FitSugar

Fireworks and Your Delicate Ears

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:31:20 -0700

I'm ready to celebrate the Fourth of July, but must admit I am not a fan of the noise that accompanies fireworks - lovely as they may be. Those booming sounds can really damage the delicate structures in your ears; once they're damaged, they never regenerate and can't be repaired. This condition is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The loss is permanent and may cause impaired hearing or total loss of hearing down the road.

NIHL can be caused by one exposure to a loud noise such as an explosion, or by regular exposure over an extended period of time. If you continuously experience sounds over 85 decibels (dB) then a hearing aid may be in your future. Check out how some common sounds compare:

Rustling leaves: 10 dB
A whisper: 20 dB
Humming of a fridge: 40 dB
A conversation: 60 dB
Busy street traffic: 70 dB
Vacuum cleaner: 80 dB
Lawn mower: 90 dB
A large orchestra: 98 dB

To see how fireworks measure up read more.

Fireworks for spectators 800 feet away: 88 to 126 dB
Fireworks for spectators 10 feet away: 155 dB
Front row of a rock concert: 110 dB
Military jet takeoff: 140 dB
Motorcycles, firecrackers, small firearms: 120 to 150 dB

So when it comes to ear safety, it's best to enjoy a fireworks display from far away. If you're serious about preventing ear damage, pick up some foam or silicone earplugs. They sell them at most drug stores for less than $5. I know they're not exactly the most fashionable things to sport, but I'd rather wear these for 20 minutes than hearing aids for the rest of my life.

Love Fireworks? Invest in Earplugs

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700

Fourth of July means fireworks! I don't want to rain on your parade (since the Fourth is often celebrated with parades, too), but the loud pops and bangs of fireworks can cause serious hearing damage.

When the delicate structures in your ear called hair cells - sensory cells located in your inner ears responsible for converting sound energy into electrical signals - are damaged, they never regenerate and cannot be repaired. This condition is known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). The loss is permanent and may cause impaired hearing or total loss of hearing down the road.

NIHL can be cause by one exposure to a loud noise such as an explosion, or by regular exposure over an extended period of time. If you continuously experience sounds over 85 decibels then a hearing aid may be in your future. Check out how some common sounds compare:

Rustling leaves: 10 dB
A whisper: 20 dB
Humming of a fridge: 40 dB
A conversation: 60 dB
Busy street traffic: 70 dB
Vacuum cleaner: 80 dB
Lawn mower: 90 dB
A large orchestra: 98 dB

To see how fireworks compare read more.

So when it comes to ears safety, watching a public display from afar is your best bet. If you're serious about preventing ear damage, pick up some foam or silicone ear plugs. They sell them at most drug stores for less than $5. I know they're not exactly the most fashionable thing to sport, but I'd rather wear these for 20 minutes than lose my sense of hearing forever.

Source

Enjoy Fireworks - Save Your Ears

FitSugar — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 09:30:00 -0700

I'm sure most of you are planning on catching a public fireworks show this 4th of July. Watching them can be really exciting, but did you know you can risk noise-induced hearing loss?

Here's how loud some common summer sounds are:

Having a conversation: 60 decibels
Mowing the lawn: 95
Riding a motorcycle: 110
Listening to a live concert: 120
Exploding your own firecrackers (which is NOT safe by the way): 150
Watching fireworks: 130 to 190, depending on how far away you are

10 seconds of a loud fireworks display may be just as dangerous for your ears as an hour of pushing the lawn mower. Some ears are more susceptible to damage than others, but once noise-induced hearing loss has occurred, it's permanent.

Did you know that noise-induced damage is the reason so many people have to wear hearing aids? You can prevent this pain and damage by wearing a pair of inexpensive ear plugs.

What should you do if you think you've suffered ear damage from noise? To find out read more

If your ears are ringing or there is a muffled sensation in your ears after seeing some fireworks, try to rest your ears and stay away from loud noises. Stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarette smoke, which might decrease the flow of blood to the small blood vessels in your inner ear.

If you're still not hearing well after a few days, or your ears feel weird or are in pain, see an audiologist or doctor right away. Unfortunately permanent damage is irreversible, so if I were you, I'd wear those ear plugs! If you can't find earplugs, make some ear plugs with paper napkins, facial tissue or toilet paper - every little bit of muffling the noise helps.

