First aid at Christmas

First aid for Christmas from First Aid For Life: The festive season sees a dramatic increase in the number accidents and illnesses which can pose a problem when your GP and local chemist are closed. Following our tips and stocking up on these festive first aid supplies before Christmas will help you get the very best from the holidays.

Medication check list:

Chemists and doctors close over the festive period. Plan ahead so you have sufficient supplies to see you through until the holidays are over. The Christmas period is often longer than people anticipate.

People often need emergency medical care over the Christmas period as they start suffering symptoms because they have forgotten their medicine.

Prescribed medications need to be taken on a regular basis and can cause serious problems if the medication runs out.

Make sure you have enough regular prescription medication. In addition, check that relatives staying with you have all their necessary medication – creams, pills and inhalers.

Allergies

Stock up on some antihistamine in case of any allergies over the festive period. New pets, different foods and seasonal plants could cause allergies, so keep some antihistamine handy to reduce any allergic reactions.

Anti-Inflammatory Gel

Keep a tube of soothing gel for any aches or muscle strains from festive decorating or activities such as sweeping the snow.

Colds and flu

Friends and family often introduce new germs to the festive mix and being ill over Christmas can be miserable! Stock up on your trusted cold remedies to reduce symptoms. In addition, remember boxes of tissues.
Increasing Vitamin C intake can ward off a cold, and Echinacea can help too.

Food poisoning

If you have a dose of E. coli or Salmonella then having a stash of oral rehydration solutions is a good idea to replace lost fluids. Lucozade Sport or Dioralyte are effective at rapid rehydration

Protect your pets too this Christmas by reading this article on What to do if your dog eats chocolate. There are multiple foods that dogs are allergic to and these foods have the potential to kill.

Book on to one of our First Aid for Dogs courses to be prepared in medical situations regarding your pets

Hangovers

Hangovers are primarily caused by dehydration and so the best way to feel better is to replace the lost fluid and electrolytes. Never drink on an empty stomach and drink plenty of water throughout the evening too.

Berocca, which is an energy vitamin tablet full of vitamin C can be helpful rehydration prior to an evening out.

Alka Seltza or Ibuprofen (remember to take after food) will ease any headaches. Alka Seltza contains caffeine as well as pain killers and may help restore energy.

Milk Thistle may help your liver to recover from the excess. It is available from health food shops.

Please ensure you always read the labels carefully before taking any medications to ensure there are no contraindications.

Hydrocortisone

Cold weather and central heating can combine to make eczema worse. Invest in some 1% hydrocortisone to deal with any inflamed rashes or to soothe the burn of chilblains.

Indigestion

Over-eating can cause indigestion – but please do not confuse indigestion symptoms with that of a heart attack

Invest in Rennie, Gaviscon or peppermint oil – alternatively fresh peppermint tea works well to ease mild indigestion.

Digestive Enzyme available from health food shops can be helpful, as well as charcoal.

Probiotics and probiotic yoghourts can help you recover from over indulgence.

Pain relief

Stock up on paracetamol for general pain relief from headaches such as migraine or toothache.

Stock up on children’s liquid paracetamol for any coughs and sniffles