Jock itch

Dear ANB readers,
Hope you're all doing great. Today, I'm going to be talking about a condition that I believe many in this part of the world have ignored due to the wrong counsel received on the matter.In my time as a Community Pharmacist, I met with a great deal of people. Once I met a woman who needed me to examine her breasts because she felt one looked bigger than the other, I was reluctant but she begged and I gave in. I barely spent a minute with her.I eventually asked her to go to the primary health center in Sangotedo (somewhere along the Lekki-Epe Express-way in Lagos to get it checked.

Now to Today's topic; I also met a man once who had been itching in his groin area since he was a teen. He told me he saw Doctor about thirteen years ago but the Doctor dismissed it as no big deal. Now, almost 13 years after, he was apparently bothered by it because the grey skin to have spread along with the flaking and itching. He said his wife complained he'd been scratching all the time and was disgusted by it. (I totally feel her… lol)
Immediately, I suspected that he had Jock itch. I googled jock itch and showed him the photo he affirmed that what he had looked like that and was itchy and could be a bit raised and each time he scratched it, the skin would fall off in flakes.

What is Jock itch?Jock itch: (Tinea cruris) is a form of ringworm mainly caused by fungi and affects mostly men but also women. It causes greying or darkening of the affected area in dark skinned people and may cause reddening in light-skinned individuals. It is caused by the same fungus that causes athletes foot. In the process of putting on underwear, the fungus "gets a ride to the groin" and … Voila La Tinea cruris, itching in the groin and all other associated symptoms. With all this information, it was evident that Mr. X was suffering from Jock itch. I gave him a brand of Miconazole cream (which is an OTC medication) and gave the following tips from Web MD.
 How is jock itch treated? Most ringworm infections of the skin, such as jock itch, can be treated at home with anti-fungal creams and powders you can buy without a prescription. But if possible have your doctor look at any infection that does not go away, is severe, or comes back.

Photo credits: www.soap.com

To treat jock itch, follow these steps:·    

1. Wash the rash with soap and water.
2. Spread an antifungal cream over the rash.
3. Apply the cream beyond the edge of the rash.     
4. Use an antifungal cream or powder that contains terbinafine, miconazole, or clotrimazole. You can buy these products without a prescription. Brand names include Lamisil, Lotrimin, Micatin, and Monistat.

Follow the directions on the package, and don't stop using the medicine just because your symptoms go away. Use the medicine exactly as the label says, in most cases its usually at least for a period of 4 weeks.· 

In rare cases, ringworm of the skin causes large areas of blisters. If your ringworm forms blisters, you can use compresses (such as Burow's compress, which you can buy without a prescription) to soothe and dry out the blisters. After the skin is dried out, use anti-fungal creams that you can buy without a prescription.·        If you have jock itch and athlete's foot, you should treat both to prevent re-infecting your groin when you put on your underwear. (Put on your socks before putting on your boxers/panties because it's the same fungus that causes both infections)
 Prevention
1. Keep your groin area dry. After swimming, change into dry clothing as soon as possible.
2. Don't share towels, shorts etc.
3. Avoid tight underwear
4. If you have athletes foot. Treat it and put socks on before your underwear while you are getting dressed to avoid giving the fungus a free ride to you groin
.And that would be it for today.
Please share this with all your scratching friends and family members, male and female alike (lol). Have a lovely week ahead.

Signed,
Aunty Nurse

Cholera Outbreak in Lagos... News from Vanguard

Dear Readers,
Here's news from vanguards regarding the cholera outbreak in Lagos.

Its essentially about hygiene. I got the vaccine some years ago. However, reports have shown that the vaccine is not absolutely effective.


Stay healthy.

The report below was written by
BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI
For Vanguard

Lagos - At least three persons were confirmed
dead, while few others were said to have been
discharged after treatment in Lagos, following
outbreak of cholera in at least five local
government areas.
This came barely three days after eight persons
reportedly died in Plateau State, due to the
outbreak of the disease.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who
disclosed this, in Alausa, Ikeja, urged residents to
report any case immediately to the nearest health
facility as well as maintain high level of hygiene.
According to Idris: "Although, many of the cases
have been treated and discharged in several
health facilities, three have been confirmed dead.
"Most of the suspected cases are from Ajeromi,
Apapa, Lagos Island, Oshodi_Isolo and Surulere
local government areas."
Idris explained that surveillance and
investigations by his Ministry had revealed that
the suspected cases were contracted from food
sources such as the African food salad, popularly
called 'Abacha,' well water sources, especially in
areas like Ikate community, Amuwo Odofin Local
Government Area and Badia area of Apapa Local
Government Area, and infected foods from food
sellers, and other unhygienic habits.
The commissioner while urging members of the
public to be hygenic, noted that cholera "is an
acute contagious bacterial disease characterised
by severe form of sudden onset of profuse
painless watery stools, nausea and profuse
vomiting
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

