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Health Parenting

4 of the Best Ways to Handle Little Injuries With Your Kids

Handle Little Injuries With Care

Kids are great at injuring themselves. Without the experience of their parents, it can be all too easy for a child to make small mistakes that result in pain. Grazed knees, cut fingers, and many other injuries are common among children. Of course, you can’t stop injuries altogether, but you can work hard to deal with injuries properly. Learning the best way to handle little injuries with your kids can help your child stay calm while getting the necessary care.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Handle Little Injuries
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How to Handle Little Injuries

Bleeding

Bleeding can be very scary for a child, as they don’t understand that this is normal when they are injured. As long as the blood flow isn’t strong, you can usually solve this problem with ease, with bandaids and bandages offering the perfect tools to soak up a little bit of blood. Of course, if your child is bleeding heavily, you should take them to see a medical professional.

Swelling & Bruising

Swelling and bruising are part of your body’s natural injury recovery process, but they can also be very uncomfortable. In contrast, though, your body will also react to coldness by stopping swelling and bruising. This makes cold packs an excellent tool for parents, giving you the chance to help your child with their swelling as soon as an injury occurs. Accurate Gel Packs are a great tool for parents who are working to solve issues like this, giving you a cold pack that can live in the freezer until it is needed.

Pain

Pain isn’t something that anyone wants to live with, and children usually have a harder time when it comes to managing their pain. One way to alleviate this problem is to reduce the pain your child is feeling. Over-the-counter painkillers can be good for this, with loads of options available that are fine for children to use. You could also consider the idea of using cold packs to reduce the pain your child is feeling. It will always be worth making sure that they are not uncomfortable before you work on other areas.

Professional Support

It can be all too easy to assume that the injury your child has sustained isn’t serious. However, you can always be sure without a professional opinion. Finding professional medical support can be a good idea when you feel overwhelmed by an injury your child is experiencing. Not only will this help you get the right care, but it will also give you the chance to get advice for the future.

Handle Little Injuries With Care

These tips should help you prepare for handling injuries. Handling the injuries is easier than many parents expect, but you need to be careful to take the right steps.

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Adulting Health Healthy Living How To

How To Take Care of Yourself After Contracting a Viral Infection

Take Care of Yourself

It’s common to contract a viral infection at some point in your life, and these infections can often be serious. Fortunately, there are ways you can take care of yourself after contracting one so that you’ll feel better faster. If you have been diagnosed with a viral infection, these tips for how to take care of yourself can help.

Take Care of Yourself
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Take Care of Yourself After Contracting a Viral Infection

1. Drink plenty of fluids

When you have a viral infection, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water will help your body flush out the virus quickly so that you can recover faster. To avoid dehydration, drink at least eight glasses of water every day while you are ill. Drink water in addition to any other beverages or liquids you may consume throughout the day as well. 

If drinking enough fluids becomes too difficult, ask someone to help by bringing over drinks during their visit with you. It might also be helpful to keep several bottles of water nearby where you can easily reach them without getting up.

2. Rest your body

Your body needs some time to rest after contracting a virus so that it can recover. You’ll want to make sure you are getting plenty of sleep, and if possible, staying in bed for most of the day. If you have children at home, ask someone else to take over caring for them until you feel better again. Asking for help is important because taking care of others when you’re sick could lead to worsening conditions such as pneumonia.

Also, try not to engage in strenuous physical activity during this time either. Finally, if possible, keep your bedroom cool with additional blankets and avoid turning up the heat inside the room.

3. Stay at home

It’s best to stay away from others as much as you can when dealing with a viral infection. During your recovery time, avoid going out in public, especially if the symptoms are visible.

4. Take your medication

Follow the dosage instructions on your medication bottle carefully, and keep enough of it at home so that you don’t run out of your chronic uveitis treatments. If you are sick for more than two days or have to take prescription medicine, then contact your doctor immediately. 

