Kitchen Kids: Stay Safe and Have Fun in the Kitchen

 

 

Encouraging children to help out in the kitchen is a great idea. More productive than watching TV; an afternoon cooking or baking teaches valuable life skills, encourages healthy eating and provides opportunities for parents and kids to have fun together.

 

Of course, there are dangers in the kitchen such as sharp knives, hot stoves and electrical equipment but with a little care and common sense; there is no reason why children cannot enjoy time in the kitchen safely.

 

For very young children and toddlers,extra care should be taken. It’s estimated that over 40,000 children under the age of five require hospital treatment each year following a kitchen incident. Young children should therefore never be left in the kitchen unaccompanied. It only takes a split second to pull over a hot pan or pick up a sharp implement. However, if you take the time to explain the risks to children as they are growing up, by the time they are teenagers they should be confident in the kitchen and able to prepare a meal by themselves.

 

Here are a few simple precautions you can take to ensure they stay safe:

• Use the back rings of the hob and turn pan handles to the back so that little hands can’t grab them.


• Put childproof locks on drawers or cupboards to stop children finding knives, glassware, plastic bags and chemicals.


• Keep hot drinks away from counter edges.


• Keep matches out of sight and have a fire blanket to hand for emergencies.


• Know where your first aid kit is in case accidents do occur.


• Keep treats out of sight. Many parents put chocolates and biscuits on top shelves so that children cannot reach them. However, if children can still see the goodies, they may be tempted to climb onto worktops or try and create their own ‘step ladder’ to reach them.


• Ensure alcohol is out of sight and locked away.


• Make sure children always wear shoes or slippers in the kitchen to protect their feet in case knives, hot food or glass falls on the floor.

 

As children get older, you can allow them to help out more with food preparation. Start by giving them easy tasks that are safe such as stirring cake mixes or weighing out ingredients. As they gain confidence, show them other techniques. Let them watch you completing more complex tasks such as using knives or heating ingredients, and show how you ensure the steps are carried out safely. You can also take the opportunity to explain things like the importance of washing hands, keeping cooked and raw foods separate, and how to follow a recipe.

 

Make sure older children know what to do in the event of an accident. Show them where the first aid kit is and make sure they know what to do if a fire breaks out.

 

To find easy recipes that you can make with your children, visit: www.greatgrubclub.com

 

Categories: aid kit, Children, kitchen, knives, knives hot, nbsp, stay safe, time, young children

How to Create a Gardener’s First Aid Kit

 

 

Whether you’re a keen gardener or just like to potter in the garden every now and again, it’s a good idea to have a basic garden first aid kit to hand in case of small accidents. You could include this with your household first aid kit or keep a separate one in your garden shed, greenhouse or garage so that it’s close to hand should you need it. If you plan to store your first aid kit outdoors, choose a suitable container that is waterproof and rust proof so that the contents stay dry and are ready to use whenever you need them.

 

Whether you are stung by a bee, cut yourself pruning, or develop a rash;having a first aid kit close to hand will help quickly make you more comfortable.

 

Here are some of the common garden health hazards you may want to consider when putting together a garden first aid kit:

 

Sunburn – have a mini bottle of sunscreen or sunblock wipes handy for hot days. In fact, even on a cooler day it’s a good idea to protect yourself from the sun if you plan to spend several hours outdoors.

 

Backache – It’s common to suffer from backache or joint pains after a long day in the garden. Painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are therefore a useful addition to your first aid kit.

 

Scratches – Small scratches can be cleaned with an antiseptic wipe, then apply a plaster to keep the scratch clean.

 

Pricks and Splinters – tweezers are useful for removing small thorns and splinters.

 

Insect bites– Have an insect bite and sting product in your first aid kit such as a cream designed to take the discomfort out of insect bites. You may also want to use insect repellent wipes or ointments to keep insects at bay.

 

Rashes– Some garden plants can cause skin rashes. An antihistamine tablet could ease the inflammation, itchiness and discomfort. If the rash is more serious, seek medical advice.

 

Blisters – blisters can be common – either on your feet from your gardening shoes or on your hands from using garden tools. A blister plaster can ease the discomfort.

 

Hayfever – if you suffer from hayfever, you may find it gets worse after a day gardening. Make sure you have a good supply of your usual hayfever medication. Some people find that rubbing a small amount of Vaseline around their nostrils can help prevent hayfever symptoms.

 

Dehydration – not part of your first aid kit necessarily – but ensure you have a bottle of water to hand to keep you well hydrated when working in the garden. This is particularly important on hot days when it’s easy to fall victim to sunstroke.

 

Of course, if you suffer from a more serious gardening accident or illness, you should always seek professional medical advice straightaway.

