Painting Pox

Your kids have chicken pox and they are just miserable.

You have tried everything to cheer them up.

One thing that you can do to have a little fun is to pick up a new sponge paintbrush from a hardware or craft store.

Wash it out well and grab the calamine lotion.

Now you can let your kids play connect the dots with their pox.

The softness of the sponge brush will not hurt and it will keep the kids occupied for a bit as well as helping relieve some of the discomfort.

Honey Helper

Honey is a staple in most households. Did you know that you can use it for more than just cooking? Honey can be used as an antibiodical ointment to help wounds heal.

Clean your wound with some water to remove any debris.

Place a small amount of honey to the affected area and cover with a sterile wrap.

The honey will keep the wound slightly moist for healing as well as reduce some of the swelling.

An enzyme called Inhibine in the honey will help prevent infection.

Honey is also universally been used for relief from bronchial ailments such as coughing.

Give one teaspoon as needed to help quiet a cough.

DO NOT give honey to infants under the age of one, and only give children pasturized honey as raw honey can contain bacteria that can be very harmful to infants and young children.

Tooth Pain II

When you have a sore tooth, it doesn't seem like you can get to the dentist fast enough.

If it is really giving you trouble you can try placing a few cloves between the gum and the affected tooth.

Years ago dentists used to use clove oil for its properties of numbing pain.

Home Made Ice Pack

You never seem to have an ice pack on hand when you need it. With kids or even just on your own, there are several times that you find you need one. You can make your own very easily with some household items.

Get 2 brand new zip lock style bags.

On the outside of the first bag, write in large permament marker, POISON. In a measuring glass combine 1 cup Water with 1/3 cup Rubbing Alcohol and a drop of food coloring. Pour this into the bag marked poison and seal well and place inside the second bag. Place in the freezer and let freeze at least 8 hours.

The Rubbing Alcohol in the water will prevent it from freezing solid.

Now when you need an ice pack for a boo boo, pull out your home made ice pack and knead a bit to loosen up.

Place the ice pack in a lightweight towel and place on the injured area.

Always make sure that the frozen bag does not come in direct contact with the skin.

Only leave the ice pack on the injured area for 15-20 minutes. If you leave it on too long, you might actually cause frost bite to the skin.

If you notice that the bag has developed a leak, dump the entire contents in the sink and throw away the bags.

Removing BandAids with Ease

Your tot was goofing around and got an owie. Like a good parent, you cleaned it up and put on a band aid.

Now, a few days later, the band aid has to come off, but your child is having nothing to do with that because it stuck too well and it hurts their skin when you pull on it.

Try releasing some of the adhesive by soaking it well with baby oil. After it has soaked for a few minutes it should come off with little to no pain.

Best Way to Clean a Cut

You have heard all different methods of how to clean out an injury.

Everyone has their favorite way either Hydrogen Peroxide, Rubbing Alcohol, or even just some Triple Antibiodic Ointment.

The ony real tried and true way of cleaning a wound without causing further damage is plain old soap and water.

Both Rubbing Alcohol and Hydrogen Peroxide will damage living tissue therefor should only be used for sterilizing instruments.

Stingy Situation

It doesn't happen often, but bee stings to occur. Here are a few tips to help you recover quickly.

Bee Stings - After a sting has occurred, do not squeeze the sting. Instead using a credit card or fingernail, scrape the stinger off.

Wash the area well with soap and water. If available use some ice to reduce any swelling.

If any symptoms of dizziness, extreme swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or change in heartbeat are noted, get to an emergency facility immediately as this could signal an allergic reaction.

Mosquito Bites - To prevent bites, make sure that there is no standing water around your yard, as mosquito's love to breed in stagnant water.

If you do get stung, try to keep from itching and apply some hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion.

Ticks - Ticks are usually picked up in woody areas. If you do locate a tick, pull it off with a pair of tweezers and keep it it in a tightly sealed container.

Wash the bite area with soap and water. If you become ill after a tick bite take the saved bug to the doctor with you so that you can determine if you are ill because of something that it carried like Lyme disease.

Fire Ants - These annoying ants are across much of the South. Bites are very painful and will leave blisters and scars.

If you get stung you can use over the counter pain relievers and/or anti inflammatories. If multiple bites are suffered, you will want to consider medical care by a professional.

Sunscreen Savvy

Yes it is fall, and yes you really should check your sunscreen. It is a good idea to check you sunscreens expiration date every time the seasons change. By using an expired sunscreen you are not receiving the full benefits of the UV protection.

Don't forget to use your sunscreen during the fall and winter. Especially during times when you will be outdoors for extended periods of time.