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Tag: Health Conditions

First Aid Precautions

First Aid

First Aid Safety Steps

1. LOOK around. Is it safe to help? If not, call 9-1-1, have someone else call, or seek medical help. If it is safe to help, stay calm and go to step 2.

2. CHECK for a response.

* Gently tap the person. Ask, “Are you okay?” Ask loudly. Call the person by name if you know it.

* If the person responds or moves, attend to his or her problem, as needed. If the person is injured or the problem is serious, call for emergency medical care. Give first aid as needed, until medical help arrives.

* If the person does not respond or move, begin CPR.

3. PROTECT yourself from hepatitis B virus and HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. You can get these from an infected person’s blood or other body fluids if they enter your body. These organisms can enter through cuts or breaks in your skin or through the lining of your mouth, nose, and eyes. When you give first aid or do CPR, take these steps, especially if you don’t know the person:

* Use plastic wrap or a plastic bag that you can throw away whenever you touch another person’s body fluids, blood, or other objects that may be soiled with his or her blood. If possible, have the person apply pressure to the wound with his or her own hand.

* Cover the person’s open wounds with dressings, extra gauze, or waterproof material.

* Using a mouth-to-mouth barrier device when you give rescue breaths may or may not protect you from picking up an infection. You do not need to give rescue breaths with Hands-Only CPR.

* Within 1 to 2 hours, report every incident that exposes you to another person’s blood or other body fluids to your doctor and EMS personnel.

4. FIND out if the person has certain medical needs.

* Ask if he or she has prescribed medicine, such as nitroglycerin, to take for a heart condition. Ask where he or she keeps the medicine. Find out how much to give. Ask the person or read the directions on the medicine’s label, if there is one.

* Ask the person if you can give the medicine to him or her.

* Look for a medical alert tag to find out about health problems the person has.

* Find out if the person is allergic to any medicine.

© 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
Insect Stings

Skin Conditions

Signs & Symptoms

* Quick, sharp pain.

* Swelling.

* Itching.

* Redness at the sting site.

* Hives.

Insect stings can even result in a severe allergic reaction.

Causes

Insect stings come from bumblebees, honeybees, hornets, wasps, yellow jackets, and fire ants.

Treatment

Self-care treats mild reactions to insect stings. A severe allergic reaction needs immediate care. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction usually happen soon after or within an hour of the sting.

If you have had a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting, you should carry an emergency insect sting kit, prescribed by your doctor. You should also wear a medical alert tag that lets others know that you are allergic to insect stings. Persons who have had severe reactions to bee or wasp stings should ask their doctor about allergy shots.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Avoid Insect Stings

* Keep food and drink containers tightly covered. (Bees love sweet things, like soft drinks.)

* Don’t wear perfume, colognes, or hair spray when you are outdoors.

* Don’t wear bright colors, like white or yellow. Choose neutral colors, like tan or khaki. Wear snug clothing that covers your arms and legs.

* Don’t go barefoot. If camping, look for insects in your shoes before you put them on.

* Wear an insect repellent, especially if you are sensitive to insect stings.

* Be careful when you work outdoors, pull weeds, mow tall grass, and work around shutters. Bees often build hives behind shutters.

* If an insect that stings gets in your car, stop the car. Put the windows down. Once the insect leaves, resume driving.

* Check for and repair openings in your window screens.

To Treat an Insect Sting Without a Severe Allergic Reaction

* For a bee sting, gently scrape out the stinger as soon as possible. Use a blunt knife, credit card, or a fingernail. Yellow jackets, wasps, and hornets don’t lose their stingers.

* Don’t pull the stinger out with your fingers or tweezers. Don’t squeeze the stinger. It contains venom. You could re-sting yourself.

* Clean the sting area with soapy water.

* Remove jewelry from bitten fingers, wrists, etc. It may be difficult to remove jewelry once swelling occurs.

* Put a cold compress (ice in a cloth, etc.) on the sting. Don’t put ice directly on the skin. Hold the cold compress on the site for 10 to 15 minutes.

* Keep the sting area lower than heart level.

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

* For itching and swelling, apply a topical 1% hydrocortisone cream and/or take an over- the-counter antihistamine, such as Benadryl, if okay with your doctor. Follow directions on the labels.

Signs of Severe Allergic Reaction

* Fainting or decreasing level of consciousness.

* Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

* Severe swelling all over or of the face, lips, tongue, and/or throat.

* Pale or bluish lips, skin, and/or fingernails.

* Wheezing.

* Dizziness, weakness, and/or numbness.

* Cool, moist skin or sudden onset of pale skin and sweating.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Objects In The Ear Or Nose

First Aid

A foreign object stuck in an ear or the nose needs to be removed. If not, an infection could result. Damage to structures in the nose or ear could also occur.

