Preparedness First Aid

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You might want to keep a list in your wallet of your medications to have with you when you go to the doctor or hospital That way they will know what medications you are taking. (Especially if you are unconscious when you are taken to the hospital) Expiration dates: make a list and keep it close to your first aid box that lists all the medications that have expiration dates. It is easier to look at a list than to sort through all your medications to see what has expired. It is good to check this list once or twice a year. How to use: learn what each medication is used for. *********SICKNESS AND INJURY********** What to look for: learn what to look for when someone is sick or injured. What to do: learn what to do for someone who is sick or injured. Is there something you can do until a doctor/nurse arrives or until you are able to transport the patient? Immunization: keep track of immunizations and especially tetnus shots (every ten years) to keep everything up to date. Boy scout manual has a good first aid section. FIRST AID SUGGESTIONS - choose from the list what best suits your family CONSECRATED OIL First Aid Cream aspirin/tylenol motion sickness pepto bismal - stomach diarrhea medicine laxative - constipation eye drops cold medicine cough medicine cough drops vaseline vitamin E/aloe - burn medicine sun screen hydrogen peroxide smelling salts alcohol/wipes baby wipes/wet ones vicks ace bandage butterfly bandage bandaids - all sizes sterile pades & tape tweezers scissors needle - for splinters safety pins kotex - very absorbent for bad wounds tissues material for a sling soap/waterless soap rubber gloves q-tips bactine mirror - in 72 hour kit for eye problems vitamins (for example C) cold pack hand lotion icy hot chap stick desitin stomach medicine calcium pills ear drops table salt thermometer splints umbrella - to stay out of sun sunglasses - to help protect eyes infant supplies decongestant insect repellant first aid book snake bite extractor pump activated charcoal for poison CPR mask Here is a list that everyone should be familiar with WHAT TO DO in the event of: see also www.mayoclinic.com heat stroke - see information below heat exhaustion - see information below CPR - see information below bleeding - external and internal how to deal with infections shock - see information below electric shock poisoning - see information below burns - see information below broken bones/sprains head injuries heimlich maneuver - see information below drowning nose bleeds sunburn fainting heart attack dehydration Alergies - see information below Asthma - see information below ******************************************************************************************************************************** Heimlich Maneuver ******************************************************************************************************************************** CPR CPR - always use a CPR mask when doing CPR on someone you do not know Always use the A, B, C, D method when doing CPR A = Airway (check their airway?) B = Breathing (are they breathing?) C = Circulation (pulse) (do they have a pulse?) D = Defibrillation (is there a defibrillator in the building that can be used if necessary?) Adult CPR Check for response, if no response, call 911 Open airway Head tilt-chin lift Check for breathing (5-10 seconds) Look, listen, and feel If no breaths, give 2 breaths, check pulse If no pulse, start cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths (rate of 100 per minute) Use heel of hand at center of chest between nipples Press down 1 ½ to 2 inches with each compression (minimize interruptions to compressions) Child CPR (ages 1 - puberty) Check for response, if no response, call 911 Open airway Head tilt-chin lift Check for breathing (5-10 seconds) Look, listen, feel If no breaths, give 2 breaths, check pulse If no pulse, start cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths (rate of 100 per minute) Use 1 - 2 hands depending on size of child Press down 1/3 to ½ the depth of chest Infant CPR (age 0 - 1 year) Check for response, if no response, call 911 Open airway Head tilt-chin lift Check for breathing (5 - 10 seconds) Look, listen, feel If no breaths, give 2 breaths (mouth-to-mouth-and-nose), check pulse (inside of upper arm between shoulder & elbow) If no pulse, start cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths (rate of 100 per minute) Draw imaginary line between nipples, place 2 fingers on breastbone just below imaginary line Press down 1/3 to ½ depth of chest ********************************************************************************************************************************** BURNS - see also www.mayoclinic.com First-degree burn Superficial burn. The skin is usually red, with swelling and pain sometimes present. The outer layer of skin hasn’t been burned through. 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. Second-degree burn Involves the first layer of skin and the second layer of skin (dermis). Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling. If the second-degree burn is no larger than 3 inches 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 in diameter, take the following action: ● Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes or until the pain subsides. Or use cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling. DO NOT PUT ICE ON THE BURN. ● Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage. DO NOT use fluffy cotton. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on the burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burned skin, reduces pain and protects blistered skin. 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. Caution ● DO NOT use ice. ● DO NOT apply butter or ointments to the burn ● DO NOT break blisters. Broken blisters are vulnerable to infection. Third-degree burn The most serious burns are painless, 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 mon9onxide poisoning, or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn. For major burns, dial 911. ● DO NOT remove burnt clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat. ● DO NOT immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause shock. ● Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin CPR. ● Elevate the burned body part or parts. Raise above heart level, when possible. ● Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels. ********************************************************************************************************************************* HYPOTHERMIA - see also www.mayoclinic.com Hypothermia is defined as an internal body temperature less than 95 degrees F or 35 degrees C. When exposed to cold temperatures or to a cool, damp environment for prolonged periods, your body’s control mechanisms may fail to keep your body temperature normal. When more heat is lost than your body can generate, hypothermia can result. Wet or inadequate clothing, falling into cold water, and even having an uncovered head during cold weather can all increase your chances of hypothermia. Signs and symptoms include: ● Shivering ● Slurred speech ● Abnormally slow breathing ● Cold, pale skin ● Loss of coordination ● Fatigue, lethargy or apathy ● Confusion or memory loss Signs and symptoms usually develop slowly. People with hypothermia typically experience gradual loss of mental acuity and physical ability, so they may be unaware that they need emergency medical treatment. To care for someone with hypothermia: Dial 911. While waiting for help to arrive, monitor the person’s breathing. If breathing stops or seems dangerously slow or shallow, begin CPR. Move the person out of the cold. If going indoors is not possible, protect the person from the wind, cover his or her head, and insulate his or her body from the cold ground. Remove wet clothing. Replace wet things with a warm, dry covering. DO NOT apply direct heat. Do not use hot water, a heating pad or a heating lamp to warm the victim. Instead, apply warm compresses to the neck, chest and groin. Do not attempt to warm the arms and legs. Heat applied to the arms and legs forces cold blood back toward the heart, lungs and brain, causing the core body temperature to drop. This can be fatal. DO NOT give the person alcohol. Offer warm nonalcoholic drinks, unless the person is vomiting. DO NOT massage or rub the person. Handle people with hypothermia gently, because they are at risk of cardiac arrest. ********************************************************************************************************************************** FROSTBITE - see also www.mayoclinic.com When exposed to very cold temperatures, skin and underlying tissues may freeze, resulting in frostbite. The areas most likely to be affected by frostbite are your hands, feet, nose and ears. You can identify frostbite by the hard, pale and cold quality of skin that has been exposed to the cold. As the area thaws, the flesh becomes red and painful. If your fingers, ears or other areas suffer frostbite: ● Get out of the cold ● Warm your hands by tucking them under your arms. If your nose, ears or face is frostbitten, warm the area by covering it with dry, gloved hands. ● DO NOT rub the affected area. Never rub now on frostbitten skin. ● If there is any chance of refreezing, do not thaw out the areas. If they are already thawed out, wrap them up so they do not refreeze. ● Get emergency medical help if numbness remains during warming. If you can not get help immediately, warm severely frostbitten hands or feet in warm - NOT HOT - water. You can warm other frostbitten areas, such as your nose, cheeks, or ears, by covering them with your warm hands or by applying warm cloths. *********************************************************************************************************************************** HEAT CRAMPS - see also www.mayoclinic.com Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms that usually occur during heavy exercise in hot environments. The spasms may be more intense and more prolonged than