Cuts and scrapes, clean with water and soap and bandage lightly. Use an antibiotic cream and cover to protect it.

Burns, don't butter it. Run cold water on the area; then apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. Add a cold compress if there is pain.

Bloody Nose? Don't throw your head back-you can choke! Press the fleshy part of your nose below where your glasses sit and hold it until it stops. If a nosebleed persists, or there is a lot of blood loss, seek medical attention.

If you twist a joint, RICE-Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate. If there is no swelling, heat may be applied. Seek medical attention if you cannot stand or walk or if pain persists.

Sunburn. Some people use vinegar and water, but why would you pour mild acid on? Cool the skin with a compress then, try a cold cream or Aloe Vera.

Bee Stings-Don't squeeze a bee sting to get the stinger out. Squeezing the stinger may release the venom into your system. Scrape the stinger out. Allergies to bee stings can be fatal, watch for reactions such as turning red, swelling or trouble breathing; this is an emergency, call 911 or head to a hospital.

If you get a snakebite. Don't run-the increased circulation will spread the poison quicker. Loosen clothing, remove rings, and get to a hospital ASAP. Keep the affected area immobile and, if possible, below the level of the heart. Never try to get the poison by sucking on it.

If you get motion sickness, stop & get out of the vehicle. If that is not an option, go to the most stable area, usually the middle of a boat or plane or the front seat of a car or bus. Stare at the horizon Take ginger before to help prevent the sickness.

Poison ivy is an allergic reaction to oil called urushiol, released when the leaves of the poison ivy or poison oak or sumac are brushed or crushed. One exposure is not a problem; it’s the second exposure that allows the oil to bind to the skin proteins. If, within 15 minutes, you are able to clean off the oil with alcohol or cold water, the rash can be avoided. Poison Ivy is not contagious unless you still have the oil on your hands and cover the area twice. Scratching won’t spread the problem but it will open your wounds to infection. Calamine can calm the blistery rash. Benadryl or cortisone cream can help soothe the itching.

If you get a chemical in your eye, flush with fresh water for 15 minutes , seek medical attention. For the pain, try a cold compress.

Grit in the eye, try to wash it out with fresh water or tears but don’t rub!

Poked in the eye? Don’t rub. Leave the eye alone; keep the eyes closed to alleviate the pain. Seek medical attention

Black Eye-Use a cold compress not a cold steak! A bag of frozen peas is a much better choice!

If something breaks your skin and becomes imbedded, pull it out if the object is small, visible, and near the surface. Wash the wound & bandage it. Larger objects may be holding in the blood, if in doubt, seek medical attention. Some wounds, especially those involving rusty nail requires tetanus shot if you have not had one in the last five years.

What’s in Your First Aid Kit?

Next newsletter, we will look at the essentials for first aid kits.

In the mean time, enjoy the summer. Judy Chong, Head Foodie

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