Signs & Symptoms

A child may be able to tell if an object was put in a nostril or an ear and didn’t come out. If not, signs and symptoms can help identify this problem.

For an Object Stuck in an Ear

* Feeling of fullness in the ear.

* Ear pain or discomfort.

* Hearing loss and/or feeling dizzy.

* Foul odor from the ear and/or drainage from the ear.

* Bleeding from an ear.

For an Object Stuck in the Nose

* Constant nasal discharge from one nostril.

* Foul odor. Pus or blood drains from a nostril.

* Pain, swelling, and/or tenderness.

Causes

* An object or substance is placed in the ear or nose on purpose and won’t come out.

* Objects get stuck in the nose or ear by injury or by accident.

* An insect flies or crawls into an ear.

Treatment

Medical care is needed for foreign objects that can’t be removed with self-care. After an object is removed, an antibiotic may be needed if an infection is present. Small, button-sized batteries need to be removed to prevent burns.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Remove an Insect from an Ear

* Kill the insect before you try to remove it. To do this, tilt the person’s head to put the ear with the insect in an upward position. Pour warm (not hot) mineral, olive, or baby oil into the ear. As you pour the oil, straighten the ear canal. In a child, pull the earlobe gently backward and downward; backward and upward in an adult.

* The goal is to suffocate the insect and cause it to float out.

To Remove Objects Other Than Insects

* Don’t use oil.

* Tilt the head toward the side with the foreign object. Gently shake the head toward the floor to try to get the object out. Do not shake a baby. Gently pull the ear up and back.

* Don’t use a sharp tool, cotton swab, etc., to try to locate and remove the object. This risks pushing the object farther into the ear. Doing this could damage the middle ear.

* Remove the object with blunt tweezers if it is easily seen and can be grasped and pulled out.

To Remove Objects in the Nose

* Don’t use a sharp tool, cotton swab, etc., to try to locate and remove the object.

* Breathe through the mouth until the object is removed.

* Apply gentle pressure to close the other nostril and gently try to blow the object out.

* Remove the object with blunt tweezers, if it is easily seen and can be grasped and pulled out.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Shoulder Pain & Neck Pain

Bone & Muscle Problems

Signs & Symptoms

* The pain can be mild to severe. It can be felt in one spot, in a large area, or travel to another area. Movement can cause the pain or make it worse.

* Stiffness and/or swelling may occur.

Causes

* Overuse and wear and tear on neck and shoulder muscles and joints.

* Strains. Broken or dislocated shoulder.

* Poor posture. Awkward sleeping positions. Sleeping on a soft mattress.

* Pinched nerve. Pain from a pinched nerve usually runs down one side of the arm.

* Frozen shoulder. This can result from lack of use due to pain from an injury. At first, pain occurs with movement. Over time, the pain gets better, but stiffness remains.

* Torn rotator cuff. This is a tear in a ligament that holds the shoulder in place. Symptoms are pain at the top and outer sides of the shoulders, especially when you raise or extend your arm. You may also feel or hear a click when the shoulder is moved.

* Tendinitis. This is swelling of a tendon (tissue that connects a muscle to bone). Left untreated, tendinitis can turn into “frozen shoulder.” “Wry” neck is a similar problem.

* Bursitis. This is swelling of the sac (bursa) that surrounds the shoulder joint. Bursitis can be caused by injury, infection, overuse, arthritis, or gout.

* A whiplash injury.

* Osteoarthritis.

* Infections that cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Treatment

Treatment for shoulder pain and/or neck pain depends on the cause. Emergency medical care is needed for:

* A serious injury.

* A broken bone.

* A heart attack.

* Meningitis. This is an infection of the membranes that surround the brain.

Self-care can treat less serious causes of shoulder pain and/or neck pain.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

For Pain

* Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain and/or swelling.

* To relieve tension and improve circulation, take walks. Start with 3 to 5 walks a day, each lasting 5 to 10 minutes. Gradually increase walking times.

For Bursitis, Tendinitis, or an Injury That Does Not Appear Serious

* Use R.I.C.E.

* Try liniments and balms. These provide a cooling or warming sensation, but only mask the pain. They do not promote healing.

To Treat Neck Pain from a Whiplash Injury or Pinched Nerve

See a doctor anytime your motor vehicle is hit from the rear because the accident can cause a whiplash injury. After first checking with your doctor, do these things to ease neck discomfort:

* Rest as much as you can by lying on your back.

* Use cold and hot packs.

* Improve your posture. When you sit, use a chair with a straight back. Make sure your buttocks go all the way to the chair’s back. When you stand, pull in your chin and stomach.

* Use a cervical (neck) pillow or a rolled hand towel under your neck.