Contacting your doctor is especially important if symptoms become worse despite taking the correct medications already. Your doctor may prescribe additional drugs to help combat this illness as well. Still, prescriptions should only be taken under the supervision of a medical professional who knows what they’re doing. In most cases, viral infections go away without needing treatment from anyone else, though.

Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself after contracting a viral infection often means making changes throughout your routine until you feel better. If you follow these steps, though, it’s likely that you’ll be back to normal in no time at all!

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Adulting Health Healthy Living How To Life

1 In 5 People Have Bad Breath – Halitosis Explained

Bad Breath

Halitosis, known as bad breath, is a common occurrence. Understanding halitosis in detail can help you overcome the issue and get your breath smelling better. Many people know that they have bad breath, but they feel too nervous or scared to speak with someone about it. However, it is normal, and there are plenty of things you can do to combat it.

Below, we will explore the different reasons why bad breath happens. Plus, we will also give you some great tips to follow so that you can stop worrying.

Bad Breath
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Why Does Bad Breath Occur? 

Bad breath can occur for several reasons. It usually originates in the mouth itself. In most cases, it’s bacteria living on the back of the tongue below the gum line.

Causes include medications, dental problems, mouth infections, health problems, a dry mouth, poor dental hygiene, tobacco products, and certain foods, such as garlic, cheese, and fish.

You will notice that poor dental hygiene is one of the causes mentioned. Simply keeping up with your appointments at your local dental office can make a big difference when it comes to ensuring your breath smells fresh. Your dentist will also be able to determine whether any other oral health problems could be causing an issue.

How Can You Prevent Bad Breath?

You don’t want people to hold their nose around you, so it’s good to know how to stop bad breath.

  • Avoid foods containing refined carbohydrates, and opt for foods rich in fiber.
  • Drink black and green teas, as they reduce oral bacteria. They offer additional health benefits too.
  • Clean your mouth after eating dairy products, meat, and fish.
  • Stop smoking and avoid drying medication unless essential. 
  • Drink plenty of water and use mouthwash, yet choose one that is not alcohol-based, as alcohol makes the mouth dry.

Choosing a Dentist

If you don’t have a regular dentist, you may feel nervous and apprehensive about going to a new dental clinic with bad breath. Remember that your dentist has seen it all before, so you have nothing to worry about.

Furthermore, if you take the time to select a dentist with a good reputation, it will make everything smoother. Read feedback that has been left by patients so that you can ensure the dentist is caring and puts patients at ease.

Bad Breath is Common, but You Can Fix It

All things considered, you are not alone if you suffer from halitosis, but there are options available.

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Health Healthy Living

4 Foods That Help Maintain Your Oral Health

Your oral cavity is a sensitive part of your body, and what you put in there can impact your oral health. Some foods cause tooth decay, while others fight mouth bacteria. Admittedly, the American diet comprises several processed foods that can affect teeth and gum health. Already, 70% of most packaged foods in the country are ultra-processed. Ultra-processed means it contains high quantities of saturated fats, additives, and salt. Plus, the high sugar content is unhealthy for the teeth. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to determine your food choices based on how they affect your oral health. 

Foods to Help Maintain Your Oral Health

1. Fiber-Rich Fruits

Oral Health
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Fruits like bananas, apples, pear, oranges, and those from the berry family contain up to four grams of fiber. Meanwhile, guava has a whopping nine grams in a single fruit. More importantly, fiber-rich fruits contain high quantities of Vitamin C, making them natural plaque fighters. According to studies, biting into fiber-rich foods provides an opportunity to massage the gums, increasing blood circulation.

Additionally, these fruits contain enzymes that stimulate salivation. Stimulation leads to the neutralization of bacterial acids in the mouth. Do you know that saliva has calcium and phosphate traces? According to research, these mineral traces tend to increase automatically after eating fiber-rich fruits. That is good news for your oral cavity. However, if you’re not sure about the health of your mouth and teeth, dental experts such as those found at Sunrise Dental Studio can be of help.

