HealthyLife Articles

Tag: First Aid

Be Ready To Donate Blood

WELL-BEING

When you donate blood, you are potentially saving a life. The American Red Cross estimates that someone needs blood every two seconds. Your donation makes that possible. The donation process is pretty simple, but there are a few things you should know in advance to prepare.

Donation eligibility

To donate blood, you must meet specific criteria. These include:

* Being healthy and not currently ill

* Over the age of 16 (in most states)

* Weigh at least 110 pounds

* Have not given blood in the past 56 days

When you go to donate

It can help relieve any nervousness if you know what to expect before you go. Most donation centers follow a standard process.

*Registration:verification of eligibility, checking your driver’s license, and providing your address.

*Health history:information on health conditions, medications, and recent travel.

*Health screening:checking your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and hemoglobin.

*The donation:takes about 8-10 minutes, during which time you will sit or lay comfortably.

*Recovery:takes 10-15 minutes, during which time you’ll receive a snack and drink and make sure you feel ready to go.

When You Should Not Donate

In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria above, there may be other things that could temporarily disqualify you from donating.

* You are not feeling 100%. Only donate blood if you are feeling your best. If you are sick, you should wait until 24 hours after your symptoms pass.

* Certain kinds of medications and vaccinations may require a waiting period before giving blood. Check with the American Red Cross before you go.

* Low iron may cause anemia or a low blood count, making you ineligible to donate blood that day. Once your iron levels have improved, you may be able to donate.

* If you have traveled to certain countries outside the U.S., you may need to wait to donate blood.

Source: The American Red Cross

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Be Smart About Seizures

MEDICAL NEWS

A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. It can cause a person to have uncontrolled movements. A grand mal seizure or tonic-clonic seizure is the most serious. It usually involves jerking movements, shaking and the inability to talk or communicate.

When it comes to seizures, there are plenty of myths. Knowing the truth about seizures could save someone’s life.

Myth:A person having a seizure could swallow their tongue.

Truth:This is not possible. Never put something in a person’s mouth if they are having a seizure.

Myth:You should hold the person down.

Truth:Do not try to hold or move the person unless they are in immediate danger of getting hurt. You can help get them on the floor and turn on their side. This keeps the person from injuring themselves or falling.

Myth:You should always give mouth-to-mouth or CPR during a seizure.

Truth:People usually start breathing normally after the seizure is over. But if the patient stops breathing for more than 30 seconds, call 911 and begin CPR.

Should you call 911?

Call 911 if:

* The person has never had a seizure before.

* The person stops breathing for more than 30 seconds, or has trouble breathing after the seizure.

* The seizure happened in the water.

* The person is pregnant.

* The person doesn’t wake up after the seizure.

* The person has a health condition like heart disease or diabetes.

* The seizure lasts longer than five minutes.

* The person is hurt.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Caring For Toe Injuries

SELF-CARE CORNER

Toes are an important part of walking and balance. And their bones and ligaments are small, so they can be easily injured.

Many people think doctors won’t do anything about an injured toe. This is not true. A broken or sprained toe may need medical attention. But minor toe injuries may get better with some simple home care.

What to do if you hurt your toe

* If the pain is not severe, try putting ice on it for 10 minutes at a time. Be careful not to get the toe too cold.

* If needed, take an over-the-counter pain medicine.

* Stay off the foot if possible. Try to elevate it when sitting down.

* Look for signs of bruising and swelling, which could mean a possible sprain or broken toe.

* If the pain is severe, contact your doctor or seek urgent medical care.

* If pain and swelling don’t get better within two days, see a health care provider.

* Elevate the affected toe to help with swelling.

Sprained vs. broken toe

A sprain means that the ligaments in the toe have been injured. You can usually walk on a sprained toe, but it may still be very sore from swelling and bruising.

Sprains may happen when you overstretch the toe during sports, running or jumping. “Turf toe” is a sprain of the big toe that is quite common in athletes.

If you have a broken toe, you may not be able to move the toe or put weight on it. It may have a lot of swelling and bruising. The pain may not get better, even after a couple of days. Broken toes can happen during sports and activities. They also occur with falls and accidents or when you drop something heavy on your foot.

Should you get medical care?

