Strains and Sprains: The Truth about Each Including Prevention
Posted on November 17, 2008
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There is quite a difference between strains and sprains. They are commonly confused with each other; however, it is important for athletes as well as anyone who is highly active to know the difference. Strains and sprains are both quite common sports injuries, but they affect different parts of the body. A sprain affects the ligament. Ligaments are the fibrous tissues that connect the bones together in a joint. A strain affects the tendons and muscles. Tendons are the tissues that attach the muscle to the bone. Because strains and sprains are so commonly found among athletes, there should be some ways to prevent these injuries from occurring more than they should. The best way to treat a strain or a sprain is to practice proper prevention. Treatment does not always mean that the injury will heal properly or that re-injury will not occur, so preventative measures are the best way to ensure that your bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons all remain as healthy and strong as possible.
There are six steps to preventing strains and sprains from occurring. These tips come directly from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The first tip is to practice a conditioning program. Condition programs are meant to build muscle. Strong muscles get strained less and prevent from the twisting and rolling of joints that cause sprains. The second tip is to always stretch. This does not necessarily mean just before activities, but it means daily. The third tip is always wear the proper shoes. This means shoes that are fitted properly and have good support, especially in the ankle and foot arch. The fourth tip is to have a well balanced diet. A well balanced diet keeps muscles and bones strong. The fifth tip is to always warm up before any physical activity, even if the activity is just practice. Warm muscles and joints get injured less. The last or sixth tip is to always wear the right equipment for the sport. Wearing protective equipment that fits well and is designed for that sport will ensure that injuries are going to occur less. Strains and sprains of course can not be totally prevented and there is no way to ensure that they do not occur, but following these six tips can definitely reduce the chances. This way athletes can keep doing what they love and remaining safe and healthy at the same time. However, if strains and sprains do occur the advice of a physician should be sought to ensure the best treatment for the injury can be obtained.
Pretty in Pink: Pictures Of Spider Bites
Posted on November 3, 2008
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Often time spider bites go undetected, but it is very important to know if you have been bitten by a spider and to remedy the situation as fast as possible. Though very few spiders cause serious harm to humans, those of a venomous nature can cause severe damage and death in some cases. The trouble is many times the victim is not aware of being bitten by a spider, by taking pictures of spider bites, medical experts can more readily identify if this was the case.
Many times the victim of a bite did not see the actual spider and may mistake the spider bite for a mosquito bite. Spider bites are characterized by two puncture marks, whereas mosquitoes will only produce one. Having pictures of spider bites would be the first step in diagnosing which type of spider is the culprit. Some spiders are harmful to humans while others are not. Treatment is contingent upon which spider has done the biting.
The black widow spider is the most dangerous to humans. Its venom can kill a human and medical treatment at a hospital is needed immediately after noticing the bite. If you are not sure if you have been bitten by a black widow, you can view pictures of spider bites on the internet. The telltale sign of a black widow bite is a red circle around the puncture.
The Brown recluse spider is a pretty dangerous spider. Pictures of spider bites produced on the internet are not pretty in pink at all. The spider will puncture human skin with wound marks.
The Brown recluse spider venom releases a kind of digestive fluid which is toxic to humans. The area around the bite becomes pink to dark red resulting from inflammation. The wound site is pretty visible because a lesion filled with dark fluid appears. However, the pictures of spider bites of this variety, is not sufficient to actually see the puncture marks; that must be done with a microscope. The skin tissue around the bite will begin to die and it takes months before any healing effectively occurs.
The hobo spider will produce a venomous bite similar in appearance to mosquitoes and the brown spider. The area surrounding the bite will become red and inflamed and the wound will eventually harden and scab over.
Though both these spiders rarely result in death of the afflicted human, pictures of spider bites where the skin has already rotted away is not a pretty sight. The open black wound is very deep and ghastly looking. Looking at pictures of spider bites is not for the faint of heart.
How to Treat Burns
Posted on October 13, 2008
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No one wants to get burned, but it happens every day to someone. The burn could be nothing more than a splatter of grease, or as severe as a pot of boiling water falling on you while you are cooking. People get burned in a myriad of ways. What if you are alone and you get burned? Do you know what to do?
