Monthly Archives: July 2025

Tips to Celebrate the Fourth of July Safely

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As many of us prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, it is important to be mindful of ways to stay safe this holiday, to protect ourselves and our loved ones.  

Here are some tips to help you celebrate July 4th safely: 

  • When it comes to fireworks, the safest way to enjoy them is to attend a public fireworks show that is put on by professionals. Many states outlaw most fireworks, so you may want to consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers, and/or silly string instead. If you are allowed to set fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps: 
  • Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials. 
  • Always follow the instructions on the packaging 
  • Keep water close by 
  • Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection 
  • Light only one firework at a time and never relight a “dud”, which is a firework that doesn’t work after being lit 
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place that is away from children and pets 
  • Never use fireworks around pets. Keep them indoors. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared, or disoriented. 
  • Summer heat can be unbearable and very dangerous. If there are extremely high temperatures where you are celebrating, it is important to ensure everyone’s safety by doing the following: 
  • Postpone or limit outdoor activities. If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and avoid the hottest part of the day. Never leave children or pets in a vehicle alone. 
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks. Check that animals also have access to fresh water and shade. 
  • Spend time indoors in an air-conditioned place. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public place that has one. Check on loved ones and neighbors who may be at risk and don’t have air conditioning.  
  • It is important to know what to do in case of emergencies, as they can happen no matter where you may be. Taking a first aid class and being trained in first aid gives you the ability to respond when minutes matter. Having the knowledge of what to do in specific emergencies and helping care for people as you wait for medical professionals to arrive gives that person the best chance for a positive outcome. No matter the emergency, being trained in first aid can be a lifesaving tool. 

It is important to be well prepared for any emergencies that may arise. If you or a loved one is experiencing an emergency, please call 911 immediately.  

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All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Cardiovascular Disease in Women

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Cardiovascular disease can be deadly for anyone. However, women face unique risks, largely due to differences in anatomy and hormones. They are more likely to have other heart attack symptoms and have a higher chance of developing symptoms from heart failure.  

Over 60 million women (44%) in the United States are living with some form of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the United States and can affect them at any age.  

There are three types of heart disease. They include: 

  • Coronary artery disease is the most common heart disease, caused by plaque in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and other parts of the body. After menopause, women are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease because of hormonal changes.  
  • Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart beats too slowly, too fast, or irregularly. A common example is atrial fibrillation.  
  • Heart failure happens when the heart is too weak to pump enough blood to support other organs in the body. This condition is serious, but it doesn’t mean the heart has stopped beating. 

Although some women have no symptoms, other women may experience: 

  • Angina is usually felt as a dull or heavy chest discomfort or ache 
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, or throat 
  • Pain in the upper abdomen or back 

These symptoms may happen when you are resting or active. Women may also have other symptoms, including: 

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Tiredness that won’t go away of feels excessive 

In some women, the first signs and symptoms if heart disease can be: 

  • A heart attack 
  • Palpitations 

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. The amount of damage to the heart muscle depends on the artery and the treatment.  

The warning signs of a heart attack include: 

  • Chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or doesn’t go away and returns 
  • Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, and stomach 
  • Shortness of breath 

Other signs can include: 

  • Breaking out in a cold sweat 
  • Nausea 
  • A rapid or irregular heartbeat 
  • Unusual tiredness 
  • Lightheadedness 

Medical treatment for a heart attack is based on the type of heart attack and where the blockage in the coronary artery is.  

A complete blockage of the artery of the heart is a STEMI or ST-elevation myocardial infarction. A partial blockage is an NSTEMI heart attack or a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The different ways to restore blood flow to the affected heart muscle during a heart attack include: 

  • Clot-dissolving medications 
  • Balloon angioplasty and stenting 
  • Surgery 

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911 right away. If you are experiencing heart attack symptoms, you can schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Cardiology Department by calling (718) 206-1700.  

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All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.