Source

Fireworks on Rails to Trails

FitSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:30:00 -0700

The railroads are an important part of American history, and Rails-to-Trails is committed to preserving that history. This group transforms old railroad lines into recreational paths for biking, running, rollerblading, and walking. They've created a list of trails great for viewing the pyrotechnics of Independence Day away from crowds. Plus, you'll burn a few calories.

Courtesy of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

View Slideshow ›

Play It Safe on Independence Day

FitSugar — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:15:00 -0700

Although there is a serious ban on fireworks in northern California this year due to all the fires, I know folks all over the country will be creating personal, home grown pyrotechnic displays. I would like to remind you to play it safe. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has cooked up a few tips for you and here are highlights:

Purchase fireworks from a licensed and reputable vendor.
Never give fireworks to children.
Read directions and inspect fireworks for defects.
Keep a bucket of water, garden hose or portable fire extinguisher close by.
Ignite fireworks outdoors, away from buildings or any combustible material.
Never attempt to fix or re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
Ignite only one firework at a time.
Make sure no smoldering fires or sparks from falling firework debris remain before going in for the night.

Have fun. Don't forget your ear plugs if you are going to big fireworks display. Happy Fourth of July!

Source

Start Your Running Resolution at Midnight New Year's Eve

FitSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:00:00 -0800

So you say you're going to get fit in 2009, eh? Why not put your resolution in motion by running to ring in the New Year? Yep, you can celebrate in the New Year by participating in a fun run or race.

If you're going to be in the NYC area to celebrate the New Year, then you may want to skip the crowds in Times Square and join the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park. This four-mile fun run features a costume parade, dancing, and fireworks. It really is more of a party than a race, so you'll burn tons of calories while ringing in 2009.

If you don't live in the big apple, there are plenty of races and fun runs to be found. Active.com has a listing that includes 137 New Year's runs around the nation. You can run in Alaska or Georgia, in Idaho or Tennessee. Some races are on New Year's Eve and some on New Year's Day, with a few races on the Sunday following all the festivities. I would sign up ahead of time to really solidify your intentions.

Source

Excuse Me EPA, There's Rocket Fuel in My Water

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Water is a basic necessity to all life, and the havoc we wreak on this planet eventually shows up in our water. The latest culprit is rocket fuel, or perchlorate, which is also used in fertilizer, fireworks and road flares. (What rocket fuel has to do with growing food is a mystery to me as well.)

Dangerous levels of perchlorate have been found in 395 public water sites, in 35 different states. According to some scientists, the levels of this toxic substance are high enough to interfere with thyroid function and can cause developmental health risks for babies and fetuses. Unfortunately, the EPA just concluded that there is no need to purge this particular contaminate from public drinking water. The draft document from the agency stated that mandating a clean-up level for the rocket fuel would not make a meaningful difference in reducing the risks posed by the chemical.

The EPA is essentially walking away from the issue, stating that the Pentagon did not pressure them, but that their findings are based on science. The Pentagon was a major contributor to the problem having used perchlorate in their aerospace and missile programs. The EPA does recognize that there are risks associated with the chemical and will work with states to reduce them. In fact, California and Massachusetts have already created laws regulating the amount of perchlorate allowed in public drinking water.

I must say this freaks me out a bit, and the fact that perchlorate has been found in lettuce fuels my fear (pun intended) even more. How do you feel about it? Tell me in the comments section below.

Source

Hearing loss

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:04:16 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Common Causes
Home Care
Call your health care provider if
What to expect at your health care provider's office
References

Illustrations

Ear anatomy

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Hearing loss is the total or partial inability to hear sound in one or both ears.

Alternative Names

Decreased hearing; Deafness; Loss of hearing

Considerations

Minor decreases in hearing are normal after age 20. Hearing problems usually come on gradually, and rarely end in complete deafness.

There are many causes of hearing loss. They can be divided into two main categories:

Conductive hearing loss (CHL) occurs because of some mechanical problem in the external or middle ear. The three tiny bones of the ear (ossicles) may fail to conduct sound to the cochlea, or the eardrum may fail to vibrate in response to sound. Fluid in the middle ear can cause CHL.
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) results from a dysfunction of the inner ear. It most often occurs when the tiny hair cells (called cilia) that transmit sound through the ear are injured. This type of hearing loss is sometimes called "nerve damage," although this is not accurate.