Sugar-Free week challenge

Dear Aunty Nurse Readers,
How have you been? I bet some of you already know what this post is about. I am going on a week long sugar fast effective-tomorrow 18th September 2013 The fast would last till Wednesday next week and I've asked a couple of people to join me. So far, I've had a had about 5 recruits and I hope to get more as the week goes by.

I went shopping online in Nigeria and I found this dress I love but it was just a size too small. That sort of stirred me to consider the sugar-free challenge.

To the smart asses, I didn't say I'm doing a Carbohydrate-fast. Its a sucrose fast. Which means I can't have Saint Louis or any other brand of sugar in my tea, no soft drinks, sugar,cake,Milo, pack fruit juices(containing sucrose).


Here are the details as spelt out in the broadcast I sent over BBM
1. Each participant is to get on a scale today at least 2hrs after a meal and record their starting weight.
2.If available, get a tape and measure your waist circumference

Keep the above records for future reference
Foods to avoid: All foods containing artificially added sucrose e.g. Biscuits, Chocolates,Beverages(Milo),Pastries, Ice cream,Soft drinks/Sodas, Juices(Five Alive)

Sugar substituting with sweeteners or honey is not permitted.
On Thursday 26th September please post your feedback as a comment, as an email or as a message on bbm.

My hope is that by the end of this week, our tongues would be recalibrated and we'd grow a greater distaste for sugar.

At the end of this exercise, I would greatly appreciate some feedback in form of comments letting me know if there were any changes in  weight or weight circumference or your general state of well-being. I am already motivated. Are you? It begins tomorrow and my current recruits have motivated me significantly.

My starting weight is 67 kg and weight circumference is 28.5 inches.
All the best people!!!! Have a Sweet sugar-free week.



Love,
Aunty Nurse

Coming up next! The amazing responses I got from Yodi! The big booty pill!!!

How Martha lost the Matter

Dear A.N.B readers,
Today's post is quite inspirational. Its a story of faith, determination and a strong will. I met Martha in 1998. She had always been big it seemed like it was just natural and would probably never change. About a year ago, Martha decided to make an effort, work out, control her diet and lose some weight.

Martha after losing 19kg...About 35 pounds

 Martha story is quite motivational as she could have simply argued that she was born this way and let herself alone. Many people are like Martha, big as long as they can recall. It however takes a lot of courage to get up and damn the odds. I've promised Martha that I'd support her course to wellness all the way and in doing this she could serve as a motivator to people who struggle with weight loss or might have given up on themselves.

Martha With friend at the gym

In my BBM interview with Martha she explained that she had to cut back significantly on her portions of food, She steers clear of Junk food and fast food. Eats a lot of fruits and veggies. Drinks a lot of water and motivates herself by working out in groups. She goes to the gym three times a week and tries to do some informal exercising at home.

Martha before she lost 35 pounds....

She said she loves the way she feels now. She's more physically agile and active. Her mood has generally improved and she has given her self a reasonable one year target to reach her ideal weigh based on the BMI scale. Martha now motivates people around her to join her when she works out.


I say GO Martha!!!! and to all of you out there Male and Female who are overweight or obese draw some motivation from Martha's story. Don't give up!! Lets spur Martha on her journey to get rid of the Matter. For Updates on Marthas progress, keep reading the blog.

Have a Day!!!!

Aunty Nurse Cares

Back on track with Aunty Nurse

Hello Dear A.N.B readers,
How are you doing? I've been off the scene for a while and its simply because I've been unmotivated to write.I couldn't quite put a finger on why I lost the motivation.. Until now...

I haven't worked out the way I like to in months. My favourite kind of workout is running/jogging. But in December last year we moved from the neighbourhood where we used to live and  the new neighbourhood has zig-zag "jaga-jaga roads making it terribly far from conducive  for running. In my former house, jogging was so convenient because the roads were perfectly tarred and if you're a runner or jogger you'll understand why perfectly tarred roads are essential.