* Avoid activities that may aggravate your injury.

* Cover your neck with a scarf if you go outside when the weather is cold.

Ways to Prevent Shoulder Pain & Neck Pain

* Avoid repeated activities that twist or put strain on the neck and shoulders. When you do repeated tasks, use proper posture, equipment, and techniques.

* Wear seat belts in vehicles. Use protective gear when you take part in sporting events.

* If you are out of condition, strengthen your muscles gradually.

* Don’t sleep on your stomach. You may twist your neck in this position. Use a firm polyester pillow, a neck (cervical) pillow, or a rolled towel under your neck.

* Practice good posture. Stand straight. Don’t let your shoulders slump, your head droop, or your lower back slouch.

* When you carry things, such as a shoulder bag, switch from one shoulder to the other.

* Don’t prop a telephone between your ear and shoulder.

* Stretch and warm up before activities that require joint movement, such as sports.

* Do stretching and strengthening exercises to keep your shoulder, neck, and arm muscles strong and flexible.

– Shoulder Stretch: Reach your right arm across your chest. With your left hand, grasp your arm just above the elbow. Gently pull your arm farther across your body until you feel a stretch in the back of your shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds. Rest and repeat. Do the same with your left arm.

– Neck and Shoulder Stretch: Tilt your head forward and let it hang. Relax your neck and shoulders. Slowly, roll your head to one side then back to the front and then slowly roll it to the other side. (Do not roll your neck backward.) Repeat 10 times.

Resources

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

877.22.NIAMS (226.4267)

www.niams.nih.gov

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Thyroid Problems

General Health Conditions

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower front of the neck, below the voice box (larynx), and above the collarbone. It makes hormones that help convert food to energy. It regulates growth and fertility. It also maintains body temperature.

Signs & Symptoms

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Body functions slow down. Signs and symptoms are:

* Fatigue. Sleeping too much.

* Depression.

* Dry, pale skin. Dry hair that tends to fall out.

* The voice deepens.

* Weight gain for no reason.

* Feeling cold often.

* Heavy and/or irregular menstrual periods in females.

* Poor memory.

* Constipation.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid makes too much thyroid hormone. Body functions speed up. Two common forms are Graves’ disease and multinodular goiter. Signs and symptoms are:

* Swelling in the front of the neck. The thyroid gland gets larger. This is called goiter.

* One or both eyes bulge. Tremors. Feeling nervous.

* Mood swings.

* Weakness.

* Frequent bowel movements.

* Heat intolerance.

* Shortened menstrual periods in females.

* Weight loss for no reason.

* Fine hair or hair loss.

* Rapid pulse. Heart palpitations.

{Note: In elderly persons, symptoms for this can be more like ones for hypothyroidism.}

Causes

For Hypothyroidism

* Immune system problems.

* Removal of the thyroid gland.

* Treating the thyroid gland with radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism.

* Too much or too little iodine in the diet.

Risk factors for hypothyroidism include: A family history of the disease; having diabetes; and taking certain medicines, such as lithium.

For Hyperthyroidism

* Immune system problems.

* Family history of the illness.

* Taking too much thyroid hormones from pills.

Treatment

Medical care is needed for thyroid problems.

Hypothyroidism is treated with iodine and/or thyroid medicine.

Hyperthyroidism treatment varies. It includes radioactive iodine, medication, and surgery, if needed.

Some treatments result in the need to continue to take thyroid medicine.

Follow-up care is needed for both of these thyroid problems.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Take medication as directed.

* Tell your doctor if symptoms come back or still bother you.

* Follow your doctor’s advice for self-care measures.

Neck Check

To see if you have a lump on your thyroid gland or if it is enlarged, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends this quick self-test:

1. Tilt your chin up slightly and swallow a glass of water in front of a mirror.

2. Look at your neck as you swallow.

3. Check for any bulges or protrusions between your Adam’s apple and collarbone. If you see any, contact your doctor.

Resources

American Thyroid Association

www.thyroid.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
The Abcs Of Hepatitis

MEDICAL NEWS

Millions of Americans are living with hepatitis today, and many don’t know they have it. Hepatitis can be serious and can lead to lifelong health problems. To help fight this dangerous disease, it’s important to know how it is spread and what you can do to prevent it.

What is hepatitis?

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Without the liver, the body cannot process nutrients, fight infection, or filter the blood. Hepatitis can make someone very sick. Some people with viral hepatitis can get liver cancer or severe scarring of the liver, known as cirrhosis.

How does someone get hepatitis?

The three most common types of viral hepatitis are spread in different ways:

* Hepatitis A can spread if a person eats or drinks something that has been contaminated with the virus. A person with hepatitis A spreads the virus through their stool.