CHL is often reversible -- SNHL is not. People who have both forms of hearing loss are said to have mixed hearing loss.

Screening for hearing loss is now recommended for all newborns. In children, hearing problems may cause speech to develop slowly.

Ear infections are the most common cause of temporary hearing loss in children. Fluid may linger in the ear following an ear infection. Although this fluid can go unnoticed, it can cause significant hearing problems in children. Any fluid that stays longer than 8 - 12 weeks is cause for concern.

Preventing hearing loss is more effective than treating it after "the damage is done."

Common Causes

Genetic:

Osteogenesis imperfecta
Leopard syndrome (multiple lentigines)
Otosclerosis
Robinson type ectodermal dysplasia
Cockayne syndrome
Bjorn pili torti and deafness syndrome
Multiple synostosis syndrome
Hunter syndrome
Taybi oto-palato-digital syndrome
Hereditary nephritis
Mohr syndrome
Hurler syndrome
Waardenburg syndrome
Kartagener syndrome
Fronto-metaphyseal dysplasia syndrome
Morquio syndrome
Trisomy 13
Multiple lentigines syndrome
Treacher Collins syndrome
Stickler syndrome

Congenital:

Rubella syndrome
Congenital atresia of the external auditory canal
Congenital cytomegalovirus
Congenital perilymphatic fistula
Fetal methyl mercury effects
Fetal iodine deficiency effects

Infectious:

Traumatic:

Traumatic perforation of the eardrum
Skull fracture (temporal bone)
Acoustic trauma such as from explosions, fireworks, gunfire, rock concerts, and earphones
Barotrauma (differences in pressure)

Toxic:

Aminoglycoside antibiotics
Ethacrynic acid - oral
Aspirin
Chloroquine
Quinidine

Age-related:

Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)

Occupational:

Any occupation with exposure to loud noises on a continuous day-to-day basis can result in hearing loss due to nerve end damage. Increased attention to conditions in the work environment has markedly decreased the likelihood of work-related hearing loss. See occupational hearing loss.

Other:

Temporary hearing loss can be caused by:

The build-up of wax in the ear canal
Foreign body lodged in the ear canal
Injury to the head
Allergy
Blocked Eustachian tubes
Scarred or perforated eardrum
Ear infections (chronic otitis externa, chronic otitis media, malignant otitis externa)
Reaction to medication such as aminoglycosides, chloroquine, quinidine

Home Care

Wax build-up can frequently be flushed out of the ear (gently) with ear syringes (available in drug stores) and warm water. Wax softeners (like Cerumenex) may be needed if the wax is hard and impacted.

Care should be taken when removing foreign bodies. Unless it is easy to get to, have your health care provider remove the object. Don't use sharp instruments to remove foreign bodies.

Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if:

Hearing problems are persistent and unexplained
Hearing problems adversely affect lifestyle
Hearing problems go along with other symptoms such as ear pain

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The medical history will be obtained, and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting hearing loss in detail may include:

Is the hearing loss in both ears or one ear?
Is the hearing loss mild or severe?
Is all of the hearing lost (inability to hear any sound)?
Is there decreased hearing acuity (do words sound garbled)?
Is there decreased ability to understand speech?
Is there decreased ability to locate the source of a sound?
How long has the hearing loss been present?
Did it occur before age 30?
What other symptoms are also present?
Is there tinnitus (ringing or other sounds)?
Is there ear pain?

The physical examination will include a detailed examination of the ears.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Audiometry (an electronic hearing test )
Auditory response test
CT scan of the head (if a tumor or fracture is suspected)
X-ray of the head
Tympanometry
Caloric test
MRI of the ear (see MRI of the head)

A hearing aid or cochlear implant may be provided to improve hearing.

References

Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders; 2005:443-444.

