My Healthy Habits

Every Athletic Trainer carries a bag with him or her in the event that an athlete is in need of some medical treatment. Each and every certified Athletic Trainer is familiar withcardiac science and consequently the kit must contain the necessaryCPR supplies . Their bag will also contain items necessary to treat an on the field injury, such as a broken bone or a concussion. Splints, bandages, and ice packs are sure to be in every bag. While you might not have the skills or certifications that an Athletic Trainer has, and would not know the first thing about trying complex life saving procedures, administering basic first aid, whether at home, your neighborhood football game, the playground, or around the office is something you can do. Helping out with the most basic first aid procedures is something every mom, dad, co-worker, or spectator can do. It is simply a matter of having the right tools available. Every office, car, home, and school sporting event should have first aid kits available in the event of injury. First aid kits are packaged differently, depending on who the kit is primarily going to be used by. Professionals often have kits with extensive materials covering a variety of emergencies. For example, a first respondents kit may contain materials that a home first aid kit would never need. There are a few items, however, which are generally accepted for all first aid kits. The following is a list of common first aid items which you may consider including in your home and travel first aid kits.

• A well stocked kit should contain band aids of all sizes and shapes

• A well stocked kit should contain bandages and bandage pins or tape

• A well stocked kit should contain antiseptic ointment or hand wipes

• A well stocked kit should contain a pair of tweezers

• A well packed bag should contain an instant ice pack

• A well stocked kit should contain a clean cloth

• A well stocked kit should contain burn ointment

• A well stocked kit should contain smelling salts

• A well stocked kit should provide latex gloves

Anyone choosing to keep a first aid kit should remember to open it periodically, even if it has not been put to use. In particular, if you carry any pain reliever or analgesic, checking expiration dates may be a good idea. It is so imperative that first aid kits are checked regularly to make sure they are well stocked with the essentials. How awful it would be to be looking at a situation; where someone was in need of help and the kit was lacking helpful first aid supplies. Whether you are preparing a kit to keep in your kitchen at home, or for the glove compartment of your car, or for the break room at the office, make sure to include these valuable and essential materials. Accidents can and will happen. Typically, most injuries around the home or office are small and can be readily attended to with a simple antiseptic application and a band aid. Make sure that in addition to a well stocked kit, you have all emergency numbers at the ready, just in case they should be needed.