Me and Thiago after my workout!!!

I tried alternative workouts like Tae-bo and Pilates but getting instructions from some guy in a video could be boring and its not a good substitute for jogging. So for a while, I've made the excuse that I don't work out any more because its impracticable.

Today, I woke up with a resolve to find a way to workout even if it meant running along the express way. It turns out it was the best decision every. I got dressed in my shorts and trainers. My shuffle clipped on to my tank top and away I went. I ran along the expressway listening to MI and Djinees "overkilling it", Jay-Z and Fabulous, Davido-O and so on. I imagined myself jogging with them...lol Then I listened to Banky W when I wanted to do some Slow paced exercises. This method is super effective for me lol and maybe u could try it.

I ran down the expressway for those who know that area, from Sangotedo to Crown Estate and back. Music is a really good workout companion for me and studies have shown that it makes a difference for most people, that;s why most gyms have upbeat music on all the time.

If you have an excuse for not working out.... Just like I have done.... get rid of the excuse and get ur body into good shape. You have a lot more to loose than to gain. Don't wait till you're over weight or obese because then, working out  becomes even harder.

In my time of laziness, I gained about 5kilograms almost 10pounds. If you've been lazy and making excuses forgive yourself, get up and join me on the path to wellness.

Coming up next..... How Martha got rid of the Matter

Happy Holidays!!!

Signed,
Aunty Nurse

The Funbact-A people?

Hello Dear A.N.B readers,
How are you doing today? I trust you're having a great weekend. I had  good week, really busy but good.

Today's topic is all about your skin. How do you treat your skin? What do you do to make/keep your skin looking good?
Sometime, about two years ago, I was a pharmacy store where I worked and a lady walked up to me stating that she had skin troubles. She brought  her phone out and showed me a photo of her friend whom she  claimed had been given a cream mixture. Her 'friend' seemed to have really clear skin.

She asked me if I could do a mixture for her. She named creams such as FUNBACT-A, SKINEAL, EPIDERM and tribotan and how if any of these creams was combined with a body lotion and shea butter, she would look just as good as her friend in no time.

Now you might wonder, What's wrong with that? What does she stand to lose if she mixes the creams up and applies them daily?

I'll tell you

A cream like Funbact-A contains antifungal,antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Now antifungal creams should only be used when the you have a confirmed fungal infection on the skin same goes for antibacterial creams and as for anti-inflammatory creams, they are to be used in cases of skin allergies or inflammatory conditions.

These products are not to be used on a daily basis. Would you take medicines for malaria when you don't feel ill or Panadol, when you don't have a headache or fever?

When you abuse a cream such as funbact a, Skineal or epiderm on a very regular basis and in the absence of infections here's what you're really doing.

1. Short-lived relief: Yes, your skin looks really good in the meantime, no pimples/acne blemishes but soon enough, the product will become ineffective and you'll be back to square one.
2. Your Skins natural protection: Your skin is supposed t be able to protect itself from infections, but with repeated abuse of antibiotic, antifungal or anti-inflammatory creams, your skins natural protective barrier is destroyed and you become more prone to skin infections.
3. Skin Damage: Excessive use of these products would lead to skin damage and regardless of how much makeup you wear, you won't be able to fix it.
Some creams containing anti-inflammatory compounds will cause your face to begin to sag long before you're old enough to have a sagging face :(

Caring for your skin:
1. Avoid excessive use of medicated soaps, antiseptics and medicated creams.
2. Find soap-free products for your shower and use products in the right pH.
(Sebamed is a good example)

3. Take vitamin C lots of water and avoid foods that make u break out.
There's this really good vitamin supplement called Trevo.
I talked about it in my last post. Its very high in antioxidants and has proven to be very good for the skin. I have used this product and I can say it really works.

To order a bottle go to: www.trevocorporate.com/coach/trevohealthng..... Fill your details in the short form on the left and you'll be attended to.

To get sebamed skincare products, walk into a supermarket/store in your neighbourhood.

Do have a lovely rest of your weekend.

Yours Truly,
Aunty Nurse

Join the Trevolution!

Dear Aunty Nurse Readers,

I trust you've had a good week so far.


Why are antioxidants essential to your health?

Whether you know it or not, your body is being constantly attacked by very harmful substances known as free radicals. You can not see them, smell or touch them but they are always there, trying to destroy your cells, tissues and organs. In a nutshell, free radicals are atoms or molecules that contain unpaired electrons. Since electrons have an extremely strong tendency to exist in a paired rather than an unpaired state, free radicals indiscriminately pick up electrons from other atoms, which in turn converts those other atoms into secondary free radicals.