Some minor toe injuries can be treated at home. But toe sprains and breaks can be more serious. Don’t ignore toe pain that lasts more than two days. See a health care provider if you think your toe is sprained or broken.

If you have diabetes

Always see a health care provider for any kind of foot or toe injury.

Sources: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, American Podiatric Medical Association

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
First Aid Kits: Stay Up To Date

SELF-CARE CORNER

A first aid kit is an essential self-care item that should always be handy. A well-stocked kit prepares you for any situation or emergency that may arise.

If you don’t have a first aid kit, you can purchase ready-made kits at most pharmacies. Ideally, you should have a kit for your home as well as your vehicle, so you’re covered anywhere you go.

First aid kits should be updated every six months to keep supplies stocked and replace expired items. Now is a good time to go through your kits to ensure they are up to date and stocked with everything you need.

What should be in your kit?

* 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)

* 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

* 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

* 5 antibiotic ointment packets

* 5 antiseptic wipe packets

* 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

* 1 emergency blanket

* 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

* 1 instant cold compress

* 2 pairs of nonlatex gloves (size: large)

* 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets

* 1 3-inch gauze roll (roller) bandage

* 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)

* 5 3 x 3-inch sterile gauze pads

* 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

* A thermometer (non-mercury/non-glass)

* 2 triangular bandages

* Tweezers

* A first aid guide or reference book

Personalize your kit

Depending on the needs of yourself and your family, you should add special items unique to your situation. For example:

* If someone in your family has diabetes, include glucose tabs/gels, quick glucose snacks, and a glucagon injection kit.

* If someone in your family has a severe allergy, include an epi-pen and some antihistamine medication.

* Include a list of medications that each family member takes, as well as contact information for their doctors.

* Include your address in a prominent place in your first aid kit. This will allow the person who is helping you in an emergency to give this information to first responders.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How To Treat Cat & Dog Bites

SELF-CARE CORNER

Family pets, stray dogs and cats or neighborhood animals can all bite. Do you know what to do if you or your child gets a bite?

What to do now

Right away, you should:

* Wash the skin wound with soap and water.

* If it’s bleeding, use a clean towel to gently press down on the area.

* Once bleeding has stopped, apply a sterile bandage.

Should I call a doctor?

Some bites may need medical care. Call your doctor if:

* You think it might be infected. Look for fever, redness, swelling, warmth and drainage.

* You can’t get the bleeding to stop after pressing on it for 15 minutes.

* You think the injury is serious or it looks deep.

* You think there might be a broken bone.

* You have diabetes or a weakened immune system.

* Your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago. Or, you don’t remember when you last had a tetanus shot.

* You were bit by a wild or stray animal.

* The bite was on the face.

* The bite happened to a child.

* You don’t know if the animal is up to date on all its vaccines (shots).

Do I need a rabies shot?

Most cats and dogs in the U.S. don’t have rabies. So most people who get bit by a cat or dog don’t need to get a rabies shot. Many wild animals can have rabies, though. Raccoons, skunks, squirrels, bats and coyotes may have it.

If you know the owner of the cat or dog that bit you, ask for their health records. Sometimes the pet needs to be isolated so they can look for signs of rabies. If any signs show up, they will test the animal for rabies. If the animal tests positive, then you need a rabies shot.

If you were bit by a stray animal, call animal control. They will try to find the animal so they can test it for rabies. You may need to report the bite to animal control or your local health department too. Ask your doctor if you’re not sure.

Source: American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Make A Cold Care Kit

SELF-CARE CORNER

Like a first aid kit, a cold care kit contains all the essentials for managing a cold. Whether a run-of-the-mill cold virus, the flu, or COVID-19, the items in your kit make managing symptoms easier.