2. Leafy Green Vegetables

Also known as leafy greens, these are vegetables with natural prebiotics that healthy oral flora feeds on. While providing support for beneficial bacteria in your mouth, leafy vegetables contribute to the production of the nitrate-reducing oral microbiome. Darker leafy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, collard greens, and kale are better options if you desire a healthier mouth.

The darker green it is, the more riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, and folic acid it will contain. Although other leafy greens such as arugula, chard, some cabbage types, etc., may not necessarily have a darker green color, they play significant roles in ensuring a healthy oral cavity. 

3. Fiber-Fed Dairy and Dairy Products

The concentration on fiber-fed dairy supports America’s move to rely only on cattle fed on healthy amounts of roughage. This is necessary to enhance ruminants’ digestion and bowel movements. So you can be assured that dairy from these fiber-fed cattle has high amounts of healthy trace minerals, calcium, and proteins and are safe for human consumption.

Therefore, cheese, plain yogurt, milk, etc., are excellent for oral health. More importantly, they replenish your tooth enamel with minerals it may have lost from years of chewing and old age. Again, these foods improve saliva production, which is healthy for washing away toxic (from unhealthy foods) residue in the mouth.

4. Fatty Fish

Do not be appalled by the description of this food source. In very healthy amounts, it will not add to your weight or increase blood cholesterol. Meanwhile, a lesser-known fact about fatty fish is the high concentration of Vitamin D. This nutrient keeps the teeth and bones strong. Even better, it helps to keep tooth decay at bay. Additionally, Vitamin D binds with other healthy trace minerals to supply calcium to the teeth. For all its benefits, fatty fish can be a regular feature at the dinner table.

Maintain Your Oral Health

Maintaining your oral health should be a priority. While brushing after each meal and using strengthening or whitening products can help, your diet can, too. How important is your oral health to you? Leave a comment and let us know if you’d be willing to change your diet to improve your oral health!

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Adulting Health Healthy Living

Tips To Help You Reach Your Health And Wellness Goals

It’s crazy how time flies these days. You probably had health and wellness goals set at the beginning of the year. The final quarter of the year is knocking on the door, and you may be wondering why you haven’t reached your health and wellness goals yes. You’ll probably wait until the end of this year to create another set of health goals – and the cycle continues. So, do you want to set and achieve your health goals and break the cycle? Here are some tips you can use. 

How to Achieve Your Health And Wellness Goals

  1. Be realistic
Health And Wellness Goals

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Setting unrealistic health goals is the first step to disappointment and failure, as they become impossible to achieve. Start by writing down a list of all the health goals you want to achieve, then take a hard look at your list to ensure your goals are achievable. 

  1. Don’t ignore the role nutrition plays

Everyone eats food, but loads of people also eat for different reasons beyond hunger. For example, some use food as a comfort tool, while others deprive themselves of food to lose weight. But the most important thing here is to ensure that the food you eat offers your body all the nutrition it needs. Getting the required nutrition will help fuel your body to reach all your health goals. 

  1. Practice self-care

An important part of promoting good health is practicing good self-care and preventive health. And one of the best places to start from is regular visits to your health care provider. Doing this helps in several ways. First, your doctor will conduct a general health examination on you and help you decide your health goals and the best way to achieve them. Secondly, a general examination will help detect potential issues and offer quick treatment even before they become a problem.

Besides visiting your doctor, you might also want to check in regularly with other specialized health care providers like optometrists, ear health experts, and dentists for specific examinations. Omid Dental Office, for example, offers all the preventive and restorative services you will ever need. 

  1. Find your motivation

It is easier to stick to your health goals when you have a source of motivation. For example, if your health goal is to lose weight, your motivation could be to feel more energetic, look better in your clothes, or improve your overall health. So, take the time to find out what your motivation is and keep reminding yourself of it, as that will give you the urge to keep going when you feel like giving up.

