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On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress, setting the 13 colonies on the road to freedom as a sovereign nation. As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country.

2.5 million

In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.  

316.2 million

The nation's estimated population on this July Fourth

The Signers

56

Number of signers to the Declaration of Independence.

Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman and Robert R. Livingston comprised the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration. Jefferson, regarded as the strongest and most eloquent writer, wrote most of the document.

It's also worth noting that:

• John Hancock, President of the Second Continental Congress, was the first signer. This merchant by trade did so in an entirely blank space making it the largest and most famous signature - hence the term John Hancock, which is still used today as a synonym for signature. There are 7,354,043 businesses with paid employees in the U.S., according to the 2011 County Business Patterns.
• Benjamin Franklin (age 70), who represented Pennsylvania, was the oldest of the signers. Franklin County, Pa., had an estimated population of 151,275 as of July 1, 2012. Edward Rutledge (age 26), of South Carolina, was the youngest.
• Two future presidents signed, John Adams (second President) and Thomas Jefferson (third President). Both died on the 50th anniversary of signing the Declaration (July 4, 1826). There are 12 counties nationwide named Adams and 26 named Jefferson.
• Robert Livingston, who represented New York, was on the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence but was recalled by his state before he could sign it. Livingston County, N.Y., was home to an estimated 64,810 people as of July 1, 2012.
• Representing Georgia in 1776 were Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall and George Walton. Gwinnett County, Ga. (842,046), Hall County, Ga. (185,416) and Walton County, Ga. (84,575) were named for these signers.
• Charles Carroll, who represented Maryland, was the last surviving member of the signers of the Declaration. He died in 1832 at the age of 95. Carroll County, Md., named for him, had an estimated population of 167,217 as of July 1, 2012.
• Roger Sherman, who worked as a land surveyor and lawyer, represented Connecticut. Today, there are an estimated 30,445 surveyors, cartographers and photogrammetrists employed full time, year-round, and 840,813 lawyers employed full time, year-round nationwide, according to the 2011 American Community Survey.
• Nelson County, Va. (14,827) and Wythe County, Va. (29,251) were named for two of the six signers who represented the state of Virginia - Thomas Nelson Jr. and George Wythe.

Fireworks

$218.2 million

The value of fireworks imported from China in 2012, representing the bulk of all U.S. fireworks imported ($227.3 million). U.S. exports of fireworks, by comparison, came to just $11.7 million in 2012, with Israel purchasing more than any other country ($2.5 million).

$231.8 million

The value of U.S. manufacturers' shipments of fireworks and pyrotechnics (including flares, igniters, etc.) in 2007.  

Flags

$3.8 million

In 2012, the dollar value of U.S. imports of American flags. The vast majority of this amount ($3.6 million) was for U.S. flags made in China.  

$614,115

Dollar value of U.S. flags exported in 2012. Mexico was the leading customer, purchasing $188,824 worth.  

$302.7 million

Dollar value of shipments of fabricated flags, banners and similar emblems by the nation's manufacturers in 2007, according to the latest published economic census statistics. 

This summer, ditch the typical dinner-and-a-movie date.

Doing something out of the ordinary produces the same chemicals that are released when you first fall in love, says Chiara Atik, HowAboutWe.com dating expert and author of Modern Dating: A Field Guide.
Atik shares these three fun and different ideas:

Progressive dinner. Go to one place for drinks and appetizers, another for the main course, and a third for dessert; switch off picking spots with your partner. If there are food trucks in your area, visit various ones for a cheap, unique dining experience.

Minor league baseball game. The stadiums are smaller, but they still have all the trappings of America's pasttime like hot dogs and peanuts. " Even if you know nothing about the team or baseball, it's really easy to get into it and cheer," Atik says. "It's a little bit of what baseball used to be."

Drawing class. Cities are offering "'drink & draws,' where they serve wine as you draw," Atik says. You don't have to be artistic for this date; it'll probably be more fun if you're not!

                                                - Written by Sarah Albert, USA Weekend

 

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A bright red eye can be dramatic and often causes concern. Certainly it can be a conjunctivitis (eye infection), but very often, particularly as we get older or if we are on blood thinners like aspirin or Coumadin, it is something benign, non-worrisome, and more dramatic appearing.

Looking much like a piece of red coral in a piece of Native American Indian Jewelry, subconjunctival hemorrhage is present. This is caused by a small capillary rupture in the clear tissue that covers and protects the sclera (white of the eye).  

Vision is not impaired in any way, and this condition will resolve on it's own and does not require a doctor's visit. If you develop this and are unsure, e-mail me a picture to confirm the diagnosis, but know that this is not something that is a concern.

As you all know, Dr Lakin is a strong supporter of annual physicals. This is a time we can visit and explore any unresolved medical problems and any new health issues that need to be addressed. Annual physicals are one of the best ways to safeguard your health.

The American Medical Association recommends that if you are between the ages of 40 - 49 years, physicals should be done every two years. If you are 50 years plus, it is recommend you have yearly exams, especially if you have any chronic medical conditions that need to be monitored.

Some sun damage can be reversed. Here's how.

Cancer, of course, is the most serious consequence of excess sunbathing, but it's not the only one: With repeated exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet rays, skin loses its ability to repair itself. Result: more fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots.

The good news: You can repair - even reverse - skin damage from the sun. So first slather on sunscreen to prevent more damage, and then take these steps:

 

Exfoliate. The list of reasons is long: It removes dead skin and reduces fine lines; it helps detoxify, brighten and smooth; and it allows moisturizers and anti-aging serums to work better. Loofahs, scrubs or alpha hydroxy acid cleansers do the job at home; you can also ask your dermatologist about microdermabrasion, a procedure to treat age spots and shallow wrinkles. Deeper-penetrating procedures - such as dermabrasion and chemical peels - are options at the doctor's office. Important note: Exfoliating makes your skin even more vulnerable, so take precautions before going outdoors.

 

Use A, C, E. These antioxidant-packed vitamins fight sun damage, particularly when they're in skin products. Vitamin A derivatives (retinoids, especially prescription tretinoin and tazarotene creams) help reduce fine lines, age spots and rough skin. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is vital for collagen and elastin, a fiber that supports skin structure; it may improve texture. Vitamin E (tocopherol) protects cell membranes. Get your antioxidants in green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, carrots, blueberries, beans, fatty fish and nuts.  

 

                                   - The Doctors, USA Weekend

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Barb A.  

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Hi Dr. Lakin,