This sets up a chain reaction which can cause substantial biological damage – damage such as premature ageing and a large number of debilitating diseases. When this reaction is uncontrolled, it can generate millions of free radicals within seconds – damaging key enzymes, cell membranes and even the chromosomes that store our genetic material (DNA).

Free radicals have been implicated in most known diseases of mankind, but especially in the chronic, degenerative diseases associated with the ageing process. According to The New York Times, free radicals can be linked to over 60 chronic, debilitating diseases. They can also cause severe reduction in cell function, DNA damage, and even the premature death of a cell.

Fortunately, our bodies have a built-in free radical fighting mechanism known as the antioxidant defense system which is comprised of specialized enzymes. In order to protect our bodies, however, these enzymes need help from antioxidant nutrients.
These antioxidants protect the cells of your body against free radical damage by providing a layer of protection for the cells and tissues of the body; much like a fresh coat of wax helps protect a car’s finish.

Start with three bottles Trevo Powerstart

Pure, positive wellness on a cellular level.
The bottom line is that the super-antioxidant power of Trévo is quickly absorbed into the cells of your body, protecting cellular health and extending the life of cells. This effectively helps to prevent premature cellular death as well as chronic cellular inflammation.
The result? Vibrant good health, increased energy, enhanced mental focus, and improved longevity. In other words, feeling better, looking younger, and living longer!
That’s the power of wellness … that’s the power of Trévo.

To purchase Trevo, call 07018871054
To register for Trevo powerstart

To know more about the product and ways you can make money from the product visit the website: www.trevocorporate.com/coach/trevohealthng

First aid for Burns... What to do

Dear Aunty Nurse Readers,
Hope you're having a good week.  Some years ago, I was boiling some water in a little bucket when I went to turn it off, the unfortunate happened. It spilled and burned my feet. it was so painful. I tried my best to avoid rubbing it.
I didn't know what else to do, I just cried and waited for it to cool off on its own. For some reason, I believed that water would make it worse.
Just in case you suffer a burn, Here are a few tips for you from the Mayo Clinic.

1st Degree Burn

To distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn, the first step is to determine the extent of damage to body tissues. The three burn classifications of first-degree burn, second-degree burn and third-degree burn will help you determine emergency care.
1st-degree burnThe least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin is burned, but not all the way through.

• The skin is usually red/purple
• Often there is swelling
• Pain sometimes is present

Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint, which requires emergency medical attention.
2nd-degree burnWhen the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is called a second-degree burn.

• Blisters develop
• Skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance
• There is severe pain and swelling.

If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, treat it as a major burn and get medical help immediately.
For minor burns, including first-degree burns and second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) in diameter, take the following action:

• Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 or 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cool water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn.
• Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, or other material that may get lint in the wound. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burn, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns.

3rd Degree Burn... Ouch!!!!!!!!

Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.
Caution

• Don't use ice. Putting ice directly on a burn can cause a person's body to become too cold and cause further damage to the wound.
• Don't apply egg whites, butter or ointments to the burn. This could cause infection.
• Don't break blisters. Broken blisters are more vulnerable to infection.

3rd-degree burnThe most serious burns involve all layers of the skin and cause permanent tissue damage. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.
For major burns, call 911 or emergency medical help. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:

1. Don't remove burned clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.
2. Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause a drop in body temperature (hypothermia) and deterioration of blood pressure and circulation (shock).
3. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin CPR.
4. Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible.
5. Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist cloth towels.

Get a tetanus shot. Burns are susceptible to tetanus. Doctors recommend you get a tetanus shot every 10 years. If your last shot was more than five years ago, your doctor may recommend a tetanus shot booster


Be safe and Have a lovely week ahead,
Signed,
Aunty Nurse

Why she goes crazy at least once every month

Dear Aunty Nurse readers,

I must apologise I have been a way for some time, this is because I've been so busy with my regular job and I must admit that posts take a lot of time and effort to produce. 

Today, I have an interesting topic for you. 

Certain women are known to act crazy/sad/abnormal just before, during or after their periods and research has shown that it could be because 3-8% of women suffer a condition referred to as Premenstural dysphoric disorder. Honestly, after doing some research and stumbling upon this condition, I think I'm going to get myself checked out. lol

 Symptoms 

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Like PMS, premenstrual dysphoric disorder follows a predictable, cyclic pattern. Symptoms begin in the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (after ovulation) and end shortly after menstruation begins.

