Health Issues

If you have a house full of kids, then someone is bound to get hurt or sick. The best way to deal with those moments is to be prepared. So, here is what you need, and how to use it.

The first thing you need to do is compile a first aid kit. The Red Cross recommends that all first aid kits for a family of four include the following:
2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
5 antiseptic wipe packets
2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
1 blanket (space blanket)
1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
1 instant cold compress
2 pair of non latex gloves (size: large)
2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
Scissors
1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
Oral thermometer (non-mercury/non glass)
2 triangular bandages
Tweezers
First aid instruction booklet

The second thing you need to do is learn how to use it. Im not saying that we all need to know everything about first aid with boy scout proficiency, but we should have a basic idea of what to do when.
Minor scrapes and cuts: Stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean dressing or bandage. Rinse the wound with fresh water, and pat dry. Apply antibiotic ointment, and apply bandage.
Minor Burns: Cool the burn by running it under water for five minutes, or with cold compresses, but dont use ice. Cover the burn with a non-stick bandage. You dont want the bandage to stick to your burn. Given an over the counter pain reliever to help with the pain.
Stings: If the stinger is still in the skin, scrape it off with a flat object such as the end of a credit card or the back of a knife. Dont pull it out! Put those tweezers away! Apply a cold pack to help with the swelling. Once the swelling is down, apply a hydrocortisone cream. Take an antihistamine to stop the allergic reaction.
Those are the most common household owies that people come in contact with. If you have any questions about the severity of something go to your doctor or the hospital. Dont take chances with the health and well-being of your loved ones!