Sports First Aid Kit
By Louise Roach, Fri Dec 9th

Do you have an active family? Are your kids involved in socceror little league? What sports are high on your priority list –running, golf, tennis?

American Sports Data, Inc. estimates: - 50.6 million people overthe age of 6 exercise frequently, participating in singleactivities (running, cycling, treadmill) - 39.9 millionparticipate in recreational sports (basketball, tennis,softball) - 15.3 million people are active outdoors (hiking,mountain biking, skiing) - 3.2 million players are registeredwith the U.S. Youth Association

If you pound the pavement, swing the club, or bat the ball,there is always the chance for injury. Is your family preparedwith a sports first aid kit that meets your needs? Manycommercially packaged first aid kits contain basic supplies.Sure, they might offer limited help for simple emergencies. Butis your first aid kit prepared to handle your child’s rugbyinjuries or treat a sprained ankle on the field? Howabout your knee pain after a marathon?

The answer is to create your own customized kit that fits yourfamily’s sports first aid needs. Chances are you already havemany of the necessary supplies on hand. Here’s how you getstarted.

1. Evaluate your needs by the type of sports your familyparticipates in. Is there the likelihood of bumps, cuts, andbruising that might occur in contact team sports? Or are overuseinjuries

more prevalent such as runner’s knee, golfer’stendonitis, or tennis elbow?

2. Decide what supplies best fit the type of injuries you havedescribed, such as bandages and ointment for cuts; ice pack forpain and swelling; sunscreen for sun burn.

3. Find a roomy, insulated tote to carry your supplies. Why aninsulated carrier rather than one of those little, plastic boxesthat most first aid kits come in? Because you need to carry atleast one, preferably two frozen, reusable ice packs in yoursports first aid kit. Most kits only contain an instant,one-time-use, chemical ice pack. This is usually not sufficientto numb pain or reduce swelling. The best and most effectivetreatment for many injuries is to immediately apply a frozen icepack for several 15 to 20 minute sessions. This will help lessenpain, reduce swelling and treat bruising. And an insulated totewill keep your ice packs cold for several hours.

Here is a list of suggested supplies to include in your family’ssports first aid kit:

Information: First aid guide or manual

General: Matches, Scissors, Travel Toilet Paper, Anti-diarrheal,Antiseptic wipes, Tweezers, Needle (for splinters), Thermometer,Safety pins, Flashlight, Disposable gloves, Mouthpiece (in caseof using CPR), Blanket, Plastic Zip-lock bags (to keep suppliesdry), Tissues

Emergencies: Cell phone, Whistle, Personal alarm, Pepper spray,Emergency phone numbers, Maps (with directions to nearest firstaid)

Pain and Swelling: Cold pack, Ibuprofen

For cuts, scrapes, blisters: Bandages of different sizes,Antibiotic cream or hydrocortisone cream, Mole skin dressingkit, Sterile gauze, Adhesive tape, Antiseptic solution,Non-stick gauze pads

Sun protection/heat exhaustion: Misting water bottle, Cold pack,Sunscreen, Lip balm, Aloe Vera lotion

Fractures, strains, sprains, pulled muscles: Neoprene jointbraces, Compression bandage/ice wrap, Cold pack, Two triangleshaped pieces of cloth for a sling or tourniquet

Dehydration: Filled water bottle, Sports drink

Allergic Reactions: Calamine lotion, Epinephrine (for beestings), Antihistamine, Recommended medications

Insect Bites: Epinephrine (for bee stings), Insect repellent,Cold pack (reduces swelling of bug bites)

Assemble your supplies and customize your family sports firstaid kit for each event or outing.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute forprofessional medical treatment or consultation. Always consultwith your physician in the event of a serious injury.

About the author:About the Author: Louise Roach is a health and fitness editor,marketing specialist, and product development consultant. Shehelps others find pain relief through the use of SnowPack ColdTherapy products. Learn more about the benefits of cold therapyat http://www.snowpackusa.com/ Sign up for *free* health/fitnesse-newsletter at: http://home.netcom.com/~newsflash/