If you are alone and you have a fairly minor burn, go to the sink and run cool water over your burned area for 15 to 20 minutes. If your burn is not where you can flush it, and then get some towels or cloths to moisten with cool water to apply to the burned site. Everyone should learn how to treat burns before the need for that knowledge takes place. It is better to have the knowledge of how to treat burns than to need that knowledge and not have it. There are many places online that you can research how to treat burns. There are also books available. Periodically your local fire department may give lessons on how to treat burns, and what to do in the case of a fire emergency.
Always use products specifically manufactured to treat burns. Don’t ever use butter or any kind of ointment on a burn because it acts as an insulating barrier to keep the heat in. There is also a greater risk of infecting a burn if you apply butter or some other home remedy on the burn. There is loads of information about how to treat burns.
Assuming the burn is not a very serious one, after flushing the burned area, wrap the injured area with sterile dressing and wrap with cling wrap if you have it. If you have a prepackaged burn first aid kit, there will be directions included to show you how to treat burns. For the healing process to begin after you have wrapped your burn, leave the bandage alone for 24 hours. After a full day and night you may then begin to uncover the wound and clean it with soapy water. Once the area is clean you should then redress the wound.
If your burn is a little more serious, after rendering first aid to your burn you need to call for some help. If you begin to feel shaky, light headed you need to dial 911 for emergency medical intervention, because you may be going into shock. Once you have dialed 911 lie down and elevate your feet and legs on pillows until help arrives.
In the event that you should catch your clothing on fire, do not run. Running is like fanning the flames. Immediately stop, drop, and roll to put out the flames. If you don’t panic, you have an excellent chance of not getting severely burned. You may not know how badly you are burned so call 911 for medical assistance. Then call a neighbor if you can so you won’t be alone. Your neighbor should also know how to treat burns; applying cool moist towels will help relieve the pain of the burn. Get some towels and wet them to put onto your burned areas. Lie down with your feet elevated until emergency help arrives. Do not attempt to remove clothing if it is stuck to your skin. Stay calm until help arrives.
First Aid Kit Fundraiser Fun!
Posted on September 29, 2008
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A first aid kit fundraiser campaign can be a fun way to raise money for an important cause. Most fundraisers sell very traditional items such as candy bars, cookies or coupon books. That means a successful fundraiser must be innovative and will do much better selling something people need and want and can be used by a large number of people. A first aid kit is an essential set of supplies every person needs for home and travel.
Lots of organizations hold fundraisers with the hope enough money is raised to pay for special projects or operations. It can become difficult approaching people though when they are tired of buying the same items they’ve bought year after year. Imagine how refreshing a first aid kit fundraiser campaign can be for both the organization and the potential customers.
Typical fundraising groups include children’s groups, churches, community non-profits, schools and clubs. A first aid kit fundraiser fits every organization. Children, adults, teenagers and senior citizens can sell first aid kits. The kits can be used for money raising, but they also send an important message to the public. Selling something important like first aid kits lets people know your group takes safety and well-being carefully.
Doesn’t it make more sense for a hospital charity group to hold a first aid kit fundraiser event rather than sell chocolate bars? Doesn’t it send a better educational message when a school sells first aid kits rather than movie theater coupons?
A first aid kit fundraiser is easy to plan and implement. You can order information concerning prices and promotional materials. The organization can choose the kind of first aid kit it prefers to sell too. Kits vary in price depending upon the size and contents. For easy selling, you can choose a moderately priced kit and discover how easy they can be to sell. That’s because everyone can recognize the value of having a first aid kit on hand.
A first aid kit fundraiser campaign can be a great way to raise money. You can pre-sell kits or order kits in advance and sell them on the spot. It’s great to have a choice of kits for people to choose among. Some potential customers will prefer home kits to travel kits for example. Like any fundraiser, the sooner you can deliver the product the easier it can be to sell the item. A first aid kit fundraiser can be held periodically or all year long too.
If you are looking for a great fundraiser that also serves the community good, a first aid kit fundraiser campaign is ideal in every way!
Red Cross First Aid Kit – Calling Upon the Experts
Posted on September 15, 2008
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When you purchase a Red Cross first aid kit, it’s like picking up the phone and calling upon the experts in an emergency. There’s probably no other symbol more recognized for emergency services than the simple Red Cross logo. It’s a comforting sign that help is near-by.
The Red Cross are professionals with decades of experience that began under the most difficult conditions – the battle field. Over the years the Red Cross has learned through practice what supplies need to be carried in a first aid kit. In time, different kinds of kits were developed to accommodate different needs.