  1. Be persistent
Health And Wellness Goals

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Don’t put yourself under too much pressure because it can stress you out – which isn’t a good move healthwise. Instead, accept the fact that you might fall short of your objectives along the way, but that is no reason to give up. In other words, being persistent can play a huge role in helping you meet all your health and wellness goals. Just because you caught yourself succumbing to a bowl of ice cream does not mean you have to jettison all your health goals. 

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Adulting How To Learning Life

The 6 Most Important Grooming Rules For Men to Always Follow

Having confidence is all about looking good and feeling good. There is nothing better than a fresh haircut or a new outfit to make you feel good about yourself. When you are feeling down, a little bit of personal grooming can make a huge difference. While women tend to think about their appearance more often, there are essential grooming rules for men to follow, too. These rules will help you look and feel better each day.

Grooming Rules For Men
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Important Grooming Rules For Men

A Little Trimming Goes a Long Way

Men, buy a trimmer and make sure that you give your nose hairs and eyebrows a quick trim every couple of days. Trimming will keep you looking fresh and feeling clean. There is nothing worse than a long nose hair to make you feel self-conscious. If you keep on top of this, you can ensure that that’s never the case.

A Shiny Smile

If you are willing to splurge a little on your image, you should consider getting your teeth whitened. If you don’t like your teeth, it is worth seeing a dental care specialist. The first thing people tend to notice about the opposite sex is their teeth. Keeping a healthy, gleaming smile is sure to make the right impression.

Keep on Top of Your Style – One of the best Grooming Rules For Men

There is nothing better than clothes that give you an added bit of confidence. Stay up to date with the latest men’s fashion trends and treat yourself once in a while. One of the most important things regarding clothing is to make sure that they fit correctly. Too many men choose ill-fitted clothes that don’t feel or look good.

Accessorize Wisely

The art of accessorizing can be hard to achieve for many men, but when you get it right, the effect is shocking. What you need to recognize is that less truly is more. One subtly placed accessory can make a wealth of difference to an outfit. A pair of jeans and a white t-shirt is instantly given a show-stopping edge when worn with a jacket. Likewise, ‘mens jeans leather belts‘ are popular fashion accessories. This one accessory can amp up the look like nothing else. It makes you look stylish and elegant.

Keep Your Nails Short and Clean

If your nails are dirty, people will notice, and you will feel self-conscious. Keeping your nails short and clean is very important because you don’t want to end up looking grubby. Keep your nails short and clean so that you look polished. A lot of men are embracing a manicure, which is recommended but not essential. As long as you keep your nails looking good, a salon manicure isn’t necessary.

Make Sure you Shave Properly

So many men get rashes, bumps, or cuts because they don’t shave properly. Spend time finding shaving foam that suits your skin – it needs to be gentle and thick. Shaving foam is essential when it comes to avoiding razor burns. Additionally, make sure you shave in the right direction and that you use a cooling agent afterward. Finally, avoid using blunt razors because this can lead to cuts.

Recap: Grooming Rules For Men

These tips will help you look better and feel more confident. Are there any other essential grooming rules for men that should go on the list? Leave a comment and let us know! 🙂

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Adulting Healthy Living How To Life Mental Health

4 Positive Ways You Can Become a Brand New You

If you’re looking for an effective way to boost your confidence, you can think about making changes to yourself. This isn’t to say that you change everything about yourself that makes you who you are. Instead, you can make changes that you’ve always wanted to do while still retaining a piece of yourself. If you’re looking for ways to become a brand new you, consider these four ideas that could be the change you’re looking for. 

Become a Brand New You
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Change Your Wardrobe 

Everyone has a certain style they admire but do not have the confidence to pull it off. Anyone planning on changing their look can immediately feel different. As long as you make no apologies for dressing differently from what people are used to, it won’t be a problem. Although you may get a few comments at first, most people – especially your friends – will accept it. Of course, changing your wardrobe can be expensive, so don’t make significant changes straight away. Instead, add some distinct pieces to your rotation as regularly as you can afford to. 