typical nighttime leg cramps. Inadequate fluid intake often contributes to heat cramps. Muscles most often affected include those of our calves, arms, abdominal wall and back, although heat cramps may involve any muscle group involved in exercise. If you suspect heat cramps: ● Rest briefly and cool down ● Drink clear juice or an electrolyte containing sports drink ● Practice gentle, range of motion stretching and gentle massage of the affected muscle group ● Call your doctor if your cramps do not go away in one hour *********************************************************************************************************************************** HEAT EXHAUSTION - see also www.mayoclinic.com Heat exhaustion is one of the heat related syndromes, which range in severity from mild heat cramps to heat exhaustion to potentially life threatening heatstroke. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion often begin suddenly, sometimes after excessive exercise, heavy perspiration and inadequate fluid intake. Signs and symptoms resemble those of shock and may include: ● Feeling faint or dizzy ● Nausea ● Heavy sweating ● Rapid, weak heartbeat ● Low blood pressure ● Cool, moist, pale skin ● Low-grade fever ● Heat cramps ● Headache ● Fatigue ● Dark-colored urine If you suspect heat exhaustion: ● Get the person out of the sun and into a shady or air conditioned location. ● Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly ● Loosen or remove the person’s clothing ● Have the person drink cool water (NOT icy cold) ● Monitor the person carefully. Heat exhaustion can quickly become heatstroke. If fever is greater than 102 degrees F or 38.9 degrees C, fainting, confusion or seizures occur, dial 911. ********************************************************************************************************************************** HEATSTROKE - see also www.mayoclinic.com Heatstroke is the most severe of the heat related problems, often resulting from exercise or heavy work in hot environments combined with inadequate fluid intake. Young children, older adults, people who are obese and people born with an impaired ability to sweat are at high risk of heatstroke. Other risk factors include dehydration, alcohol use, cardiovascular disease and certain medications. What makes heatstroke severe and potentially life threatening is that the body’s normal mechanisms for dealing with heat stress, such as sweating and temperature control, are lost. The main sign of heatstroke is a markedly elevated body temperature -- generally greater than 104 degrees F or 40 degrees C -- with changes in mental status ranging from personality changes to confusion and coma. Skin may be hot and dry -- although if heatstroke is caused by exertion, the skin may be moist. Other signs and symptoms may include: ● Rapid heartbeat ● Rapid and shallow breathing ● Elevated or lowered blood pressure ● Cessation of sweating ● Irritability, confusion or unconsciousness ● Feeling dizzy or lightheaded ● Headache ● Nausea ● Fainting, which may be the first sign in older adults If you suspect heatstroke: ● Move the person out of the sun and into a shady or air conditioned space ● Dial 911 ● Cool the person by covering him or her with damp sheets or by spraying with cool water. Direct air onto the person with a fan or newspaper. ● Have the person drink cool water (NOT icy cold). *********************************************************************************************************************************** SHOCK - see also www.mayoclinic.com Shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, allergic reactions, severe infection, poisoning or other causes. Various signs and symptoms appear in a person experiencing shock: ● The skin is cool and clammy. It may appear pale or gray. ● The pulse is weak and rapid. Breathing may be slow and shallow, or hyperventilation (rapid or deep breathing) may occur. Blood pressure is below normal. ● The eyes lack luster and may seem to stare. Sometimes the pupils are dilated. ● The person may be conscious or unconscious. If conscious, the person may feel faint or be very weak or confused. Shock sometimes causes a person to become overly excited and anxious. If you suspect shock, even if the person seems normal after an injury: ● Dial 911 ● Have the person lie down on his or her back with feet higher than the head. If raising the legs will cause pain or further injury, keep him or her flat. Keep the person still. ● Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If absent, begin CPR. ● Keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen belt(s) and tight clothing and cover the person with a blanket. Even if the person complains of thirst, give NOTHING by mouth. ● Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking if the person vomits or bleeds from the mouth ● Seek treatment for injuries, such as bleeding or broken bones. ****************************************************************************************************************************** Anaphlaxis - Allergy Emergency