• Home and travel first aid kits
• Disaster supply first aid kits
• Individual first aid kits
• Under the table first aid kits
• Emergency preparedness first aid kits
Each kit serves a particular purpose with its carefully packed supplies. When you own a Red Cross First Aid kit, you’re actually getting the benefit of professional expertise in meeting minor, and even major, emergency needs. The supplies are stored in various kinds of containers you can choose among.
• Vintage style bags with zippered compartments
• Hard plastic boxes
• Safety tubes
• Soft-sided bags
The number of choices you have when purchasing a Red Cross first aid kit tells you the Red Cross understands that different situations require different kinds of kits. The traditional kits carry all the necessary first aid supplies for home and travel minor emergency needs. The supplies include band-aids, ointments, scissors, bandages, aspirin, gloves and compresses to name a few items.
But the Red Cross first aid kit is also available as an emergency preparedness kit. Emergency kits include basic first aid supplies and many other items you might need in the event of loss of utilities or water. The preparedness kits contain items like flashlights, spare batteries, emergency blanket, water, whistle and rain poncho. Emergency kits are ideal first aid and disaster packages that can make traumatic experiences much more bearable.
The Red Cross makes many other specialized kits also. For example, if you work in the field of law enforcement, the American Red Cross body fluids clean-up kit is a necessity to keep on hand. All of the kits are designed to either be stored on a shelf, in the car or carried on the belt. Larger kits in plastic lined canvas bags also have shoulder straps.
If you need a first aid kit, the Red Cross has a solution that will meet your needs. You can shop online and browse the many different kinds of first aid kits available for sale. The Red Cross first aid kit makes an ideal present to give family or friends too.
The Red Cross has been serving in disaster situations for many decades. Through war, famine, hurricanes and tornadoes, and floods the Red Cross has been ready to assist. You too can be prepared for the minor emergencies in your life by owning a Red Cross first aid kit.
Camp Fire: This Fire Burns Hot
Posted on September 8, 2008
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Who doesn’t love a campfire? Roasting hotdogs and marshmallows are one of the most fun things to do while camping. While it is fun, you must remember this fire burns hot. Camp fires blaze high in the air and it is possible to get burned from being too close to a campfire. Another concern is that this fire burns so high that surrounding trees catch on fire. Many forest fires have been caused by campfires.
Before you ever leave home for your camping trip find out before hand if there are any burning restrictions. Also make sure you bring with you the emergency numbers of the place you are camping. Make sure that you have first aid supplies such as band aids, sterile bandages, tape, disinfectant sprays, and insect repellant lotions or sprays. In very dry times of years you may not be able to build a campfire to enjoy because this fire burns out of control with just a spark. An ember can float through the air and catch the forest on fire. In dry times, you might consider bringing a charcoal or propane gas grill rather than building a campfire because this fire burns with savage fury if it ever gets out of control.
For safety reasons, if where you are camping doesn’t have fire pits, you will need to dig a small pit and surround the pit with rocks. Never start a fire without having a bucket of sand and water close at hand. When using a match to start a fire, do not throw it away until it is no longer hot. You should be able to touch the burned end with your fingers and not get burned. Though your campfire is beautiful to gaze upon, it is a source of danger because this fire burns out of control very easily.
When building a campfire, construct it in a flat area where there are no trees nearby with overhanging branches because this fire burns hot and high. Never start a fire on dry grass or on sloping terrain. Fire burns uphill and will be more apt to start a forest fire if it should get out of control.
To protect the members of your family, construct a safety zone around the fire where no one is to enter. Children playing around the fire too close could easily trip and fall into the flames. There should be at least 8 feet of space between the family members and the fire because this fire burns hot and spits out sparks that could catch clothing on fire.
Never go to bed with a campfire burning because this fire burns quickly out of control. Be sure to douse the base of the fire with water. When water hits the source of the fire it will make a hissing noise. Pour water on the fire until you no longer hear the hissing noise. Then for added safety pour sand over the ashes. Many forest fires have been started accidentally by people who thought their campfire was out.
How to Combat Ant Bites
Posted on September 1, 2008
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Strangely enough fire ants are a member of the wasp and bee family. Their scientific name is hymenoptera. They are vicious and will attack anyone or anything they feel is a threat to their colony. .
South American Bullet ants have the most painful of all ant bites and insects in general. These ant bites are not considered life threatening.