Review Date: 10/24/2007

Reviewed By: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Source Doc: 1_003044

Safety

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:49:33 -0700

Illustrations

Bicycle helmet - proper usage

Child safety

Home safety

Fire safe home

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Alternative Names

Car seats; Fire safety; Bicycle safety; Water safety

Information

Accidents are the most common cause of death in children 14 years old and younger. In fact, accidents cause more childhood deaths than diseases, drugs, or violence. Fortunately, many accidents -- for both children and adults -- can be avoided if simple safety measures are taken.

FIRE SAFETY

Install smoke detectors in hallways, sleeping areas, the kitchen, and garage. Test them once a month and change the batteries regularly.
Do not smoke in bed.
Keep matches and other flammable materials out of reach of children.
Never leave a burning candle or fireplace fire unattended.
Establish fire escape routes from every room in your house and teach family members what to do in case of a fire. Have semi-annual home fire drills to practice escaping.
Keep fire extinguishers in handy locations. Have at least one extinguisher on each level of your home.
Know how to use a fire extinguisher. In an emergency, you must be able to act fast.
Teach children about fires. Explain how they are accidentally started and how to prevent them.
Make sure household wiring is up-to-date.
Store flammable materials away from heat sources, water heaters, and open-flame space heaters.
Supervise children when they are using fireworks. Never assume that a child will read and follow safety instructions.

HOTEL FIRE SAFETY

After checking into a hotel, always find the exits and fire alarm closest to your room. Point these out to the people you are staying in the room with.
Review the hotel's safety information in your room.
Do not smoke in bed.
If there is a fire outside of your room, always feel the door before opening it. If it is hot, do not open it -- telephone for help.
If you leave your room, take your room key with you so that you can get back into your room if the nearest exit is blocked.
If you are forced to stay in your room, telephone for help, turn off the air-conditioning and heating systems, and open your window slightly for ventilation.
To help keep smoke from entering into your room, soak sheets and towels and stuff them under the door.
Stay close to the floor for the freshest air and hold a wet washcloth over your face.
Do not attempt to run though smoke or flames.
Do not use any elevators during a fire. They are electrical and could shut down, trapping you inside.

BICYCLE SAFETY

Wear a bike helmet.
Make sure bikes are the right size. A child should be able to straddle a bike with both feet on the ground.
Young children should use bikes with coaster brakes -- the kind that brake when you pedal backwards. With hand brakes, a child's hands should be large enough and strong enough to use the levers.
Avoid riding at night if at all possible. Make sure your bike has reflectors.
Stop at stop signs, check for traffic before turning, and never ride out into a street without stopping first.
Ride on the same side of the road as the cars.
Be predictable and ride defensively. Ride where drivers of cars can see you. Bicycles are frequently hit by cars because the driver did not even know the bike was there. Many accidents have been avoided because the biker was watching out for cars.
Wear brightly colored clothing so that motorists can easily see you.

CHILD SAFETY

The space between crib bars should be no more than 2.5 inches.
The distance from the mattress to the top of the rail should be over 2 feet.
DO NOT put extra blankets and stuffed animals in a crib with a baby.
DO NOT place a baby on the stomach to sleep.
Always keep one hand on an infant who is lying on a changing table.
Place gates at the top and bottom of each stairway.
Cover unused electrical sockets.
Keep cleaning fluids, bug poisons, and other chemicals well out of a child's reach. Avoid storing toxic substances in unmarked or inappropriate containers (such as food containers). If you suspect poisoning or have questions, call 1-800-222-1222.
Buy medicines with child-resistant caps. Place all medications out of the reach of children.
Put safety latches on cabinets that a child should not open.
Keep knives and matches out of reach.
Keep plastic bags away from children.
Keep children away from hot drinks and stove tops.
When cooking on the stove, make sure that pot and pan handles are turned to the middle of the stove. Handles that hang over the edge of the stove may be reached by a curious toddler.
Keep toys with small parts out of the reach of infants and toddlers. This includes stuffed animals with buttons.
Avoid putting dangerous items in a waste basket where a young child might find them.
Keep toilet lids down.
Never leave infants and children unattended in a bathtub.
Check water temperature in a bath before placing a child in it.
Set the hot water heater thermostat to no more than 130°F.
When heating a baby bottle, always test the milk temperature to prevent burning your baby's mouth.
Inspect playground equipment for signs of deterioration, weakness, and damage.
Teach children what to do if strangers approach them. Teach them at an early age that no one should touch private areas of the body.
Make sure children know their address as early as possible. Teach them to call 911 when in trouble.
Teach children to watch for cars on streets. They must stop, look both ways and listen for approaching traffic. Children must also be very aware of cars on driveways and in parking lots. Cars backing up cannot see small children.
Supervise young children at all times.