Get Into (Better) Shape  

Getting into shape will hurt at first, but it’s a fantastic way to introduce a brand new you to the world. Even if you already focus on your health, you can always do more to make yourself as healthy as possible. You can get serious about your fitness routine, rather than simply doing something whenever you feel like it. Although it can be challenging to build momentum, you’ll eventually get to a point where you love working out or going for a run. Getting to this point will hugely benefit your lifestyle and make you feel like a brand new person. 

Improve Your Smile 

It’s safe to assume that almost everyone loves to smile. They like to have fun and laugh, but some people might feel self-conscious about their smiles. This could be because of crooked or stained teeth, especially if you haven’t focused on oral hygiene as much as you should have done. A bright, gleaming smile is one of the keys to confidence, though, so you can look at the likes of Freedom Mini Dental Implants to see what options you have to improve your smile. 

Ditch Your Career and Follow Your Passion

This option is not for everyone, especially as some don’t have the financial privilege to quit their job. However, if you are financially comfortable but feel you’ve stagnated professionally, following your passion is one way to enjoy your job. From creative fields to a career you’ve always wanted but got stuck elsewhere, you have the chance to explore other options. You might have to go back to school or do some training, but if it means you’ll finally enjoy work again, it will be worth it. 

Become a Brand New You

You don’t need to make substantial wholesale changes to reinvent yourself. Sometimes, all it takes is a little adjustment here or there to help you realize what you have and what you really want. No matter how you choose to become a brand new you, it’s certain to lead to good things. 

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Big Kid Health Healthy Living How To Kindergarten Age Learning Life Parenting Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

How to Help Your Kids Get Basic Health and Hygiene Down

As a parent, you likely want to improve your health and improve your child’s basic health and hygiene. It can be a battle to keep your kids clean, especially during the summer when they love to spend all their time outside. Teaching them how to look after themselves early on will set them up for a healthy and hygienic future. Consider these ideas to ensure they can take care of themselves as much as possible. 

Basic Health and Hygiene
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Teaching Basic Health and Hygiene to Kids

Positive Reinforcement 

Kids love hearing that they did a good job, whether it’s at school, after playing sports, or any other time. When teaching kids the importance of basic health and hygiene, you can use this to your advantage. Giving them praise or rewards after sitting still during an appointment at places like ÈLAN Dentistry will stop them from worrying about unusual places and encourage them to take care of their teeth to get another reward next time. 

Modeling Behavior 

It is always essential for parents to be role models at home. Your home is where your kids will learn everything they can about life, especially if they haven’t started school yet. If you emphasize healthy living, whether through eating well, exercise, or getting enough sleep, they will copy this behavior. By doing this, they develop healthy habits early on, giving them a fantastic foundation to build on. On the other hand, if you don’t encourage healthy living and spend all of your time sitting on the sofa and eating fast food, it will be no surprise when they follow suit. 

Make Health Fun 

There is something about a healthy lifestyle that many kids want to avoid. They act like it’s not cool to enjoy fruit and vegetables or to exercise. To change this attitude, you need to make health fun. You can find health and wellness activities that your kids will love, and they can teach them about being healthy without them feeling like they are learning. Other options include singing songs about health with them, especially when bathing or brushing their teeth. The songs will help your child associate this routine with something enjoyable, making them more likely to pursue it. 

Basic Health and Hygiene Gives Them Opportunities 

Your kids will never embrace the magic of exercise and activities if you don’t give them the opportunities to do so. Signing them up for sports clubs, such as soccer or basketball, will keep them fit and active. Additionally, consider teaching them how to ride a bike or take them to swim classes. As these are two common skills, it will allow your child to do other things with their friends when they get older.

Healthy and Happy 

It’s no secret that a healthy child is a happy child. By encouraging excellent health and hygiene practices, your kids will grow up feeling good. It minimizes the number of infections or other problems that can impact children who aren’t educated on hygiene.