Jack Jumper ant bites of Australia have the potential to kill their prey, humans included.
There are two types of fire ants, which are harmful packing a burning fire -like sting
Red Imported Red Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta) is the most aggressive of the two varieties. These ants have a venom pouch containing piperidine alkaloids. The sting from these ant bites are painful, and produce white fluid filled bumps on the skin.
Southern Fire Ants (Solenopsis xyloni) The sting from these ant bites this are not as painful but still causes the same itchiness and blisters.
Ants are used in many parts of the world to control other insect populations. But the carpenter ant, pharaoh ant, and argentine ants, are under government order to be controlled or completely eradicated as the case may be.
Some home remedies for controlling ants and ant bites
The first thing is to ant proof your home, seal up all cracks and crevices and areas where they can get into your home.
You will also want to keep your lawns and shrubbery moved or trimmed.
Ants dislike mint and will stay away from it, therefore plant mint all around the outside of your home.
Treat your window and doorsteps with citronella, peppermint, cinnamon, citrus, or lavender solutions of one teaspoon to one quart of water.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a non toxic powder that can be spread on window ledges etc to keep out the nasty pests. This product destroys the exoskeleton. Nevertheless, still wear a mask when using this product so to prevent respiratory problems.
You can pour boiling water on the ant hill but this method is risky, the ants will come after you in droves and attack viciously, still you may not get the queen and the colony will persist. This means the risk of ant bites could persist.
Baby First Aid Kit – Baby Makes…A Lot of Supplies
Posted on August 25, 2008
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When it was only the two of you a baby first aid kit wasn’t necessary. But now that the baby is part of the family, there are all kinds of things to take into consideration. Once you could walk out the door and not worry about diapers, lotions or formula, but now it’s second nature to haul a big bag of supplies.
One of the most important set of supplies you should always have nearby is called a baby first aid kit. When you are traveling with a baby, it’s important to have crucial supplies ready for easy access at all times. Infants and young children can be so unpredictable. One minute they’re fine and the next minute they’ve scratched themselves or swallowed something not meant to be eaten.
When you have a baby at home, a baby first aid kit is just as important. You don’t have to be traveling in order to require emergency supplies. Let’s face it – babies can get sick at any moment with very little warning. When the baby is learning to walk the odds of getting “boo-boos” grows exponentially. A handy first aid kit not only soothes the baby’s injury, it also offers mother peace of mind.
A baby first aid kit can contain a variety of supplies specifically designed for infants and toddlers. Baby skin requires special lotions, ointments and soap that won’t irritate. Bandages and gauze pads should be small for small fingers, toes, legs and arms. Over the counter medications must be appropriate for babies Other kit supplies can include sunburn lotion, child’s thermometer, calamine lotion and tweezers. Travel kits can also include dried juice packs for dehydration.
A baby first aid kit should always have two more important items. First it should contain a set of emergency instructions describing how to best handle accidental poisoning, falls causing trauma, allergic reactions and choking. Of course, make sure you read and understand the instructions before you even put them in the kit.
Second, the first aid kit should also have a set of important medical information related to the baby. The list should have the doctor and hospital phone numbers, insurance company name, allergy list and medications the baby is currently taking. This information can be very important if there is a serious medical emergency and the mother or father cannot answer questions.
A baby first aid kit can be purchased already pre-packaged, and you can add any items necessary. Some particular mothers insist on creating their own baby first aid kit starting with an empty container so they are personal assurance everything needed is included. Either way, the important point is to always have a well-equipped baby first aid kit on hand.
The Real Deal on Bites
Posted on August 18, 2008
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Every year hospitals and emergency centers have an influx of people who suffer from animal bites from one source or another. These bites may be wild animals or house pets. The common carriers of rabies include raccoons, skunks, squirrels, rabbits, foxes, bats and domesticated animals that have not been inoculated.
Either way; wild or domestic, do not ignore animal bites, even if they seem quite harmless they can cause allergies and or infections.
The fact of the matter is domestic animals are responsible for most of the reported bites. Even though a dog is most likely attributed to biting, do not overlook the common house cat. Cats, especially kittens can transmit a bacterial disease known as Cat Scratch Disease when they bite or scratch. This infection normally clears up in about three weeks but will cause swollen glands around the afflicted area. There will be redness and sometimes pus seeping out of a blister or sore. The doctor you see for treatment may have to drain the fluid. He or she will prescribe an antibiotic. Though not usually very dangerous, Cat Scratch Disease can cause permanent retinitis (inflammation of the eye). A blood test will confirm the presence of Cat Scratch Disease.
