Cookouts and bonfires are summer pastimes, and health experts are urging people to enjoy them responsibly. In addition to the risk of burns from grills and other cooking equipment, the metal wires from grill brushes can be dangerous. Those wires can become embedded in food on the cooktop and send people to the ER with tooth and mouth injuries or even bristles stuck in their throat. Emergency physicians say to take extra care when buying and using a grill brush.

(CLEVELAND CLINIC) - Now that Thanksgiving is over, many people are starting to pull out their holiday decorations. But, before you climb on t…

The medical director for Mercy Health St. Rita's emergency department, Dr. Alexander Bobrov, says some of the most common ER visits come from falls and exposure to the cold. They have even seen people suffering from a heart attack after shoveling snow. The biggest things the director recommends are to use common sense, watch out for ice, and bundle up while out in the cold - but they don't want you to be afraid to stop into the ER if you're concerned about an injury.

Despite the bitter cold temperatures, Lima Memorial's Emergency Room says they have not seen much frostbite through their halls, but they have seen other cold weather-related injuries.

As far as Lima Memorial's ER can tell, folks in the area have been careful about protecting their skin from the well below zero temperatures. Instead of frostbite and hypothermia, falls are the most common ER cases over the past couple of days due to strong winds and icy walk ways.

Having a wide-based gate and a good pair of shoes can help you keep from falling but just in case you could fall and especially if you are elderly, it is best to stick to the buddy system.