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Backyard grilling safety during the holiday weekend

As Americans observe safe July 4th traditions, Virginia Tech food safety expert Joell Eifert has advice for those grilling at backyard cookouts.  Even as we move into period of post-pandemic recovery, it remains important to practice good handwashing before preparing, handling and cooking food.

“Food safety begins with proper hand cleaning — including outdoor settings,” said Eifert. “Before you begin setting out your picnic feast, make sure hands and surfaces are clean.  If you are outside and don’t have access to running water, simply use a water jug, some soap, and paper towels.  Or, consider using moist disposable towelettes for cleaning your hands.”

Read more from food safety expert Joell Eifert

Traveling with pets on the 4th of July 

Hitting the road with the family dog or cat should always include extra planning.  Be sure to consider holiday foods that might be unhealthy for pets.  Summer heat and travel can always be dangerous, not to mention fireworks. Dr. Mark D. Freeman is an assistant professor of community practice in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech.

“Every year near the 4th of July, we see a significant increase in the number of traumatic injuries to dogs, specifically related to the fear response associated with fireworks.  Dogs have jumped through glass windows and off decks and balconies, chewed through doors and walls, and many get hit by cars when they panic and run away from the noise.”

Avoiding the ER while enjoying outdoor activities

For lots of folks, hiking, biking and tubing or swimming are the highlights of a fun and safe July 4th weekend.  A little common sense and the right preparation go a long way, according to Stephanie Lareau who is an emergency medicine physician at Carilion Clinic in Roanoke and associate professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

“Over the holiday weekend, heat-related illnesses are preventable. It’s especially important to wear cool, breathable clothing and use adequate sun protection. Avoid exercising during the hottest hours of the day. Early symptoms can include lightheadedness, cramps, headache or nausea” said Lareau.  “Stop the physical activity and move to a cooler place.  Heat stroke, which is diagnosed by confusion or change in mental status, is a potentially deadly consequence of ignoring warning signs of heat related illness."

Water sports are very popular on hot days. Whether you spend time boating on a lake, floating down a river, Lareau suggests, "If you choose to recreate on the water make sure you wear a personal floatation device. Alcohol use is a significant risk factor for drowning." She notes, "If you have children around water make sure one adult is focused on watching them and isn't distracted by other tasks"

Seafood prices are on the rise as demand continues to grow, says research expert

Plans to include crab cakes, lobster rolls, or other seafood favorites on your 4th of July party menu? You might think again as U.S. retail prices and demand for seafood are on the rise, according to Virginia Tech research scientist Fernando Goncalves at the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

“The seafood industry has been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, including labor availability to the seafood industry, loss of opportunities in sales for restaurants, seasonality of species, changes in consumption habits, preferences, and market channels,” says Goncalves. 

According to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), the entity that regulates and controls commercial fisheries production and shellfish aquaculture, Virginia seafood production has dropped almost 90%, but the dockside value, in dollar figures, dropped around 43% compared to 2019.

Jonathan van Senten, from the Seafood Economic Analysis and Marketing Research program, explains that seafood prices are up largely in response to increased production costs and supply chain challenges.

“In some cases this is a function of supply and demand,” says van Senten. “For example, where seasonal fisheries had reduced landings and now we have restaurants reopening and the demand for seafood picking up again.”

Public health expert offers safety advice for July 4th celebrations this year

Before heading out this year to celebrate Independence Day with family and friends at barbeques, parades, and firework shows, Virginia Tech public health expert and epidemiologist Laura Hungerford says it’s important that your plans include public health safety measures.

“The 4th of July is a great time to get get together, since so many activities take place outside,” says Hungerford. “Hopefully, everyone on your invite list who is 12 or older has already been vaccinated. This protects them both from getting really sick and also from spreading it to others.” 

When it comes to attending large public outdoor events like parades and firework shows, Hungerford says the more people who you are close to at an event and sharing your airspace, the higher the risk that you will be exposed to someone who is spreading the virus.

“The safest choice is to wear a mask if you are unsure of the health of those around you. The sooner you are vaccinated, the more summer activities you can enjoy while keeping yourself and those you love safe.”

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