HOUSEHOLD SAFETY

Wear protective footwear and eye wear when mowing the lawn, operating power tools, working with a chisel, or hammering metal on metal.
Keep tools away from children until they are old enough to use them properly.
All stairways should have a sturdy hand rail.
All entryways should have bright lighting.
Don't leave objects on stairways. Make sure that carpet on stairways is securely fastened.
Unplug appliances (such as heating pads and electric blankets) when they are not in use.
In the bathroom, use non-slip floor mats. Put non-slip appliques on the bathtub.
Don't use any electrical appliances when you are wet or in the bathtub, shower, or pool.
Make sure that each fireplace has a fire screen.
Keep guns locked up and unloaded. Firearms and ammunition should be stored separately.
Make sure your house number is easily visible from the street.

CAR SAFETY

Always wear a seat belt.
Obey traffic laws and drive defensively.
Do not drink alcohol and drive.
While driving, try to avoid any distractions from others in your car.
Keep your vehicle properly serviced, especially before going on a long trip. Keep an emergency kit in your car.
Take the weather into account before venturing out on the roads.

INFANT AND CHILD CAR SEATS

Car seats are required by law for children under 40 pounds.
The safest position for an infant car seat is rear facing in the back seat.
In most models, the infant seat is used AT LEAST until the child reaches 20 pounds and 1 year of age. At that point, a forward-facing seat can be used. This may require a new car seat -- it depends on the model.
Booster seats should be used for children 40 to 80 pounds. Some states have passed laws requiring that children up to 8 years old or 80 pounds be put in booster seats.
Read the car owner's manual to determine the safest place to fasten a car seat in YOUR car.
Know how your car seat is designed to be used. Read the instructions carefully.
Adapters may be needed for certain types of cars or certain seat belt types.
For more information call your car seat manufacturer, car manufacturer, or the State Highway Safety Office.

WORK SAFETY

Wear protective eye wear if your job carries any risk of eye injury.
If your work environment is so noisy that you have to shout to be heard, then wear earmuffs or ear plugs.
Be cautious when handling hazardous materials (such as asbestos) and wear appropriate masks and other protection if working in an environment where dangerous chemicals are used. Avoid any exposure to hazardous chemicals if you are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.
Avoid any use of illegal drugs or alcohol while on the job, particularly when operating heavy machinery.
Sleep disorders and health problems can result from frequent shift changes (like from night to day shifts) as well as from "jet lag" due to long-distance travel. Try to minimize frequent shift changes and excessive travel if possible.

WATER SAFETY

Learn CPR.
Teach your children to swim.
Never leave young children unattended, even for a minute, in a bathtub, swimming pool, lake, ocean, or stream.
Fence all home pools and keep the gate closed and locked.
Always wear life preservers when boating, even if you can swim.
Avoid drinking alcohol when swimming or boating.
Never swim alone.
Never dive into water unless you know beforehand how deep it is.
Know your limits. Do not over-exert yourself.
Avoid standing on wet surfaces or being in water during a lightening storm.
Stay out of strong currents.
Do not overload your boat. If your boat turns over, stay with the boat until help arrives.

CAMPING AND HIKING SAFETY

Always bring a first aid kit when camping. Know how to use it.
Use the buddy-system. Never camp or hike alone. If you were to break a leg or fall and get stuck, a partner could go for help.
Make sure someone knows where you plan to camp or hike.
Be careful when exploring. Take a compass and map. Remember landmarks.
Take whistles in case you get lost or run into trouble. Whistles can be heard further than your voice will carry.
Be careful when chopping wood or building fires.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid bites from ticks and other insects. In cold conditions, wear many layers of thin clothing, along with a hat, boots and gloves.
Take a supply of clean drinking water and drink it. People can become dehydrated very quickly in warm, dry, or windy conditions. Dehydration can lead to other serious complications.
Don't drink stream or lake water.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It tends to cause dehydration.
Don't provoke, touch, or get close to wild animals.
Don't eat wild berries and plants.
Don't over-exert yourself when hiking.
Never leave a campfire unattended.
Before leaving a campsite to return home, make sure all fires are out and the ashes are cold. A single burning ember in a seemingly smothered fire is enough to initiate a full-blown fire.

