of "Meet the Press," died of a heart attack after collapsing at NBC's Washington bureau last Friday at the age of 58. Russert had been managing his coronary artery disease through diet, medication, and exercise.

• Don't smoke or use tobacco products.
• Get active.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get regular health screenings.

Men's Health Week is celebrated each year during the week leading up to and including Father's Day. The purpose of Men's Health Week is to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

An outbreak of salmonella food poisoning linked to uncooked tomatoes was reported this week in Texas, New Mexico, and possibly seven other states. At least 17 people in Texas and New Mexico have been hospitalized and 40 cases have been reported. An investigation by Texas and New Mexico health authorities and the Indian Health Service linked those cases to uncooked large tomatoes.

Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria species called Salmonella. Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized. In some patients, Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other organs and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness (CDC).

Although massage has many health benefits, massage therapy may be potentially hazardous for people with certain health conditions. For the average, healthy individual, massage can help increase blood flow to the muscles, increase healing, and speed healing time. Massage is good for relaxing the entire body, which lowers blood pressure, lowers heart rate, and decreases stress. There are more than 80 types of massage therapy dating back thousands of years.

In addition to the above conditions, if you have one or more of the following health issues, consult your health care provider before getting a massage:

• Damaged blood vessels
• Burns or open wounds on the area to be massaged
• A bleeding disorder or taking blood-thinning drugs
• Recent heart attack or heart problems
• Rheumatoid arthritis in the area to be massaged
• Deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the legs)
• Weakened bones from osteoporosis or a recent fracture
• Fever
• Pregnancy
• Fragile skin, as from diabetes or a healing scar
• Damage to bones or muscles that could be manipulated out of place, like a slipped disc
• Rashes, such as eczema, poison ivy, or other skin allergy

With summer grilling season upon us, you may want to consider how “well-done” you like your poultry, meat, and fish. Research has shown that cooking certain meats at high temperatures creates chemicals that are not present in uncooked meats. A few of these chemicals may increase cancer risk, such as heterocyclic amines (HCAs). HCAs are carcinogenic chemicals formed from the cooking of animal muscle such as beef, pork, poultry, and fish.

Temperature is the most important factor in the formation of HCAs. Methods such as frying, broiling, and barbecuing produce the largest amounts of HCAs because the meats are cooked at very high temperatures. One study conducted by researchers from NCI's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics found a link between individuals with stomach cancer and the consumption of cooked meats:

The researchers assessed the diets and cooking habits of 176 people diagnosed with stomach cancer and 503 people without cancer. The researchers found that those who ate their beef medium-well or well-done had more than three times the risk of stomach cancer than those who ate their beef rare or medium-rare. They also found that people who ate beef four or more times a week had more than twice the risk of stomach cancer than those consuming beef less frequently.

Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years regarding how much you water you should consume. Is it eight, 8-ounce glasses a day? This eight, 8-ounce recommendation is being looked at again by many experts. Some experts say this recommendation was created simply because it was easy for people to remember. Healia would like to help you better understand these recommendations and let you in on one important piece of news – fluids other than water count!

A good rule of thumb for moderately active women in temperate climates is that they need a total fluid equivalent of about nine 8-ounce glasses of fluids a day; moderately active men need thirteen 8-ounce glasses. Ideally, you want half of your fluids to be from water consumption. Many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon and tomatoes, are 90 percent to 100 percent water by weight. Beverages such as milk and juice also are composed mostly of water. Beer, wine, and caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, or soda can contribute, but these should not be a major portion of daily total fluid intake.

United States Senator Edward M. Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor today. The tumor was discovered by doctors after the 76-year old senator was hospitalized Saturday upon having a seizure at his home in Massachusetts. Sen. Kennedy has malignant glioma in the left parietal lobe, a region of the brain that helps govern sensation, movement, and language.

The sun is shining in Seattle today. Yes, finally. And as we take our walks and bask on our balconies during lunch break, we must remember to be cautious of potential sun hazards, such as UV radiation; as even a brief 15 minutes of sunshine can result in unwanted sunburn for some people.

The following are some tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation about sun protection. If you have questions about sun protection or skin cancer, make sure to Ask an Expert on Healia Communities.

• Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher whenever you spend time outdoors.
• Cover up. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Seek the shade.
• Never seek a tan.
• Protect your children and teach them sun safety at an early age.

sun protection skin cancer UV radiation