Burn Awareness Week HEALTH & SAFETY Things to Do Health & Safety Events

Burn Awareness Week is observed every year during the first full week in February and takes place from February 5th to 11th this year. It is a time for organizations to mobilize safety educators to sensitize people to the subjects of burns and fire. It also raises awareness of burn prevention methods in various communities.

History of Burn Awareness Week

Burn Awareness Week is sponsored by the American Burn Association (AMA). AMA is a non-profit organization whose aim is to stimulate and advance burn-related research, education, care, prevention, and rehabilitation.

Burn treatments can be traced back to 1500 B.C. A five-day treatment regimen was found documented in the Egyptian “Ebers Papyrus,” which involved a mixture of cattle dung, beeswax, ram’s horn, and barley porridge. In 600 B.C., the Chinese treated burn injuries with extracts from tea leaves.

In 1828, a French surgeon known as Guillaume Dupuytren carried out a review of fifty burn patients from which he developed a burn depth classification that remains relevant today. He was also the first to recognize gastric and duodenal ulceration as a consequence of severe burns.

In the 20th century, the occurrences of major fires inspired and drove research that gave birth to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of burns. These fires include the Rialto Theatre House Fire of 1921 and the Cocoanut Grove Fire of 1942.

In the United States, one person sustains a burn every sixty seconds. In fact, every year about 400,000 people receive medical treatment for burns. Though most burns occur at home, 10% happen in the workplace.

There are three major types of burns: thermal or contact burns, electrical burns, and chemical burns. Thermal burns are burns caused by contact with hot objects or liquids, including fires and explosions. Electrical burns can occur through direct or non-direct contact with electrical currents. Chemical burns are brought on by exposure to corrosive materials or acids, such as industrial cleaners.

Burn Awareness FAQs

What is the difference between first-, second-, and third-degree burns?

First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin, leaving the skin red and painful. Second-degree burns leave the skin blistered and/or swollen in addition to redness and pain. Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and the dermis, sometimes affecting the bones, muscles, and tendons.

What is the proper first aid for treating burns?

For first-degree burns, the burn site should be immersed in cool water, not cold water or ice. Second- and third-degree burns require immediate medical treatment at a hospital or burn center.

How to Observe Burn Awareness Week

• Educate. Educate on burn prevention and first aid. This knowledge can save lives.

• Volunteer. Make a difference by volunteering your time and resources at a burn center.

• Honor burn survivors. Make the day even more special by recognizing individuals who have suffered from life-changing burns. If you’ve experienced a burn in the past, share your story.

5 Ways to Prevent Burns

1. Avoid hot spills. Always keep hot solids and liquids away from table edges and use safety cloths while handling such items — this applies to harsh chemicals.

2. Prepare for emergencies. Perform fire drills and make sure there are easily accessible exits in case of an emergency.

3. Inspect danger zones. Carry out routine inspections of areas such as chimneys, fireplaces, and electrical connections to prevent mishaps.

4. Throw away damaged appliances. Always discard appliances with frayed wires and faulty connections and cover all electrical outlets to prevent children from touching them.

5. Fire alarms. Install a fire alarm in your office or home.

Why Burn Awareness Week is Important

• It increases awareness. It is an opportunity to educate and inform people about the care and prevention of burns.

• It reduces risk. Providing enlightenment on prevention measures reduces the risk of home and workplace burns. The more people know, the better equipped they’ll be to avoid or handle dangerous situations.

• Survivors are recognized. Burn Awareness Week should also be a time to honor and recognize burn survivors. j nationaltoday.com

Donna Marathon Weekend

February 3-5

Weekend events feature the Donna 5K, Donna Dash Fun Run, Marathon, Half Marathon, The “Booby Trap Challenge,” 110 Ultra Marathon, and several virtual events. Some of the events are held at TIAA Bank Field in Downtown Jacksonville, and some are held at Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach. In partnership with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Donna Expo will be held in the indoor Daily’s Place Flex Field of TIAA Bank Stadium. It is free and open to the public, including free parking. Hours for the expo are Friday, February 3, 10am to 6pm, and Saturday, February 4, 8am to 2pm. *Address given is for the expo. Please note that events are held at different locations. TIAA Bank Field / 904-355-PINK / 1 TIAA Bank Field Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32202 / breastcancermarathon.com