Medicine

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, some medications can bring much-needed relief. Always follow the dosing guidelines and talk to your doctor to make sure these over-the-counter medications are right for you:

* Pain relievers/fever-reducers such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen

* Decongestants

* Cough medicine, both those for dry cough (suppressant) and a cough with mucus (expectorant)

* Cough and throat drops

* Nasal and throat sprays

Sanitizing

Preventing the spread of a virus protects everyone around you. While most cold and flu viruses are not dangerous to healthy adults, the elderly, those with preexisting health conditions, and young children may be at higher risk of complications. At the first sign of a virus, up your sanitizing practices with these items:

* Hand sanitizer

* Sanitizing wipes

* Disinfectant spray

* Masks

* Disposable gloves

Tools

Your body will naturally need more support as your immune system works to neutralize the virus. Your kit should include items to aid in reducing discomfort and monitoring your symptoms. While unlikely to be serious, have tools on hand to evaluate how your body manages the virus:

* Thermometer

* Pulse oximeter

* Humidifier to moisten the air

* Tissues with lotion or aloe

* Electrolyte drinks

Comfort

Your cold care kit should include some items to make you feel more comfortable until your symptoms pass. Everyone has their own tricks to soothe pesky symptoms. Make sure your kit contains those items you naturally wish for whenever a cold strikes. Here are some ideas:

* Bath salts

* Heating pad

* Essential oils

* Soup or broth

* Tea bags (include decaffeinated options)

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Frostbite & Hypothermia

First Aid

Frostbite freezes the skin. It can damage tissue below the skin, too. Most often, frostbite affects the toes, fingers, earlobes, chin, and tip of the nose.

Hypothermia is when body temperature drops below 96ºF. The body loses more heat than it can make. This usually occurs from staying in a cold place for a long time.

Frostbite & Frostnip

Signs & Symptoms

* Cold, numb skin swells and feels hard and solid.

* Loss of function. Absence of pain.

* Skin color changes from white to red to purple. Blisters occur.

* Slurred speech.

* Confusion.

Frostnip is a less serious problem. The skin turns white or pale and feels cold, but the skin does not feel hard and solid.

Causes

When temperatures drop below freezing, frostbite and frostnip can occur. Both can set in very slowly or very quickly. This will depend on how long the skin is exposed to the cold and how cold and windy it is.

Hypothermia

Signs & Symptoms

With mild hypothermia, symptoms include: Shivering; slurred speech; memory lapses; and the abdomen and back feel cold.

With moderate hypothermia, shivering stops, but the skin feels ice cold and looks blue. The person may act confused, drowsy, very cranky, and/or stuporous. Muscles may be rigid and stiff. Pulse rate and breathing slow down.

With severe hypothermia, the person has dilated pupils, no response to pain, and loses consciousness. The person appears to be dead. Death occurs in half or more of persons with severe hypothermia.

Causes

* Exposure to cold temperatures (wet or dry). Many factors increase the risk. Examples are: Wet clothing or lying on a cold surface; circulation problems; diabetes; and old age. The elderly are more prone to hypothermia if they live in a poorly heated home and do not dress warm enough.

* Immersion. This can be from 6 hours or less of exposure to cold water immersion. It can also be from water immersion or exposure on land to cold, wet weather near freezing for up to 24 hours.

* Shock.

Treatment

Self-care measures can treat frostnip. Prompt emergency medical care is needed for frostbite to keep the area affected from getting infected and to prevent the loss of a limb. Hypothermia needs emergency medical care.

Wind Chill Temperature

As the wind increases, the body is cooled at a faster rate. This causes the skin temperature to drop. Wind chill temperature combines outdoor air temperature and wind speed to give a temperature of what it “feels like” on the skin. The National Weather Service has a “Wind Chill Chart” that shows temperatures, wind speeds, and exposure times that cause frostbite. To get this, accesswww.nws.noaa.gov/om/windchill.

Questions to Ask

{Note: The damage from exposure to the cold may not be noted for 72 hours.}

Self-Care / First Aid

First Aid for Frostbite and Hypothermia Before Emergency Care

* Gently move the person to a warm place and Call 9-1-1!

* Check for a response. Give Rescue Breaths or CPR, as needed.

* Loosen or remove wet and/or tight clothing. Remove jewelry.

* Don’t rub the area with snow or soak it in cold water.

* Warm the affected area by soaking it in a tub of warm water (101ºF to 104ºF) and an antiseptic solution, such as Betadine.

* Stop when the affected area becomes red, not when sensation returns. This should take about 45 minutes. If done too fast, thawing can be painful and blisters may develop.

* If warm water is not available, cover the person with blankets, coats, etc., or place the frostbitten body part in a warm body area, such as an armpit or on the abdomen (human heat) or use a blow dryer, if available.

