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Friday, July 4, 2025AfiSectionindianapolisrecorder.comSteps to Help Prevent Burn Injuries from Grilling, Fireworks The summer season and the Independence Day holiday bring together traditions of family, fireworks and backyard grilling. The Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health urges everyone to avoid lighting their own fireworks, and to be extra careful while grilling. %u201cAlthough it is very easy to get wrapped up in the holiday season, it is crucial to be alert of one%u2019s safety,%u201d said Leigh Spera, M.D., medical director of the Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health. %u201cEvery year, we see serious injuries from fireworks. These injuries have increased throughout the years, and we encourage avoidance of lighting your own fireworks.%u201d Dr. Spera said that injuries occur most often to the hands, face and eyes. She said that many times those injuries occur from lighting devices while holding them or carelessly playing with them, even if they are considered minor, like sparklers. Fireworks malfunctions are also to blame for numerous injuries each year, with 43% of selected and tested fireworks found to contain illegal components that could lead to severe injuries. Instead of lighting your own fireworks, Dr. Spera recommends attending one of the many professional fireworks displays scheduled. Those who opt for lighting fireworks at home should follow these safety precautions:%u2022Never allow children to light or play with fireworks.%u2022Never use fireworks while intoxicated.%u2022Only buy fireworks meant for consumers, not professional displays.%u2022Avoid wearing loose clothing that could catch fire.%u2022Light fireworks one at a time, then move away quickly.%u2022Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, or garden hose nearby in case of fire.%u2022Never try to relight a burned out %u2013 or %u201cdud%u201d %u2013 firework. Soak it in water and throw it away.%u2022Never take fireworks apart or modify them in any way. Just like fireworks, cooking on the grill is a source of potential burn injuries. To make grilling a safe experience for everyone, please follow these guidelines:%u2022Propane and charcoal grills should only be used outdoors.%u2022Grills should be located well away from the home and anything flammable.%u2022Keep children and pets away from the grilling area.%u2022Keep grills clean by removing grease or fat buildup.%u2022Never leave the grill unattended.%u201cIf you are burned, remove all clothing and jewelry from the burned area and apply cool (not cold) water to stop the burning process,%u201d said Dr. Spera. %u201cCover the area with a dry, loose bandage or sheet. Immediately seek medical attention and call 911.%u201d The Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center at Eskenazi Health is recognized as one of the finest burn centers in the country and is the only verified adult burn center in Indiana. For more information on burn prevention, please call the center%u2019s hotline at 1-866-339-BURN (2876).By HANNA RAUWORTHhannar@indyrecorder.comUterine fibroids, non-cancerous tumors arising from the smooth muscle of the uterus, affect up to 80% of Black women by age 50, often with more severe symptoms and earlier onset than other groups. These growths may be as small as a grape or large enough to cause swelling, pressure and serious health complications.%u201cBlack women often encounter unique challenges, including delayed diagnosis, underrecognition of their symptoms and significant barriers to accessing high-quality care,%u201d said Dr.%u00a0Adeoti Efundademu Oshinowo, board certified Gynecologist at Eskenazi Health. %u201cThe stigma surrounding menstruation and deeply rooted systemic health care disparities certainly contribute to these issues.%u201dWhat are fibroids & who gets them?Fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are benign muscle tumors. They%u2019re most common in women aged 30%u201350. Risk factors include family history, obesity and African ancestry, with Black women facing a 3-9 times higher risk than white women.Symptoms to watch forHeavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (%u201cflooding%u201d or clot passage)Pelvic pain, pressure, bloatingFrequent urination or constipationFatigue from associated anemiaPain during sexPossible fertility issues or miscarriage in some casesBut many women are taught to carry on in silence. That%u2019s why awareness and early screening are critical.What is UAE/UFE (Uterine Artery Embolization)?UAE (also known as UFE) is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. During the treatment:A radiologist threads a small catheter through an artery (wrist or groin).Tiny particles are injected to block blood flow to fibroids.Without blood, fibroids shrink, relieving symptoms.Most women return home the same day and resume normal activities within 5%u20137 days.A breakthrough in fibroid careA major April 1, 2025, press release from USA Fibroid Centers shared an extensive clinical study involving 1,285 patients, primarily in New York and Pennsylvania. Their results were transformative:96% reported reduced heavy bleeding94% experienced less pelvic pain and fatigue92% had fewer urinary issues85% enjoyed improved energy and moodOverall quality of life improved for 86% of participantsThe lead investigator, Dr. Jean Francois Geschwind, called UAE %u201ca major advancement in fibroid care,%u201d and USA Fibroid Centers CEO Dr. Yan Katsnelson, MD, emphasized:%u201cThis study should be a wake-up call. UAE is not just a viable alternative to surgery %u2014 it%u2019s a superior option for many women.%u201d Why this matters in IndianapolisIn Marion County, many Black women face barriers to fibroid care, but Indianapolis offers strong regional support:Indiana Fibroid Center (Radiology of Indiana)8040 Clearvista Dr, Suite 450, 317-621-5555Specializes in UFE (no referral needed)Northwest Radiology VIP faculty offer screenings and minimally invasive embolization; self-referrals welcome.The Fibroid Foundation and White Dress Project provide national peer support, education and advocacy. The Fibroid Foundation supports local chapters and events, while White Dress empowers women to share experiences and access care.Resilient Sisterhood Project features information about Black women%u2019s fibroid health and resources, including online support communities.What to do if you suspect fibroidsAcknowledge your symptoms. Don%u2019t dismiss heavy bleeding, fatigue or pelvic discomfort.Ask for an exam. A pelvic exam or ultrasound can reveal fibroids.Know your treatment options.Seek culturally responsive care. Black women often receive late diagnoses. Connect with health care providers experienced in fibroid treatment.Join support networks. Connect with local chapters of national groups, share your story and learn from other Black women%u2019s experiences.Bottom lineFibroids disproportionately affect Black women, and while heavy bleeding or pain might seem %u201cnormal,%u201d they often signal treatable conditions. Thanks to innovations like UAE, many women in Indianapolis can access same-day relief, avoid major surgery, preserve their uterus and improve quality of life.This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis AfricanAmerican Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights.%u00a0https://iaaqli.org/Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.Hidden pain: Fighting fibroids in IndianapolisBlack women are up to three times more likely to develop fi broids than white women. (Photo/Getty)(Photo/Getty Images)