2023 CHARACTER COUNTS! 6K/3K Run/Walk

February 4, 9am

The annual 2023 CHARACTER COUNTS! 6K/3K Run/Walk in St. Johns County returns to Palencia Elementary School. There will be a 6K distance and a 3K. The course begins and ends at Palencia Elementary School. The event is open to all ages. Entry fees for the 3K are $30 to $35; entry fees for the 6K are $35 to $40. Awards will be given to males and females in the 3K and 6K for ages 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, and adult categories. Palencia Elementary School / 904-547-7504 / 355 Palencia Village Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32095 / runsignup.com

Managing Anxiety in Your Gifted Child

February 9, 6:30pm

This course will outline how gifted and high-ability learners with anxiety are impacted in educational settings. Families will be given information and strategies from the National Association of Gifted Children to support their child(ren). The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver's need for personal and individual growth. Parent Academy courses are offered virtually through Microsoft Teams. Duval Parent Academy / 904-390-2960 / dcps. duvalschools.org

5K/8K Superhero Run

February 11, 8am

Families are invited to grab their capes and take part in the 5K/8K Superhero Run. There will be live music, plenty of hero costumes, and a runner’s village. The 1-mile fun run will begin at 8am, the 5K and 8K will begin at 8:30am. Superhero shirts will be given to all participants, and custom-designed finisher medals will be presented to all 5K/8K finishers at the finish line. Age group and overall awards will be presented to 8K finishers. Medals will be given to all children 13 and under in the 1-mile fun run. Registration fees range from $12 to $35.

Grace Episcopal Day School / 156 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073 / 1stplacesports.com

Let's Be Happy & Healthy Storytime

February 13, 10:30am

Miss Christine from the UF/IFAS Extension Center will be coming to the library for a storytime that will encourage healthy habits through books, songs, physical activity, and a craft. Weekly topics will include different healthy foods, our feelings, mindfulness/yoga, and all the things you can do to stay happy and healthy. Free.

Clay County Public Library, Middleburg/Clay Hill Branch / 904-541-5855 / 2245 Aster Avenue, Middleburg, FL 32068 / www.claycountygov.com

Athletic Trainers & Sports Medicine in Our Schools • February 15, 6:30pm

DCPS high school athletic programs are supported by sports medicine healthcare providers. Attend this course to learn how they ensure the safety and well-being of your child(ren), including Emergency Action Plans, injury prevention, and rehabilitation. The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a free family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver's need for personal and individual growth. Parent Academy courses are offered virtually through Microsoft Teams. Duval Parent Academy / 904390-2960 / dcps.duvalschools.org

Lighthouse 5K & Fun Run

February 18, 4pm

The Junior Service League will be hosting the annual Lighthouse 5K and Fun Run. The Lighthouse 5K is a chipped race that serves as a qualifier for the Gate River Run. Proceeds from the Lighthouse 5K Run/Walk & Fun Run benefit numerous JSL service projects and provide financial support for local non-profit organizations in St. Augustine and the St. Johns County community. The 5K will begin at 3pm, followed by the Fun Run at 4pm. There will be an awards ceremony following the race on the Lighthouse grounds. The staff at the Lighthouse will provide activities for the kids, such as face painting, arts and crafts, and more. Attendees can also climb the tower for free. Registration for the Fun Run starts at $25; fees for the 5K start at $45.

St. Augustine Lighthouse / 100 Red Cox Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080 / jslofstaugustine.org

Free Herbal Clinic Day

February 26, 1pm to 5pm

The Studios at Florida School of Holistic Health wants to make their services available to everyone. They are offering short, focused mini-consultations, including one herbal preparation, free to all participants. This is your opportunity to talk with a practicing herbalist, share any health concerns you may have, and receive personalized education in the preparation and use of herbs. The consultation and one preparation are free. Donations are accepted. Please RSVP via email so they can plan accordingly and forward you the intake form. Consultations are first come, first served. Each consult takes approximately 20 minutes each, plus 5 to 10 minutes for the preparation of herbs.

The Studios at Florida School of Holistic Health / 904-465-0985 / 1506 King Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 / www.thestudiosatfshh.com

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