Basic Health and Hygiene For Kids

Parents know that keeping their child clean all of the time can be quite a challenge. You might feel like you constantly have to chase after them to keep them clean. Fortunately, you can teach basic health and hygiene for kids. While you will have to help your child sometimes, they will be much more independent regarding taking care of themselves.

What are some things you have done to teach your child about basic health and hygiene? Leave a comment and let us know!

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For the Home Home How To Outside Fun

Blessed With A Bijou Garden? Here’s How To Make The Most Of It

When a real estate manager describes a bijou garden, they mean small and cramped but elegant. A bijou garden isn’t always a bad thing, as long as you can make the most out of it. While some people want plenty of outdoor space for their children or their pets to roam around and for them to entertain, others know that even the smallest of gardens can be perfect with a bit of creativity.

When it comes to making the most of what you have, employing your imagination is essential to making the most of the area and creating an outdoor refuge tailored to your needs. It is not about the amount of space you have but about what you do with it. Making the most of your small space requires being creative and keeping it well maintained by staying on top of deadheading flowers, mowing the lawn, power washing the patio, and engaging in tree care. 

If you are searching for some creative ideas to liven up your garden or outdoor space, we have got some excellent suggestions for you to consider.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Bijou Garden
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How To Make The Most Of a Bijou Garden

Add Different Levels

Adding several levels to your garden is a great technique to give a tiny space more depth and perspective. Consider using crates to stack plant pots instead of placing them all at the same level on the ground. Arrange them along a fence or wall, and decorate them with garden ornaments or plants to complete the look. If you have the space, establish divisions in your yard to give it shape and break up the area with a small deck or patio for outside eating chairs. The result will be a focal point in your garden and gives the ability to construct the perfect relaxing place before moving on to another section.

Add Pops of color

Bright colors proclaim sunshine and warm weather. If you want to make your yard more cheerful, pay attention to how you decorate it. Choose brightly colored furniture or ornamental objects that evoke the spirit of summer to offer a simple method to liven up your yard without exerting too much effort or taking up too much of the available area.

Consider painting fences or walls in your chosen colors to connect the entire color scheme. Make use of abstract colors to create a lively and quirky atmosphere. Incorporate a theme that runs throughout your garden for a more sophisticated design. For example, whites and blues for a traditional Mediterranean aesthetic, browns and green for a natural feel in your garden, or modern grey, black, and white for an on-trend look are all options.

Fill the Area With Plants

Filling the garden with flowers is another method to bring color to the space. Brightly colored plants in a flower bed or pots may instantly draw the attention of anyone who enters your outside environment. If you have a limited amount of ground space, consider using a wall planter. When it comes to being creative with your space, think vertically and decorate above and below the ground. Plant them in the correct location and at the appropriate time of year.

Plants require a great deal of attention to ensure that they thrive and appear their best throughout the year. Take care not to damage flowers by deadheading them and removing any leaves or debris that may have accumulated.

Upcycle

Items in your house can be upcycled and given a new lease of life in your garden, and there are many possibilities. You can use an old sink or bathtub as a birdbath, water feature, or planter in your space.

It is possible to transform bicycles into decorative artworks by cleaning them up, hanging them on walls, and adding plants. The same is true for any shelves or storage units that are no longer in use. Determine a unique design for your garden that does not require spending a lot of money by using your creativity to brainstorm ideas.

Light Up Your Bijou Garden

Lighting can dramatically alter the appearance and feel of your landscape in an instant. It is not only about security illumination, either. Decorative solar lights, fairy lights, and other lighting fixtures can bring the space’s appearance together by adding a bit of that “wow” factor.

Multi-colored Edison bulbs strung from fence panels or hanging from pergolas and gazebos are popular for outdoor lighting fixtures. If you want a more discrete appearance, choose wired lights that are nearly invisible until it lights up. Additionally, use garden lighting and lamps that look excellent during the day and provide lighting during the evenings.

