ÒSUMMERTIME
FIRST AID- A REVIEW
Minor
medical emergencies caused by summertime sun and fun can be
distressing and ruin a vacation or a day at the park with the kids.
Knowing how to handle some of the more common ailments such as sunburn, poison
ivy, or bug bites can make the difference between having the fun time you had
hoped for, or wishing you had stayed home.
Nothing
is more distressing than sunburn. In spite of the plethora of potions that
effectively block the burning rays of the sun, many of us will end with a burn
before the summer is over. The more fair your skin, the higher the sun block
should be. Other than a vacation in the tropics an SPF block of 15-30 should be
sufficient. Should you end up with a burn the old time remedies are still the best.
Cool applications of apple cider vinegar help calm the burning and the malic
acid in the vinegar helps the burn heal. A cool bath with a box of baking soda
dissolved in the water also helps relieve the pain and promote healing.
Poison
ivy grows in many parts of the US and is responsible for more than 350,000
cases of skin poisoning each year. When the sap of the poison ivy plant makes
contact with bare skin it produces redness, rash, swelling, blistering, and
intense persistent itching. Learning how to recognize the poison ivy vine is
your best protection- also wear protective clothing. If you come in contact
with poison ivy wash those areas with soapy water followed by applications hot
water. Apply a dilute solution of BurrowÕs solution to the affected areas,
which can be purchased at your local drug store.
Most
insect bites are relatively harmless causing itching and redness; others can be
more serious. The sting of a bee, wasp, or hornet can cause severe allergic
reaction in some individuals. Most people who are allergic to bee stings carry
the necessary adrenaline
injections with them.
The bite
of a tick can turn into a medical nightmare for you or your animals if that
tick is infected with Lyme Disease. Wear protective clothing and use a spray with
DEET before entering the woods. Perform tick checks after being outside, shower
and contain your clothing as to not let the tick loose in your home. If you are bitten by a tick, remove the
tick by grasping the head of the tick with fine tweezers pulling straight up.
DO NOT squeeze the body of the tick as it may regurgitate infected blood back
into you. Do not burn or attempt to smother the tick.
For
muscle or joint strains, sprains or bruises try Arnica. Use Arnica as soon as
possible after the injury occurs. Known as the first aid of the homeopathic
world this marvelous little ointment is a giant in its ability to reduce
swelling, pain and bruising.
Using
common sense and caution during the summer months is the best way to keep
yourself and your family safe. If
you are seriously injured seek appropriate professional help. Stay safe and
have fun. Till next time, Rebecca