* Keep exposed areas elevated, but protected.

* Don’t rub or massage a frostbitten area.

* Protect the exposed area from the cold. It is more sensitive to re-injury.

* Don’t break blisters.

First Aid for Frostnip

* Warm the affected area. This can be done a number of ways:

– Place cold fingers in armpits.

– Place cold feet onto another person’s warm stomach.

– Put the affected area in warm water (101ºF to 102ºF).

After warming the area, the skin may be red and tingling. If it is not treated, frostnip can lead to frostbite.

* Protect the exposed area from the cold. It is more sensitive to re-injury.

To Prevent Frostbite and Outdoor Hypothermia

* Stay indoors, as much as possible, when it is very cold and windy.

* Wear clothing made of wool or polypropylene. These fabrics stay warm even when wet. Layer clothing. Wear 2 or 3 pairs of socks instead of 1 heavy pair. Wear roomy shoes. Do not wear items that constrict the hands, wrists, or feet.

* Wear a hat that keeps your head and ears warm. A major source of heat loss is through the head.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Burn Notice

SELF-CARE CORNER

Follow this simple advice from the Home Safety Council and H2otStop to help reduce the risk of burn and scald injuries at home:

Bathing

* Set your water heater at 120ºF or just below the medium setting.

* Fill the bathtub. Run your hand through the water to test for hot spots. Then help children get in. When children are in or near the tub, watch them closely. Young children and older people have thin skin. They burn more quickly.

* Install special tub spouts and shower heads that prevent hot water burns. These can sense if the water gets hot enough to cause a burn and shut off the flow of water.

Cooking

* Wear long oven mitts to protect your skin when cooking or handling hot food.

* Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so children cannot pull them down. Use back burners when cooking. Keep children away from the stove when you are cooking. Put tape on the floor around the stove/oven to help children learn to stay out of the “no-kid-zone.”

* Food cooked in the microwave can get very hot and cause a burn. Use oven mitts when you take off the lid. Stir and test the food before serving to make sure it is cool enough to eat.

* Keep hot drinks away from the edge of tables and counters. Do not use tablecloths or placemats because young children can pull them down. Use a travel mug with a tight-fitting lid for all hot drinks. This can help prevent a burn if the cup tips over.

* Do not hold or carry a child while you have a hot drink in your hand. Put only cold drinks in the cup holder of your child’s stroller and child safety seat.

If a burn occurs:

* Cool it with running water. Do this right away.

* Keep the burned area in cool water for 3 minutes or longer. Do not put ice, butter, or lotion on the burn. This could make it worse.

* Call your doctor or 911 if the burn looks bad.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
In Case Of Accidental Poisoning, Act Fast

First Aid

To prevent accidental poisoning:

* Always read warning labels on pesticides, household cleaners, and other products that could be poisonous. Follow instructions for use and storage.

* Crush unused medications and mix them with water. Mix this with used coffee grounds or kitty litter. Put this in the garbage in a sealed plastic bag.

* Have the phone number of your local poison control center and National Poison Control Center (1.800.222.1222) posted near the telephone. It’s also a good idea to post the numbers of the nearest hospital emergency room, ambulance service, and your physician.

If your child accidentally swallows or inhales poison, or spills poison on the skin or eyes, don’t panic. Instead:

* Call the Poison Control Center at 1.800.222.1222 (or hospital or physician). Explain the problem and identify the cause.

* Remain calm and quickly follow the instructions you’re given. Often, accidental poisonings can be handled at home.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Head/Neck/Spine Injuries

First Aid

Signs & Symptoms

For a Severe Injury

* The scalp, neck, or back bleeds.

* It looks like the head, neck, or back is in an odd position.

* Pain is felt in the back, neck, and/or head. The pain can be severe.

* Stiff neck.

* Abdominal pain. Vomiting.

* Blood or fluid comes from the mouth, nose, or an ear.

* Loss of vision. Blurred or double vision. Pupils of uneven size.

* Inability to move any part of the body. Weakness in an arm or leg. Walking is difficult.

* New feelings of numbness occur in the legs, arms, shoulders, or any other part of the body.

* New loss of bladder or bowel control occurs.

* Confusion. Drowsiness. Personality changes.

* Convulsions.

* Loss of consciousness.

