Keep That First Aid Kit Stocked!
By Donna Stark
There is always an adventure when the entire family is at home for an extended period of time, and by adventure, I actually mean mayhem. Keeping your children cooped up with each other can be a dangerous thing, can't it? Especially when everyone is running out of things to do. What may look to be a beautiful start to the day can quickly turn on a dime. One minute your kids are smiling and having fun and the next minute you are dealing with physical fights and dangerous dares. Because of this, you may want to double-check that your first aid kit at home is fully stocked!
What Should a First Aid Kit Include?
From treating a painful paper cut to taking care of a fresh blister to fixing a goose egg on your child's forehead, it is imperative that you have a properly stocked first aid kit in your home. Here are just a few of the things your kit should definitely contain.
- Latex gloves - Quick action is necessary when someone around you becomes injured so you want to make sure nothing prevents you from helping. Keep both you and the injured party safe with latex gloves.
- Band-Aids - This may seem like the most obvious addition but you would be surprised how many times I have gone to my own kit and found empty band-aid wrappers and not a one in sight. It's beyond frustrating to me, so make sure you don't experience that same level of frustration. Always check that your stock is replenished.
- Elastic bandages - Sometimes a twist of an ankle occurs as your children are chasing each other through the house and when that happens, you may want to pull out your elastic bandage. Using elastic bandages can help keep the injured area of the body from moving too much and can aid in the healing process.
- Tweezers - Playing outside in the mulch or digging with sticks can leave your little ones with a splinter and in order to stop the tears, you are going to need a tweezer. Tweezers are also good for removing insect stingers, ticks, and more! Just be sure to sterilize them before use.
- Instant ice packs - Remember that goose egg I mentioned above? Bumps and bruises are common injuries among children but for the more serious ones, you are going to want some instant ice packs, especially if you are outside and don't have access to the reusable ice packs you have in your freezer.
Keeping Everyone Safe
Having a fully stocked first aid kit is the best way to ensure that everyone will be safe during those moments of mayhem in your home. What comes next, though, is convincing your children to stop running in the house.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Vancouver, Wash.