* Hepatitis B can spread when blood, semen or other body fluids from an infected person get into the body of another person. This can happen during childbirth, sexual contact, getting tattoos or piercings, sharing needles or medical equipment, or sharing personal items, such as razors.

* Hepatitis C spreads through blood. Sharing needles or personal equipment that comes into contact with blood is the main way it gets spread. It may also spread during sexual contact. Like hepatitis B, Hep C can infect a baby during childbirth if the mother has it.

How do I prevent hepatitis?

Many people don’t have symptoms of hepatitis and don’t know they are infected. This means they can spread it to others without knowing it.

The best ways to help prevent the spread of hepatitis are:

* Getting the vaccine, if needed. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B.

* Getting screened for hepatitis if you are at risk and getting treatment when available.

* Being aware of risk factors and avoiding them whenever possible. This may include not sharing needles or other personal equipment as listed on this page. Use latex condoms during sexual activity.

Is there a cure for viral hepatitis?

Most people who get hepatitis A will recover after a few weeks or months. People with hepatitis B may need to be checked regularly for liver damage, and the infection may be lifelong. Hepatitis C can often be cured with today’s advanced medications.

Ask your doctor if you are at risk for hepatitis and whether you should be screened or vaccinated.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Do You Have Celiac Disease?

SELF-CARE CORNER

If you can’t eat bread or anything containing wheat, rye, and barley because of gluten-a protein found in these grains-you may have celiac disease. Different people have different symptoms, but talk with your doctor if you or your child has one or more of these problems after eating bread or cookies, for example:

* Gas

* Bloating, belly pain

* Ongoing diarrhea

* Pale, foul-smelling or fatty stool

* Weight loss or weight gain

* Fatigue

* Bone or joint pain

* Bone loss or weakening

* Anemia (lower red blood cell count)

* Behavior changes (children become irritable)

* Tingling, numbness in the legs

* Muscle cramps

* Seizures

* Itchy skin rash

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Latex Allergy

MEDICAL NEWS

If you are allergic to latex, you usually know it. You can react with sneezing or worse symptoms because your body is reacting to proteins in natural rubber latex, which is made from the rubber tree.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America suggests you do this:

* Always wear a medical ID that alerts others about your allergy if you need emergency care.

* Ask doctors, dentists, and others who examine you to wear latex-free exam gloves. Carry gloves with you to give your dentist or doctor.

* Check labeling. Do not assume a product labeled “hypoallergenic” is latex-free.

* Know that latex can be found in some elastic in clothing, rubber bands, condoms, balloons, disposable diapers, and many more products.

* If you’re allergic to latex, you may have reactions to bananas, kiwi, and cantaloupe, which contain some of the same allergens found in latex.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Safe Ways To Get Rid Of Warts

SELF-CARE CORNER

Warts are noncancerous growths caused by a contagious virus. Common warts usually appear on the hands, and plantar warts appear on the bottoms of the feet.

Most common and plantar warts are harmless and will go away on their own with time. But, they may cause pain or embarrassment. As a result, many people would rather see them gone sooner rather than later.

Wart basics

If you’re not sure whether you have a wart, it’s best to see your doctor. Some skin cancers can look like warts.

You can get warts from other people or from touching a surface that had the wart virus on it. The virus that causes warts is known as human papillomavirus (HPV). Children and teens get warts most often, but they can happen to anyone.

Keep warts away

It’s best to try and avoid getting warts in the first place. To help avoid warts, doctors say:

* Don’t go barefoot in public showers, bathrooms, locker rooms, and around swimming pools. Wear flip flops or waterproof shoes.

* Don’t share towels or personal items with others unless it has been washed.

* Wash hands regularly, including before and after eating, after using the bathroom, and after touching shared surfaces like doorknobs and ATMs.

* Finally, never pick at or scratch warts. This can spread the wart to other parts of the body.

Medicines for warts

There are a few ways to help speed the healing process for warts and get rid of them sooner. They include:

*Wart medicine:Look for one that contains salicylic acid as the active ingredient. This medicine helps peel the wart off gradually. It can be purchased in a liquid or gel you apply to the skin, or in patches that stick on the wart.

*Wart freezing sprays:An over-the-counter wart freezing spray can help get rid of warts. The spray blisters the wart and the skin around it, allowing it to fall off in a few days.

*Duct tape:Some studies suggest that applying duct tape to the wart may help it go away. Put a small piece of duct tape over the wart and change the tape every couple of days. This may help peel the wart off.

Be patient with any wart treatment. It may take several applications before the wart goes away. If these home remedies aren’t working, talk to your doctor. Most dermatologists offer stronger wart removal treatments when needed.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Family Physicians

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026