Make The Most Of a Bijou Garden

If you have a small space, you can still make the most of it. Implement some of these tips to make your area elegant and functional. Do you have any other tips to add? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Health Healthy Living How To Parenting

Calm and Helpful Ways to Properly React To An Animal Bite

React To An Animal Bite

Many kids tend to gravitate toward animals. This may be OK if they’re petting a friend’s puppy, but it can be dangerous if an animal turns out to be less than friendly. As much as we hate to think about it, children (and even some adults) get bitten by strange animals all the time. They see an unfamiliar dog and assume it will be docile, only to find out the dog doesn’t react well to strangers. Knowing how to properly react to an animal bite is essential.

As a parent, what can you do? How can you protect your child, and what should you do if an animal harms your little one? To help you protect your babies, toddlers, and kids from getting bitten — and to prepare you for what to do if a bite occurs — here’s what you need to know about animal bites.

How to Avoid Animal Bites

It almost goes without saying that your best bet with animal bites is prevention. While you cannot control every situation, you can avoid places where dangerous animals tend to be, and you can talk to your kids about the risks involved with wild or unfamiliar creatures. In the case of especially young children, you never want to leave them alone with an animal.

For older kids, it’s important to teach them proper behavior when it comes to animals. Make sure they know why and how dogs, cats, raccoons, snakes, etc. can be dangerous, so they’re not unintentionally provoking an incident. Teach your children not to approach animals in the wild, even in a friendly way. Explain that unknown animals are not safe to pet or play with, and it’s best to move carefully rather than try to run, which could trigger an animal’s instinct to chase. To discourage strange animals from being attracted to your home, keep it clean: Don’t leave out food debris.

React To An Animal Bite

What to Do if a Bite Occurs

Should the unthinkable happen and your child gets bitten, plan now to stay calm. Stop and assess the wound: How severe is it? Do any bones seem broken? If the bite happened on the face, are stitches needed? Call your child’s doctor or, if the injury seems extensive (hard-to-control bleeding, intense pain, etc.), head to the emergency room right away. For minor injuries, focus on cleaning the area with an antiseptic solution, applying pressure to slow any bleeding, and bandaging it to ensure it heals. Keep an eye on the wound for signs of infection: increased redness, swelling, draining, or a fever. In any of these cases, call your child’s doctor.

How to React to an Animal Bite

Depending on the type of animal that bites, further action may be necessary. While dogs are the most likely animal to bite a child, lots of other animals can also turn aggressive. If the attacker was a cat, you’ll most likely want to get antibiotics, as cats tend to harbor more bacteria in their mouths.

For bat bites or some dog bites, your child may need a rabies shot. Some types of bites will also require a tetanus shot or other intervention. If the animal that’s bitten your child was wild or a stray, contact animal control; if it was someone’s pet, get as much information as you can about the owner, in case you need to seek legal help with medical bills.

Want more information about how to properly react to an animal bite? Take a look at the accompanying resource, which provides several actionable tips. From assessing the severity of the injury to understanding treatment options and aftermath, this guide will help you understand what to do.


Infographic Provided by Tracy Tiernan Attorney at Law

AUTHOR BIO: Tracy Tiernan received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas in 1987. He went on to secure his J.D., or law degree, from The University of Tulsa in 1990. While attending law school, Tracy interned for a highly successful Personal Injury Law firm in the Tulsa area where he was involved in the litigation and trial preparation of Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, and Criminal cases. Tracy, who was involved in a bit of college sports, enjoys running, participating in the occasional obstacle race, and coaching his children’s soccer teams to keep his mind sharp. He resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his children.

Sources:
https://www.beaumont.org/conditions/animal-bites-stings 
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/bites.html
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/for-parents/articles/animal-bites-what-to-do-when-a-pet-or-a-wild-creature-nips-a-child
https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/animals.html
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Afn-WNjq8PXb3Io8udy-n462_Deqwzkk/view?usp=sharing