Emotional symptoms are generally present, and in PMDD, mood symptoms are dominant. Substantial disruption to personal relationships is typical for women with PMDD.Anxiety, anger, and depression may also occur. The main symptoms, which can be disabling, include^;

·         feelings of deep sadness or despair

·         feelings of intense tension or anxiety

·         increased intense sensitivity to rejection or criticism

·         panic attacks

·         rapid and severe mood swings, bouts of uncontrollable crying

·         lasting irritability or anger, increased interpersonal conflicts; typically sufferers are unaware of the impact they have on those close to them

·         apathy or disinterest in daily activities and relationships

·         difficulty concentrating

·         chronic fatigue

·         food cravings or binge eating

·         insomnia or hypersomnia; sleeping more than usual, or (in a smaller group of sufferers) being unable to sleep

·         feeling overwhelmed or feelings of being out of control

·         increase or decrease in sex drive

·         increased need for emotional closeness

Common physical symptoms include:

·         breast tenderness or swelling, heart palpitations, headaches, joint or muscle pain, swollen face and nose

·         an altered view of one's body - a sensation of 'bloating', feeling fat or actual weight gain.

·         severe headache

Five or more of these symptoms may indicate PMDD.

What to do

If you experience 5 or more of these symptoms, I suggest that you see a Doctor as soon s you can. Your Doctor might refer you to a psychiatrist if need be.

Have a great day
Signed,
Aunty Nurse

WHO Handwashing.... Do you know how to wash your hands?

Dear Aunty Nurse Blog readers,

I trust you had a great weekend! Have you made a doantion towards the #save bukky intitative. If you haven't plese refer to the previous post for details.

Today's post is all a bout a seemingly simple subject of handwashing. you might wonder why Aunty Nurse wants to give you a lesson on handwashing. This is simply because, staudies in the UK have shown that regular handwshing and sanitization have significantly reduced the spread of diseases in general.

The World Health Organisation teaches a specific method of hadwashing which ensures that all parts of the hand are clean. I've been washing my hands this way since 2008. You should try it to.

You should always have a hand sanitizer within reach so if you can't get to a tap to wash your hands, you'll have a suitable substitute. Teach your kids to wsh their hands this way and you'll spend less money and time in the hospital.

Have a Clean Handed Day!

Signed,
Aunty Nurse

Bukky Needs a New Kidney!

Dear Aunty Nurse Readers,

I trust you’re having a great week! I know I promised to do a series on first-aid and I'm obviously not done yet. But there’s a more pressing issue I would like to share with you. A friend of one of our readers, Bukola Adeyemi needs all the help and support she can get.

Bukkie Adeyemi at LUTH

Who is Adebukola Adeyemi?

Bukola, a young lady in her mid 20’s with a promising career  until her health got in the way of it all. She's a graduate of Mathematics from the University of Lagos and a National Diploma holder in Estate Managment from Yaba Polytechnic.
The once very vibrant, outgoing and vivacious Bukky is now hooked to a haemodialysis machine at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Ward A3.  
She struggled to see herself through school having lost her father at a tender age of 15. Bukky has always been a strong and focused person who rarely visited the hospital for any illness. Earlier this year she lost her mother and thus became an orphan. This diagnosis came just a few months after securing her first job after her NYSC which she completed in 2010 in Abuja.

We all know that dialysis are expensive as it currently cost N100, 000 weekly and her family has practically run dry caring for her. She would require a kidney transplant. The procedure would cost about N9, 000,000(Nine million naira) at an hospital in India.

Adebukola cannot survive without getting a transplant so it’s a matter of life and death here so please keep this at the back of your mind. Donate whatever you can and get others to donate as well.

This case means a lot to me because her life is on the line and the only thing between her and a healthy and normal life is money.

My dear friends, readers, and supporters out there, I appeal to you today to make your donation. Any amount would do. You can carry out the transfer over the internet, walk into a bank and donate whatever you can afford.

No one ever imagines that they'd be hooked to a machine so young and so early in their lives or even ever.

Her account details are:

Name: Adebukola Adeyemi

Acc Num: 3061412656

Bank: First Bank

Give and it will come back to you.

Let’s create some awareness for Bukola You can #SaveBukola and include her account details.

