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Last updated: January 10, 2006
Eating right and exercising will hopefully prevent illness, and being
careful will prevent some accidents. When accidents do happen, a well-stocked
first aid kit can come in handy.
You should see a doctor if:
- You have fever of greater than 101° F (39° C) that doesn't get better
with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Especially a fever associated with
a shaking chill.
- You have severe pain that's unexplained - not caused by a muscle
injury, tension headache, or menstrual cramps.
- You're having upper respiratory problems. If you have been coughing
for several days, cough syrup doesn't help and your chest is getting
sore, or if you're short of breath and can't take a deep breath.
- You have suffered extensive burns or serious cuts.
FIRST AID KIT CHECKLIST:
Have your first aid kit ready, because it's essential. Sooner or later,
you will get sick or injured, and chances are, it may not be during
normal business hours. You'll probably need:
- SOMETHING FOR A HEADACHE: You can get brand names, or buy
generic medications, which are generally just as good and a lot cheaper.
The ones are acetaminophen (the key ingredient in Tylenol), ibuprofen
(found in Advil or Motrin) and naproxin (found in Aleve). Before you
buy, read the labels. Some pain relievers do not mix well with alcohol
and can damage your liver. Others can irritate your stomach. Aspirin
is not good for some people, like flu patients, because it
may cause undesirable side effects. Also aspirin goes bad quickly
if not used for a long time.
- ANTISEPTIC TOWELETTE: To cleanse any affected skin area
before applying some kind of medication.
- ANTISEPTIC & BURN CREAM: For minor burns, scalds, small
wounds, scratches, cuts and abrasions.
- ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT: To prevent infections.
- STERILE BANDAGES/PADS: Get a multipurpose box, with a variety
of sizes. Cover affected area after cleaning and applying medication.
- COTTON BALLS, TISSUES, SWABS, TWEEZERS AND A SEWING NEEDLE:
for splinter removal.
- THERMOMETER
- SCISSORS
- TAPE
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