General Information on all animal bites
Infections from bites can slowly creep up days after the wounds or immediately within hours depending upon the severity of the bites. Some common signs of infected bites to look out for are:
• Redness
• Red streaks around the bites
• Tenderness
• The infected area feels hot
• Swelling of the glands at the site
• Inflammation
• Pus
• Pain
For immediate first aid care of minor wounds where the skin is barely broken and you are sure the animal does not have rabies:
• Wash and clean the wound with soap and water,
• Apply an antibiotic agent,
• Elevate the bites site above the heart to avoid infection and slow down swelling
• Cover with a bandage.
But if there is heavy bleeding or the cut is deep; do not try to care for the wound on your own, bandage the wound to stop the bleeding and rush right to the emergency center of your local hospital to have the bite or bites attended to by a medical professional.
If you suspect that the animal may have rabies see your doctor immediately for a tetanus shot. Any animal that you don’t know can be considered suspect. Actually, health care specialists recommend that we all should be inoculated with the tetanus vaccine every ten years. If you have an animal bite and it was at least five years since your last inoculation your physician will recommend that you get a booster shot within 48 hours. Health care professionals will also recommend a booster shot for deep or very dirty cuts.
You will also need to see a doctor immediately after a bite if you have, diabetes, AIDS, lung disease, liver disease, cancer. or a compromised immune system.
Your doctor will also check for bone or tendon damage and the presence of infection. Depending upon the severity of the bites and the animal responsible for it, you may require sutures and even plastic surgery.
The Kiss of Death: The Truth About Spider Bites
Posted on August 11, 2008
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When we think of spider bites we think of the Black Widow Spider and the infamous “Kiss of Death.” However the truth is that 98% of all spider bites are harmless.
We are concerned about spider bites because some spiders release venom which is toxic to humans and in some cases the venom in spider bites will kill. The varieties of spiders which do not release venom are: Hackled orb-Weavers, Holarchaeidae, Uloboridae, and Mesothelae.
The spider’s prey is mostly insects, even other spiders, therefore generally speaking spiders do not have mouths big enough to pierce through human skin. Another factor to look at is that even if a human has been affected by spider bites, most spiders do not produce enough venom to do any serious harm.
There are two categories of venomous spider bites. The neurotoxic variety attack the nervous system but how the venom affects the human nervous system does depend upon the spider.
• Lactrodectus spiders (Widow Spider) release a chemical compound called lactrotoxin which in turn produces a condition known as lactrodectism. This condition will release calcium ions that will trigger the neurotransmitter known as acetycholine. Once humans have been infected by the spider bites they will experience breathing problems and painful cramping.
• In the case of the Australian funnel-web spider and mouse spider, their bite will stimulate neuron sodium pathways that interfere with human bodily function.
• Spider bites from the Brazilian Wandering Spider will range from tiny painful pinpoint pricks to deathly envenomation due to level of serotonin released into the body.
Neucotic venom is the toxin produced by spiders in the Sicariidae family. The venom breaks down the skin cells with symptoms ranging from minor localized irritation, severe skin lesions, kidney failure, and even death. Spider bites from members of this family can produce ulcers on the skin tissue causing deep scaring that may take years to heal properly. The ulcers are itchy and painful and gangrene can set in. The venom can spread throughout the entire body within minutes of the bite.
The best treatment will be to act immediately upon realizing you have been bitten by a spider. Get emergency care from a professional. You will need to get to a hospital in hope to find qualified personnel with the expertise to diagnosis and treat spider bites. Where ever possible bring the spider in to the hospital with you. This will aid in the treatment plan and reduce misdiagnosis which no doubt could lead to severe consequences.
When the spider bites are minor in nature, treatment start by first letting the wound bled out to release the toxins, if and when the wound is large enough, applying an ice pack to reduce any swelling, applying an antiseptic to clean the exterior area of the wound and finally applying a topical ointment such as aloe vera to reduce pain.
Unfortunately no tried and true treatment is available for necrotic bites from venomous spiders. The treatments in use at present include; elevation of the affected area, application of ice packs, administering tetanus shots, antivenom agents, antihistamines, various antibiotics, oxygen, vosodilators, electric shock treatments, curettage and surgery.
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