First aid for superficial heat burns
Hold under cold running water for at least 10 minutes or immerse in cold water. Never apply cotton wool, dressings, ointments, fats or lotions or attempt to rupture blisters or remove anything from wound. If burns are not small or superficial, call a doctor.
First aid for chemical burns
Hold under cold running water for at least 10 minutes so that contaminated water drains away freely. Remove all clothing soiled by the chemical and protect your hands from contact with it.
Fish is good for your baby
Introduce your baby between the first and second year to a variety of fresh fish but check that they are easily chewable and low in fat and sodium. Check very very carefully for bones.
Reducing salt in high blood pressure
Add very little salt during food preparation. Do not add salt to food on the table. Read labels carefully and choose food having less salt and sodium content. Avoid pickles, ketchups, chutneys, fast-food and restaurant food.
Baby’s first shoes
Your baby’s first shoes should be lightweight, made of leather or cloth(breathable material), definitely not plastic with soles so flexible that you can feel the baby’s toes through them. Hard soles are out.
If you are sick and have diabetes
Check your blood sugar more often, keep taking your medication, drink plenty of liquids and always mention all the medicines you are taking to your doctor, as some can affect your blood glucose.
Prevent dehydration in your child
If your child has diarrhoea and vomiting, you can prevent dehydration by giving small sips of cold sugar and salt solution available in ORS(Oral rehydration solution) packets at any medical store.
If your baby is having antibiotics
If your baby is having antibiotics for any reason and develops loose motions within the first few days it is most likely a reaction to the antibiotic known as a’drug - diarrhoea’. Stop the antibiotic immediately and inform your doctor. While you are waiting give your baby’oral rehydration solution’ which is easily available with any good chemist. You should always keep a few packets at home.
Foods that can trigger Migraine
Avoid chocolate, cheese, citrus fruits, fried foods, onions, tomatoes, spinach, beans, nuts, alcohol(particularly red wine), beverages with aspartame and foods containing monosodium glutamate(MSG).
If you are acne-prone
Avoid oil-based make-up, hair gels and sprays, stress, squeezing or picking at the pimples and hard scrubbing of skin.
Reduce dust and dust mites - common causes of allergies
Avoid soft toys, drapes, feather pillows and carpets. Vacuum regularly and use a damp cloth for mopping and dusting.
Proper length for baby’s shoes
For your baby’s first shoes press down on the toe of each shoe with your thumb. If there is a full thumb’s width between your baby’s longest toe and the end of the shoe then it is the right one. The shoes should be soft and made of leather or cloth not plastic.
Your mole looks suspicious
If it has an irregular shape and border, is increasing in size and changing colour. An excision biopsy is strongly recommended to rule out cancer.
How to avoid snoring?
Sleep on your side, keeping your neck straight. Avoid alcohol and smoking 2-3 hours before bedtime. And lose excess weight.
Use condoms to prevent AIDS
Condoms prevent sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS apart from their use for birth control.
First aid for a snake or scorpion bite
Reassure the person and clean the area around the puncture marks. Apply a sterile dressing. If the bite is on the arm, immobilise it with a sling. If it is on the leg, tie both legs together. Call for medical help urgently.
Do not get stressed about your hair loss
Do not get stressed if you feel bad about your hair loss. Just remember, other people do not look at you as closely as you do.
If you are prone to air-sickness
If you are prone to feeling air-sick take anti-travel-sickness medicines half an hour before departure. Some travel medicines may cause a dry mouth, others may make you feel drowsy. Also, do not over eat and try to avoid alcohol and cigarette smoke.
If you have had a Caesarian Section
If you have had your delivery by a Caesarian Section or been advised bed rest for a long time it is advisable to put on elastic stockings first thing in the morning and start walking around as soon as possible. This helps to prevent blood clots from forming in the veins, causing pain and inflammation(thrombophlebitis) and even worse travelling up to cause serious heart and other problems.
If you have had a normal delivery
If you have had a normal delivery and within the first three days notice blood running down your legs do not be alarmed - this discharge, called lochia, is a mix of leftover blood, mucous and tissue from your uterus. It can be heavy just like a period and then tapers off within a week or two.
If you suffer from motion sickness
If you suffer from motion sickness, you probably cannot tolerate turbulence on an airplane. You will feel less of the effects if you sit over the wings, in the middle of the plane.
Protect your baby from direct sunlight
Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. Move your baby to the shade or under a tree, use an umbrella, etc. Dress babies in light clothing that covers the arms and legs. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF(sun protection factor) should be at least 15.
Schedule a pap smear after your period
Schedule a pap smear for five to ten days after your period. That is when the cervical mucous is thinnest and the test gets the best sample for cancer detection.
Twisting won’t do much to slim down your waistline
Twisting from side to side won’t do much to slim down your waistline. Instead your back muscles will bear the burden, and the twisting may strain them.
Is it good to scrape or brush the tongue?
Yes.
Brushing or scraping the tongue twice a day while brushing the teeth reduces the number of bacteria that live on the tongue. These bacteria may cause bad breath.
Injuries in children
If your child falls and a blue patch(bruise) appears - apply ice or cold water. However if your child bruises easily and frequently, consult a doctor.
Prevent your small child being scalded at home
Never leave a hot teapot near the edge of the table. The tablecloth should not hang over the edge of the table. Do not pass hot tea or any other fluid in front of the child. The baby should not be on your knee when you are drinking a hot liquid. Never leave a hot water bottle in the baby’s bed and turn pan handles away from the front of the stove.
Does exercise really help treat osteoarthritis?
Yes, regular exercise keeps your joints and muscles healthy, strong and flexible. It helps to maintain the desired weight and improves your general health
PS: Compiled from various sources