What Are the Benefits of Using Hand Sanitizer?
Hand sanitizers are not a substitute for soap and warm water. The best way to clean your hands is to wash them thoroughly. However, if you do not have access to running water or soap, hand sanitizer is almost as effective. Make sure the sanitizer contains 60 percent (or more) alcohol and, if possible, do not use on exceptionally soiled hands. Hand sanitizer kills most bacteria, viruses, and fungi, but cannot kill all bacterial spores.
What Is Hot and Cold Therapy?
Hot and cold therapy is the practice of applying both hot and cold treatments to an injured muscle or joint. It treats inflammation, swelling, and pain, and promotes healing. Applying heat to stiff joints or muscles loosens them by increasing blood flow to the painful area, allowing the body to relax the area where the heat is being applied. Hold a heating pad, hot water bottle, or gel pack to a painful area for no more than 20 minutes. To reduce swelling and inflammation, cold therapy can slow the blood flow to the affected area. Unlike heat therapy, which can be used for chronic ailments, cold therapy should only be used for 24 to 48 hours after an injury, and should also be applied in 20-minute increments.
What Are Essentials in a First Aid Kit?
A homemade first aid kit should include items that help in the case of minor injuries, such as scrapes, cuts, stings, burns, and allergic reactions. Some essentials to include in every first aid kit include bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, elastic bandages, and cotton balls. Your kit should also include minor medications, like pain and fever relievers, antiseptic solution, calamine lotion, and antibiotic ointment.