TAKE CARE OF THOSE BUMPS AND BRUISES

Warm weather means getting out of the house and enjoying outdoor activities or participating in summer sports leagues. These warm weather activities also mean more skinned knees and elbows, bruised shins, and sprained ankles. The Nebraska Medical Association reminds you to know some basic first aid to care for those minor scrapes, bumps and bruises.

For cuts and scrapes, wash the area thoroughly with water and mild soap, removing any dirt from the injury. If the cut is bleeding, apply firm direct pressure until bleeding has stopped. Place a bandage on the cut or scrape to protect it from infection. It is important to watch for signs of infection, swelling, pain, redness, pus, and fever. Contact your physician if they occur. Finally, check on your tetanus immunization status. If it has been more than five years, you need a booster.

For joint sprains and muscle strains, limit further pain and injury by avoiding use of the injured area; apply ice or cold packs to the area for 10 minutes (with a fifteen to thirty minute interval between cold pack treatments) for the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce or prevent swelling; and keep the injured area elevated. For lower back strain, rest can help relieve the strain (combined with alternating cold compresses and moist heat).

If you have any questions about the seriousness of an injury, it is always best to play it safe and get medical attention.