SUN PROTECTION

When outside on a warm, sunny day, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, a water-proof sunscreen, and loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
Sun protection is especially important between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Drink plenty of water, but avoid drinking alcohol on hot, humid days when you are outside. Alcohol can cause dehydration.
If you become overheated, sit in the shade, drink plenty of water, and try to keep your skin cool and moist.
Keep very young children's skin from being exposed to the sun.
Never leave children or pets unattended in a car in the sun -- even for a few minutes.
Wear appropriate sunscreens -- a sunscreen rating of 15 should give adequate protection for most people.
Remember, there is no such thing as a healthy suntan.

BURGLARY PREVENTION

Avoid unnecessary display or talk about your valuables.
Avoid hiding a house key under the doormat or nearby vicinity.
Teach your family to leave the house undisturbed and call the police if they discover a burglary has been committed.
Trim trees and shrubs to eliminate hiding places.
Consider a security closet with a solid core door and a dead-bolt lock.
Keep emergency telephone numbers listed on your phone.
Install lights around the perimeter of your home.
Lock up your ladder.

Doors and entry areas:

Outside doors should be solid core construction.
Entry doors should have a wide-angle viewer.
Exterior doors should have cylinder-type dead-bolt locks.
Doors without cylinder locks should have a heavy bolt or some similar secure device that can be operated only from the inside.
Sliding doors should have a lock that locks both the door panels together or the active side to the frame.
The garage door and basement door should be secured with a lock.
Lock your garage door at night and when you are away from home.

Windows:

All windows should be equipped with locks or be pinned.
Keep your windows locked when they are shut.
Put secure locks on garage windows.
Cover garage windows with curtains.

When you go on vacation:

Arrange for friends or neighbors to pick up newspapers and mail.
Notify a neighbor you'll be gone.
Arrange to keep your lawn maintained.
Arrange to have your snow shoveled.
Use timing devices for your lights and radio.

References

Dowd MD. Epidemiology and prevention of childhood injuries. Crit Care Med. 2002; 30(11 Suppl): S385-392.

Review Date: 7/18/2007

Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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Source Doc: 1_001931

Burns

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:46:41 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

There are three levels of burns:

First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin. They cause pain, redness, and swelling.
Second-degree (partial thickness) burns affect both the outer and underlying layer of skin. They cause pain, redness, swelling, and blistering.
Third-degree (full thickness) burns extend into deeper tissues. They cause white or blackened, charred skin that may be numb.

Alternative Names

Second degree burn; First degree burn; Third degree burn

Considerations

Before giving first aid, evaluate how extensively burned the person is and try to determine the depth of the most serious part of the burn. Then treat the entire burn accordingly. If in doubt, treat it as a severe burn.

By giving immediate first aid before professional medical help arrives, you can help lessen the severity of the burn. Prompt medical attention to serious burns can help prevent scarring, disability, and deformity. Burns on the face, hands, feet, and genitals can be particularly serious.

Children under age 4 and adults over age 60 have a higher chance of complications and death from severe burns.

In case of a fire, you and the others there are at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Anyone with symptoms of headache, numbness, weakness, or chest pain should be tested.

Causes

Burns can be caused by dry heat (like fire), wet heat (such as steam or hot liquids), radiation, friction, heated objects, the sun, electricity, or chemicals.

Thermal burns are the most common type. Thermal burns occur when hot metals, scalding liquids, steam, or flames come in contact with your skin. These are frequently the result of fires, automobile accidents, playing with matches, improperly stored gasoline, space heaters, and electrical malfunctions. Other causes include unsafe handling of firecrackers and kitchen accidents (such as a child climbing on top of a stove or grabbing a hot iron).

Burns to your airways can be caused by inhaling smoke, steam, superheated air, or toxic fumes, often in a poorly ventilated space.

Burns in children are sometimes traced to parental abuse.