Watch for signs and symptoms for the first 24 hours after the injury. Symptoms may not occur for as long as several weeks, though. Problems can occur even if no injury is seen on the outside.

For a Whiplash Injury

* Neck pain and stiffness.

* Having a hard time raising the head off of a pillow.

Causes

Anything that puts too much pressure or force on the head, neck, or back can result in injury. Common causes are falls, accidents, and hard blows. A concussion occurs when the brain is shaken. A contusion occurs when the brain is bruised.

Treatment

If you suspect a head, neck, or back injury, you must keep the head, neck, and back perfectly still until EMS arrives. Any movement of the head, neck, or back could result in paralysis or death.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

First Aid for a Severe Injury

* Do not move the person unless his or her life is in danger. If so, log roll the person, place tape across the forehead, and secure the person to a board to keep the head, neck, and back areas from moving at all.

* Call 9-1-1!

* CHECK for a response. If giving rescue breaths, do not tilt the head backward. Pull the lower jaw open instead.

To Immobilize the Head, Neck, and/or Back

* Tell the person to lie still and not move his or her head, neck, back, etc.

* Log roll as listed above or place rolled towels, etc. on both sides of the neck and/or body. Tie in place, but don’t interfere with the person’s breathing. If necessary, use both of your hands, one on each side of the person’s head to keep the head from moving.

* Monitor for Bleeding and Shock. Keep the person warm with blankets, coats, etc.

Move Someone You Suspect Has Injured His or Her Neck in a Diving or Other Water Accident

Before emergency care arrives:

* Protect the neck and/or spine from bending or twisting. Place your hands on both sides of the neck. Keep it in place until help arrives.

* If the person is still in the water, help the person float until a rigid board can be slipped under the head and body, at least as far down as the buttocks.

* If no board is available, get several people to take the person out of the water. Support the head and body as one unit. Make sure the head does not rotate or bend in any way.

First Aid For Traffic Accidents

* If the person was in a motorcycle accident, do not remove the helmet. Call 9-1-1 to do this.

* Don’t move the person. He or she may have a spinal injury. Call 9-1-1 to do this.

First Aid for Minor Head Injuries

* Put an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables in a cloth. Apply this to the injured area. Doing this helps reduce swelling and bruising. Change it every 15 to 20 minutes for 1 to 2 hours. Do not put ice directly on the skin. Cover an open, small cut with gauze and first- aid tape or an adhesive bandage.

* Once you know there is no serious head injury, do normal activities again. Avoid strenuous ones.

* Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain as directed.

* Don’t drink alcohol or take any other sedatives or sleeping pills.

* During the next 24 hours, monitor the person. While asleep, wake the person every 2 hours to check alertness. Ask something the person should know, such as a pet’s name, an address, etc. If the person can’t be roused or respond normally, get immediate medical care.

First Aid for Bleeding from the Scalp

* To control bleeding, put pressure around the edges of the wound. Make a ring pad (shaped like a doughnut) out of long strips of cloth to apply pressure around the edges of the wound. If this doesn’t control bleeding, put direct pressure on the wound. Don’t poke your hand into the person’s brain, though.

* Don’t wash the wound or apply an antiseptic or any other fluid to it.

* If blood or pink-colored fluid is coming from the ear, nose, or mouth, let it drain. Do not try to stop its flow.

If You Suspect a Whiplash Injury

* See your doctor, as soon as you can, to find out the extent of injury. If your arm or hand is numb, tell your doctor.

* For the first 24 hours, apply ice packs to the injured area for up to 20 minutes every hour.

* After 24 hours, use ice packs or heat, whichever works best, to relieve the pain. There are many ways to apply heat. Take a hot shower for 20 minutes a few times a day. Use a hot-water bottle, heating pad (set on low), or heat lamp directed to the neck for 10 minutes, several times a day. (Use caution not to burn the skin.)

* Wrap a folded towel around the neck to help hold the head in one position during the night.

Concussion

This is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a blow or jolt to the head. Signs and symptoms are:

* Altered level of alertness. May have brief fainting spell. Feeling confused, dazed, and/or dizzy.

* Can’t remember events right before or right after the injury.

* Nausea and vomiting.

* Headache.

A concussion needs a medical assessment.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026