Thursday, November 16, 2006

Rough and tumble play

What's a mom to do if her precious darling gets hurt playing with all those cousins over the holidays? Here's the first part of Misty's Holiday Survival Guide - First Aid for Moms:
BAD SPRAINS AND STRAINS
To reduce pain and swelling, remember RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Keep the affected area elevated and as immobile as possible for 24 to 48 hours. Apply a cold pack (or a bag of frozen peas) for ten to 15 minutes at a time, wrapping it in a towel first to avoid frostbite. Do this as soon after the injury as possible, and repeat at least three times a day for a day or two. Don't apply any heat for the first 48 hours.
Keep excess fluid from accumulating around a sprained joint by compressing and elevating it. Starting below the joint, wrap an elastic bandage loosely, so the circulation isn't cut off. Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart by propping it up on pillows. Of course, if the injury is bad enough to keep a kid down for 24 to 48 hours, do see a doctor as soon as possible to rule out something more serious.

Information from ParentCenter
--Misty

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