Symptoms

Blisters
Pain (the degree of pain is not related to the severity of the burn -- the most serious burns can be painless)
Peeling skin
Red skin
Shock (watch for pale and clammy skin, weakness, bluish lips and fingernails, and a drop in alertness)
Swelling
White or charred skin

Symptoms of an airway burn:

Charred mouth; burned lips
Burns on the head, face, or neck
Wheezing
Change in voice
Difficulty breathing; coughing
Singed nose hairs or eyebrows
Dark, carbon-stained mucus

First Aid

FOR MINOR BURNS

If the skin is unbroken, run cool water over the area of the burn or soak it in a cool water bath (not ice water). Keep the area submerged for at least 5 minutes. A clean, cold, wet towel will also help reduce pain.
Calm and reassure the person.
After flushing or soaking, cover the burn with a dry, sterile bandage or clean dressing.
Protect the burn from pressure and friction.
Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help relieve pain and swelling. DO NOT give children under 12 aspirin. Once the skin has cooled, moisturizing lotion also can help.
Minor burns will usually heal without further treatment. However, if a second-degree burn covers an area more than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, or if it is located on the hands, feet, face, groin, buttocks, or a major joint, treat the burn as a major burn.
Make sure the person is up-to-date on tetanus immunization.

FOR MAJOR BURNS

If someone is on fire, tell the person to STOP, DROP, and ROLL. Wrap the person in thick material to smother the flames (a wool or cotton coat, rug, or blanket). Douse the person with water.
Call 911.
Make sure that the person is no longer in contact with smoldering materials. However, DO NOT remove burnt clothing that is stuck to the skin.
Make sure the person is breathing. If breathing has stopped, or if the person's airway is blocked, open the airway. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
Cover the burn area with a dry sterile bandage (if available) or clean cloth. A sheet will do if the burned area is large. DO NOT apply any ointments. Avoid breaking burn blisters.
If fingers or toes have been burned, separate them with dry, sterile, non-adhesive dressings.
Elevate the body part that is burned above the level of the heart. Protect the burnt area from pressure and friction.
Take steps to prevent shock. Lay the person flat, elevate the feet about 12 inches, and cover him or her with a coat or blanket. However, DO NOT place the person in this shock position if a head, neck, back, or leg injury is suspected or if it makes the person uncomfortable.
Continue to monitor the person's vital signs until medical help arrives. This means pulse, rate of breathing, and blood pressure.

Do Not

DO NOT apply ointment, butter, ice, medications, cream, oil spray, or any household remedy to a severe burn.
DO NOT breathe, blow, or cough on the burn.
DO NOT disturb blistered or dead skin.
DO NOT remove clothing that is stuck to the skin.
DO NOT give the person anything by mouth, if there is a severe burn.
DO NOT immerse a severe burn in cold water. This can cause shock.
DO NOT place a pillow under the person's head if there is an airway burn. This can close the airway.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

Call 911 if:

The burn is extensive (the size of your palm or larger).
The burn is severe (third degree).
You aren't sure how serious it is.
The burn is caused by chemicals or electricity.
The person shows signs of shock.
The person inhaled smoke.
Physical abuse is the known or suspected cause of the burn.

Call a doctor if your pain is still present after 48 hours.

Call immediately if signs of infection develop. These signs include increased pain, redness, swelling, drainage or pus from the burn, swollen lymph nodes, red streaks spreading from the burn, or fever.

Also call immediately if there are signs of dehydration: thirst, dry skin, dizziness, lightheadedness, or decreased urination. Children, elderly, and anyone with a weakened immune system (for example, HIV) should be seen right away.

Prevention

To help prevent burns:

Install smoke alarms in your home. Check and change batteries regularly.
Teach children about fire safety and the hazards of matches and fireworks.
Keep children from climbing on top of a stove or grabbing hot items like irons and oven doors.
Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so that children can't grab them and they can't be accidentally knocked over.
Place fire extinguishers in key locations at home, work, and school.
Remove electrical cords from floors and keep them out of reach.
Know about and practice fire escape routes at home, work, and school.
Set temperature of water heater at 120 degrees or less.

References

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: London: Mosby; 2002.

Townsend, Jr., CM, ed. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier; 2004.

Roberts JR, Hedges JR, eds. Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2004.

Review Date: 2/19/2008

Reviewed By: John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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