Toni-Lynn
08-08-2008, 11:33 PM
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Summer brings fun activities like bike riding, rollerblading, hiking and camping. And don't forget home improvement projects that involve tools, ladders and heavy lifting - all of which increase your chances of injuries. Familiarize yourself with these first aid tips from the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/FirstAidIndex/FirstAidIndex), and keep these items on hand to deal with nearly every small emergency:
For cuts and scrapes:
Lots of adhesive bandages
Gauze pads and tape
Antibiotic ointment and cotton swabs
Antibacterial wipes
Disposable gloves
For bug bites, rashes and sunburn:
Anti-itch ointment, spray or hydrocortisone cream
Benadryl for more serious allergic reactions
Aloe vera gel for sunburn or other burns
Sprains and muscle pain:
Ace wraps
Ibuprofin
Heat patches
Heat Exhaustion:
Washcloths to make cold compresses
Electrolyte water
Ice packs for severe cases
Miscellaneous:
A blanket to cover someone who could go into shock
Tweezers for removing slivers and ticks
Diarrhea medication
Antacids
Water to flush out a wound or eyes
A fully equipped first aid kit can be expensive, and some items expire and have to be replaced after a year or so. To keep your costs down, you don't need to have a kit for home and another for travel and camping. Simply keep these items in a small box with a secure lid or in a plastic pouch that can be zippered shut. That way, you'll have quick access to everything you need around the house and you can throw your kit in the car or a suitcase to take with you on the road.
Summer brings fun activities like bike riding, rollerblading, hiking and camping. And don't forget home improvement projects that involve tools, ladders and heavy lifting - all of which increase your chances of injuries. Familiarize yourself with these first aid tips from the Mayo Clinic (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/FirstAidIndex/FirstAidIndex), and keep these items on hand to deal with nearly every small emergency:
For cuts and scrapes:
Lots of adhesive bandages
Gauze pads and tape
Antibiotic ointment and cotton swabs
Antibacterial wipes
Disposable gloves
For bug bites, rashes and sunburn:
Anti-itch ointment, spray or hydrocortisone cream
Benadryl for more serious allergic reactions
Aloe vera gel for sunburn or other burns
Sprains and muscle pain:
Ace wraps
Ibuprofin
Heat patches
Heat Exhaustion:
Washcloths to make cold compresses
Electrolyte water
Ice packs for severe cases
Miscellaneous:
A blanket to cover someone who could go into shock
Tweezers for removing slivers and ticks
Diarrhea medication
Antacids
Water to flush out a wound or eyes
A fully equipped first aid kit can be expensive, and some items expire and have to be replaced after a year or so. To keep your costs down, you don't need to have a kit for home and another for travel and camping. Simply keep these items in a small box with a secure lid or in a plastic pouch that can be zippered shut. That way, you'll have quick access to everything you need around the house and you can throw your kit in the car or a suitcase to take with you on the road.