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The most common firework injuries involve the fingers and hands, but may also include the face, head, ears, arms and legs. Many people injure their eyes from fireworks. They may burn or scratch the eye, or could even go blind if a firework ruptures the eyeball or harms the retina.

Firecrackers are the worst offenders, accounting for 25 percent of all fireworks injuries. Sparklers can also cause serious harm because they burn up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, or 10 times hotter than boiling water, while people are holding them.

The best way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professional show in your area. But, if you decide to use fireworks at home, here are some tips:

*  Do not handle or buy illegal fireworks.

*  Follow local laws and ordinances that say when and where fireworks can be used.

*  Don’t drink alcohol before or while using fireworks.

* Use fireworks outdoors in a cleared area, away from buildings and vehicles.

*  Don’t use fireworks if there has been a drought or low rain in your area. Local governments often ban fireworks when this happens to reduce risk of fires.

*  Don’t try to relight a “dud” firework. Leave it alone for at least 20 minutes, then put it in a bucket of water.

*  Keep a bucket of water and a working water hose nearby when using fireworks.

*  Don’t put fireworks in your pocket.

*  Don’t shoot fireworks into metal or glass containers.

*  Wet down any used fireworks and place in a metal trash can. Keep them away from materials that could be combustible or flammable.

*  Do not let children handle any fireworks, including sparklers.

*  Wear safety glasses when lighting or using fireworks.

*  Light only one firework at a time.

*  Once the firework is lit, quickly move a safe distance away from it.

*  Seek emergency care for injuries caused by fireworks.

*  Don’t have pets around fireworks or bring them to a fireworks show. Fireworks can cause fear and extreme anxiety in pets.

*  If possible, keep your pet in a safe interior room of the house during fireworks shows.

*  Make sure your pet has a microchip and/or ID tag on their collar. Many pets run away because of fear during fireworks shows.

*  Use ear plugs if you will be close to fireworks, especially for children. Loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss.

Sources: Consumer Product Safety Commission, American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Council on Fireworks Safety

Having more choices is generally considered a good thing, until you actually have to choose that one cell phone, one prescription drug plan, or one car model from among a dozen or so options. Economists call that problem choice overload, and the frustration it causes can lead to poor decisions.

To help people make better choices when confronted by a large number of options, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology studied two decision-making strategies that break down the options into smaller groups that can be evaluated more effectively. Like the Final Four basketball elimination, the best technique goes like this when you have to choose from many options:

*  Divide the options into piles of 4.

*  Choose the best option from each pile.

*  Put the winners from the first round into a new finalist pile.

*  Choose the best option from winners of the earlier 4 selections.

Chilly weather can be hard on feet. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons offers 5 tips to healthy feet.

1.If the shoe fits, wear it-Narrow shoes, overly-high heels or shoes that aren’t worn very often, such as dress shoes, can irritate feet and lead to blisters, calluses, swelling, and even severe ankle injuries. Choose a shoe that has a low heel and fits your foot in length, width, and depth while you are standing.

2.Don’t overindulge– Did you know your feet can feel the effects if you eat too much of certain foods and beverages high in purines. Shellfish, red meat, red wine, and beer can trigger extremely painful gout attacks, a condition when uric acid builds up and crystallizes in and around your joints. Uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes (so gout can start in the big toe, which is the coldest part of the body).

3.Be pedicure-safety conscious-Nail salons can be a breeding ground for bacteria. To reduce your risk of infection, choose a salon that follows proper sanitation practices and is licensed by the state. Consider also purchasing your own pedicure instruments to bring to your appointment.

4.Watch for ice and snow-Use caution when traveling outdoors. Watch for ice or snow patches along your trail. The ankle joint can be more prone to serious injury from falling on ice. If you fall, use R.I.C.E. therapy (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) to help reduce the pain and control swelling around the injury until you see a doctor.

5.“Listen” to your feet-Inspect your feet regularly for any sign of ingrown toenails, bruising, swelling, blisters, dry skin, or calluses, especially if you have diabetes.

Just like the average coach airplane seat is uncomfortable for most people, office chairs and desks may not fit you either. Arrange your laptop, computer, and tablet so they fit you, urges Dr. Erik Peper, professor at San Francisco State University’s Institute for Holistic Health Studies. Don’t let an incorrectly adjusted chair or table height force you to work in an awkward body position.

For working at a computer:Sit in a chair with your feet on the floor. Keep your elbows bent at 90 degrees with your hands, wrists, and forearms straight, in line, and roughly parallel to the floor so that your hands can be on the keyboard while the top of the monitor is level with your eyebrow.

For working with a laptop:You will always compromise body position. If the screen is at eye level, you have to bring your arms and hands up to the keyboard, or, more commonly, you will look down at the screen while at the same time raising your hands to reach the keyboard. The solution is to use an external keyboard so that the keyboard can be at your waist position and the laptop screen eye level.

For working with tablets and smartphones.You have little choice. You either look down or reach up to touch the screen. As much as possible tilt and raise the tablet so that you do not have to slouch to see the screen.