Ellen PhillipsSummer brings smiles, travels and more time spent outdoors, which seems to invite insect bites, scraped knees and all manner of unexpected injuries. Some of us are just more accident prone in summer months. In fact, all of my broken bones occurred then - a broken sacrum from slipping on a rain-soaked deck, a broken femur from tripping on a bed skirt, even a tangle with a pool "noodle" resulting in a broken foot.
On a brighter note, there are things to do to prepare for almost any eventuality, from carrying band aids in your purse to stashing aspirin in your pocket. To get you started, here's Good Housekeeping's "Best of the Best" first aid kits for home, auto and purse.
' Home. Good Housekeeping loves the CVS-Brand All-Purpose First Aid Kit. Enclosed within a soft case are labeled, resealable packets full of first aid items. The kit also has instructions for six types of problems: bleeding, wounds and burns; blisters, stings and splinters; cuts and scrapes; headaches and other pain; sprains and strains; shock and CPR needs. Cost-efficient at $17, you can buy it at any CVS store or at cvs.com.
' Car. Sturdier in a hard case, the AAA 121-Piece Road Trip First Aid Kit is so tough that Good Housekeeping promises even heavy objects, such as a suitcase or a stroller, won't crush the case. Filled with everything imaginable to help with emergencies, it includes scissors, tweezers, a whistle, sting relief pads, antiseptic towelettes, sterile gauze pads and a wealth of additional aids. It's a steal at less than $30. It is also a good idea to have a list of each family member's medications and allergies, along with contact information, stored in your car's glove compartment for emergency medical personnel.
' Purse. The American Red Cross Pocket First Aid Kit is small and transparent so you can see in a flash what you've got. It also holds supplies such as antibiotic ointment and bandages to treat minor cuts and scrapes, as well as a miniature care guide. Order for $3 at the red crosstown.org. (Or make your own kit using a sturdy Baggie to hold essentials.)
It goes without saying we should keep homes stocked with extra first aid items to deal with minor emergencies. Insect repellent, sunblock, first aid tape and gauze, antibiotic ointment, anesthetic spray, Ace bandages, safety pins for splinter removal and securing bandage slings and aspirin are essential products to keep on hand. (In researching today's column, I discovered a great concept to implement in our home and auto kits: exam gloves. Not only do they provide protection from infection, but the gloves can be made into ice packs by filling with water and freezing.
Contact Ellen Phillips at consumerwatch@timesfreepress.com.