CPR Rescue Breaths (Mouth to Mouth Resuscitation)

Dear Aunty Nurse Readers,


The week is almost over. I bet some of you are excited it almost Friday.

As promised, I'm continuing the series on First-Aid. Today's topic is CPR - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or in simpler terms, Rescue Breaths.

Rescue breaths are only given to unconscious individuals who are obviously not breathing. 

How to check for breathing: 

1.  Chest and abdomen - The chest rises and drops when a person is breathing but remains stiff if the person isn't.
2. Listen:  Place your face close to the victims nose to feel the air coming out of the nostrils

If you're able to confirm that the individual is not breathing. 
The image below gives an accurate illustration of how to give CPR.

If for any reason (you have no CPR mask), you do not feel comfortable giving the breaths, you can give the chest compressions only.


Remember to keep the head tilted backwards and watch that the chest rises you give a breath. 

In emergencies such as drowning, there's no need to check for signs of breathing, if the individual is unconscious, go ahead and give CPR. 

Try to rehearse this procedure with a dummy a number of times. When you need it you'll be glad you practiced. 

To get a first aid kit with a CPR mask, call: 08168974831

Signed 

Aunty Nurse

The Universal Choking sign and First aid for choking

Dear Aunty Nurse Readers,

Have you ever choked on food or watched a child choke on a little piece of toy or anything of that sort? Do you remember what you did? Many times we give water and giving water is the average response but is it the right one?

First aid for choking babies

Once my room-mate went to bed with Tom Tom (mint) in her mouth. She woke up in the middle of the night and started to cough. I remembered that I had given her Tom Tom just before bed and somehow my brain responded so quickly. I had seen a movie where someone was choking in a restaurant and the person performed what I now know is called the Heimlich Manoeuvre so I did the same thing and the tablet flew out of her mouth. I was so relieved that I knew what to do and so we went back to bed and that was that.



The first thing you need to learn is the universal sign for choking. How to let people know you're choking? Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic:

Choking occurs when a foreign object becomes lodged in the throat or windpipe, blocking the flow of air. In adults, a piece of food often is the culprit. Young children often swallow small objects. Because choking cuts off oxygen to the brain, administer first aid as quickly as possible.

The universal sign for choking is hands clutched to the throat. If the person doesn't give the signal, look for these indications:

Inability to talk

Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing

Inability to cough forcefully

Skin, lips and nails turning blue or dusky

Loss of consciousness

If choking is occurring, the Red Cross recommends a "five-and-five" approach to delivering first aid:

    

Give 5 back blows. First, deliver five back blows between the person's shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.

 Give 5 abdominal thrusts. Perform five abdominal thrusts (also known as the Heimlich Manoeuvre).

 Alternate between 5 blows and 5 thrusts until the blockage is dislodged.

The American Heart Association doesn't teach the back blow technique, only the abdominal thrust procedures. It's OK not to use back blows, if you haven't learned the technique. Both approaches are acceptable.

To perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Manoeuvre) on someone else:

Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist. Tip the person forward slightly.

Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person's navel.

Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust as if trying        to lift the person up.

Perform a total of 5 abdominal thrusts, if needed. If the blockage still isn't dislodged, repeat the five-and-five cycle.

If you're the only rescuer, perform back blows and abdominal thrusts before calling 123 or your local emergency number for help. If another person is available, have that person call for help while you perform first aid.

If the person becomes unconscious, perform standard CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths.

To perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich Manoeuvre) on yourself:

First, if you're alone and choking and you have a landline phone,  your local emergency number (123 for LASEMS, Lagos only) immediately. Then, although you'll be unable to effectively deliver back blows to yourself, you can still perform abdominal thrusts to dislodge the item.

Place a fist slightly above your navel.

Grasp your fist with the other hand and bend over a hard surface — a countertop or chair will do.

Shove your fist inward and upward.

Clearing the airway of a pregnant woman or obese person:

Position your hands a little bit higher than with a normal Heimlich Manoeuvre, at the base of the breastbone, just above the joining of the lowest ribs.

Proceed as with the Heimlich maneuver, pressing hard into the chest, with a quick thrust.

Repeat until the food or other blockage is dislodged or the person becomes unconscious.

Clearing the airway of an unconscious person:

Lower the person on his or her back onto the floor.

Clear the airway. If there's a visible blockage at the back of the throat or high in the throat, reach a finger into the mouth and sweep out the cause of the blockage. Be careful not to push the food or object deeper into the airway, which can happen easily in young children.

Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the object remains lodged and the person doesn't respond after you take the above measures. The chest compressions used in CPR may dislodge the object. Remember to recheck the mouth periodically.

Clearing the airway of a choking infant younger than age 1:

Assume a seated position and hold the infant facedown on your forearm, which is resting on your thigh.

Thump the infant gently but firmly five times on the middle of the back using the heel of your hand. The combination of gravity and the back blows should release the blocking object.

Hold the infant faceup on your forearm with the head lower than the trunk if the above doesn't work. Using two fingers placed at the center of the infant's breastbone, give five quick chest compressions.

Repeat the back blows and chest thrusts if breathing doesn't resume. Call for emergency medical help. 123 for Lagos, Nigeria.

Begin infant CPR if one of these techniques opens the airway but the infant doesn't resume breathing.

If the child is older than age 1, give abdominal thrusts only.

To prepare yourself for these situations, learn the Heimlich Manoeuvre and CPR in a certified first-aid training course.

First aid for chocking for all age groups

I hope that these tips have been helpful. In the next post, I'll talk about Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) this would be needed if you're unable to help and the person in question losses consciousness.

Please rehearse these steps so you would not have regrets when you need them. 

Have a lovely day!

Signed,

Aunty Nurse 

What Do You Do When Someone is Bleeding?

Dear Aunty Nurse Readers,

I hope you had a nice weekend. As I said in my last post, I’ll be doing a series of first aid emergencies. Today’s post is about handling medical emergencies involving bleeding.On January 8, 2011, a U.S Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head and as fate would have it, there was a guy right beside her that knew that to do. Six months after the shooting she was discharged from the hospital.

Gabrielle Giffords

So here’s my question: Why don’t we hear a lot of stories like this one in Nigeria?

Answer: Lack of knowledge

Now I implore you to take these First Aid lessons seriously. Read them over and over again and share them with family and loved ones because you’ll never know when they’ll come in handy.

Emergency Action Steps

Controlling External Bleeding

Remember to:

• CHECK the scene, and then CHECK the person- In a case where you’re unaware of the cause of the bleeding. You should check the scene and the person in order to identify the source.
• Put on medical gloves if at all possible – It is extremely important to protect yourself. Blood is a medium for transmission of deadly diseases such as Hepatitis B and HIV. In giving support you must ensure that you are safe first.
  
• Use a plastic bag or other barrier between you and the blood if possible: If you can’t find gloves, get a plastic bag to create that barrier.
• Obtain consent: In some countries it is illegal to give care to an individual without their consent. In America people get sued to court for saving lives of people who say they had just gathered enough nerve to commit suicide. If you find yourself in such a place, ask the person if you can help. If the victim is unconscious, then consent is implied. (You can go ahead and help).
• Cover wound with a sterile dressing: In most cases you won’t find a sterile dressing because most people do not have first-aid kits in their cars or at home or anywhere so a clean cloth would do.
• Maintain manual pressure for a long time: Now it’s not just about covering the wound, this is the most important step and would probably be the first or second step if the accident was domestic. For example, if your sibling/spouse steps on a large sharp piece of glass is bleeding profusely or someone gets stabbed etc. (You don’t need to check the scene because you already know what happened.) You have to maintain pressure for a long time and do not open it up to check if the bleeding has stopped. You must keep applying pressure and if the blood covers the first layer of dressing or cloth you should put another dressing on top. It is ok to have layers of dressing but DO NOT loosen the dressing.
• Use elastic compression bandage (crepe bandage) to maintain pressure if manual pressure cannot be maintained continuously until help arrives. You need to hold the spot tight in order to reduce and eventually stop the bleeding without excessive blood loss.

 

If bleeding does not stop:

• Continue to maintain manual pressure.  Use tourniquet (can be a piece of clothing a belt etc.)to tie above the site of the bleed and this is not applicable in all circumstances) only if direct pressure is not effective or possible, and only with proper training.
• Take steps to minimize SHOCK or treat the victim for SHOCK if they have reached that stage (Place the person in shock position)
• Call 123 LASEMS (LAGOS ONLY)
• Remember to wash your hands with soap after giving care.
  

To get first-aid boxes for your homes or cars call Ritemed Care on 08168974831

If you have any questions, please post it as a comment and it will be attended to.

Have a Lovely week

Signed,

Aunty Nurse