 

For more information about preventing accidents in the home and garden, visit: www.rospa.com

 

Categories: aid kit, garden, hand, hot days, insect, insect bites, kit nbsp, medical advice, nbsp

Medical Supplies You Should Have In Storage

Medical emergencies are something that could strike anyone at any time, no matter how old or young the person may be. Luckily, the Internet age has made it much easier to acquire medical supplies that go above and beyond the standard First-Aid kit.

 

It is unfortunate that many homeowners do not even own a First-Aid kit, let alone any specialized medical gear. The following items are common medical items that have been proven to save lives.

 

First-Aid Kit

The two main functions of a First-Aid kit are to stop bleeding and to keep wounds from getting infected. The items included are gauze, antibiotic cream, band-aids, medical tape, and a cold pack to treat muscle strains. This is the basic kit that any safety-conscious homeowner should have.

 

Defibrillator

This apparatus is designed to start a heart that has stopped beating as a result of cardiac arrest. This is especially useful for those who are not trained in CPR. The reason is that defibrillators often come with clear-cut instructions for operation. With that being said, at least one member of a household should be trained in CPR. These classes are fairly cheap and are usually offered at a community’s activity center.

 

Suture Kit

Many people think that stitching a wound is a complex procedure; however, the reality is that it is the same fundamental procedure as stitching a seam. Do some research online on how to sew and confer with your doctor regarding the slight differences between the two procedures. It is a skill that most people never need, but it is always good to know how to be able to stitch a wound in case of an emergency. This is what field medics who are stationed in war zones specialize in.

 

Stethoscope

A stethoscope is what doctors use to listen to a patient’s heartbeat and pulse. This checks for any irregularities in heartbeat or blood flow, which are both early warning signs of cardiac arrest. If there is a clot forming somewhere in the body, then you will be able to hear the flow of the person’s blood moving at a slower pace. This also may indicate that the artery is blocked. The best course of action is to give the person an aspirin to thin their blood and call the paramedics immediately.

 

Catheters

When most people hear the word catheter they think of a urinary catheter. While this is certainly a common use of catheters, the reality is that they have several uses. When shopping for medical catheters it is important to understand that different sizes have different functions. Some other uses for catheters include cardiovascular, neurovascular, and gastrointestinal issues.

 

By owning this simple list of items you will be sufficiently prepared for any medical emergency that comes your way.

Categories: aid kit, Blood, cardiac arrest, catheters, health concerns, items, Medical, medical supplies, nbsp

Hiker Health: How to Prepare for Your Next Backpacking Trip

A backpacking trip is the ideal way to enjoy a hike while taking in some beautiful scenery. Whether you prefer a short day trip, or will be traversing challenging terrain, it is important to make sure you stay healthy. Here are the top tips for preparing for your next backpacking trip that will ensure your health and safety so that you can make the most out of your adventure.

 

Schedule a Pre-Hike Checkup

Although you may feel fine, the last thing you need is to discover a serious health problem while you are out on the trail. Therefore, schedule a pre-hike checkup a week or two before you plan to leave. This way, you can head out for the trail knowing you are in top physical condition.

 

Train on Similar Terrain

Hiking through neighborhood walking trails is quite different from a treacherous trip up a mountain. If possible, find a hiking path that will be similar to the one you plan to visit. As you train, wear the gear you will be taking to make sure that your shoes, backpack and other essentials travel well on the terrain.

 

Pack a First Aid Kit

From overhanging limbs catching your skin, to a minor sprain, you never know what might happen on the trail. Be prepared for anything by packing a first aid kit that has all the essentials. Bandages, gauze, and antiseptic ointment are always important to have on hand. Those who will be traveling in challenging weather conditions may also need to pack protective gear such as a warming blanket in case the trip does not go completely as planned.

 

Treat Your Feet

A hiker’s feet is their most important tool on the trail, and those who hike regularly are prone to common foot conditions such as fungus. Dalhousie Station Foot Clinic offers fungal nail laser treatment in Calgary so that you can make sure your feet are comfortable throughout your hike. Once your feet are treated, be sure to select shoes that are comfortable, breathable, and that have the right kind of tread for the trail’s terrain.

 

Staying healthy on a backpacking trip will ensure that you can enjoy many more adventures in the future. From treating foot conditions from past hikes, to packing a first aid kit, you will enjoy your hiking adventure knowing that you have covered any potential health problems. This way, you can hike the trails in comfort while enjoying every moment of your grand adventure.

Categories: aid kit, backpacking, backpacking trip, foot conditions, health, hike, hike checkup, hiker, nbsp, pre hike, terrain nbsp, trip