Symptoms: Tingling sensation and or itching Hives Swelling of throat and mouth Difficulty swallowing or speaking Difficulty breathing Abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting Sudden feeling of weakness (indicating a drop in blood pressure) Disorientation Collapse and unconsciousness Triggers: Foods: common foods are nuts, shellfish, dairy, eggs Insect stings: wasps, hornets, bees, yellow jackets Other: pollen rarely cause anaphylaxis, latex is also rare What to do? Call 911 Administer epi-pen if available, otherwise can give liquid benadryl (antihistamine) If an insect sting: place tourniquet, brush off stinger, try to keep the sting area lower than the heart Start CPR if the victim stops breathing (no pulse) Asthma Emergency Symptoms of an Asthma Attack: Coughing Breathlessness Tightness in the chest Wheezing The intensity of these symptoms varies depending on the severity of the attack. For instance, in a mild attack, you might feel breathless when walking, but OK once you sit down. During a severe asthma attack, the symptoms may be uncontrollable and much more dangerous. They require asthma emergency treatment. Symptoms of an Asthma Emergency: Feeling out of breath, even when you are not moving Trouble walking, talking or doing normal activities Anxiety Not feeling better after using your rescue inhaler Bluish lips and fingernails Exhaustion or confusion The skin around your ribs looking “sucked in” (especially in children) Unconsciousness What to do? Call 911 Administer asthma medication if available (fast acting inhalers, nebulizers) Start CPR if the victim stops breathing (no pulse) Emergency care for low blood sugar for people taking insulin SUMMARY: If person can swallow give a sugary beverage (1/2 cup) Give glucagon if available Monitor condition Call 911 if they become sleepy Call 911 if they can not swallow Start CPR if the person stops breathing (no pulse) ●●● If the person can swallow the water without choking or coughing: Give him or her 4 oz. of liquid (juice or soda pop) that contains sugar (quick sugar good or liquid) Check the person’s blood sugar level using his or her blood sugar (glucose) meter. Wait 10 to 15 minutes Offer the person more juice or soda pop if he or she is feeling better but still has some symptoms of low blood sugar ****** If the person becomes more sleepy or lethargic, call 911 or other emergency services. ●●● If the person cannot swallow: Call 911 for emergency care immediately Do not try to give the person foods or liquids, because the food or liquid could be inhaled Give the person a shot of glucagon if one is available. Follow the directions given with the glucagon medicine. Check the person’s blood sugar level using his or her blood sugar (glucose) meter. Stay with the person until emergency help comes. ●●● If the person is unconscious but not having a seizure: Call 911 for emergency care immediately. Turn the person on his or her side, and make sure the airway is not blocked. Give the person a shot of glucagon if one is available. Follow the directions given with the medicine. Check the person’s blood sugar level using his or her blood sugar (glucose) meter. If the person becomes more alert, carefully give a quick sugar food or liquid. Check the person’s blood sugar level again. Stay with the person until emergency help comes. ●●● If the person is unconscious and is having a seizure: Call 911 or other emergency services immediately Get the person in a safe position, such as lying flat on the floor. Turn the person’s head to the side. Do not try to give him or her anything to eat or drink or put anything in the mouth. If glucagon is available, give the person a shot of glucagon when the seizure stops. Stay with the person until emergency help comes. ******************************************************************************************************************************* POISON Before poisoning happens Place poison control number near the telephone 1-800-222-1222 Do not leave children alone or unattended Be aware of all potential hazards in your home Never call medicine “candy”. Teach children to ask before putting anything in mouth Keep activated charcoal on hand If poisoning has happened Stay calm Call the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 Follow the Poison Control Center’s instructions Inhaled Poisoning Immediately get the victim to fresh air Avoid breathing fumes Open doors and windows wide If victim is not breathing, have someone call 9-1-1 then start CPR Poison on the Skin Remove contaminated clothing Flood skin with water for ten minutes Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 Follow the Poison Control Center’s instructions Poison in the Eye Flood eye with lukewarm (not hot) water poured from a large glass two or three inches from the eye Repeat process for 15 minutes Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 Follow the Poison Control Center’s instructions. Swallowed Poison do not give the victim anything to eat or drink Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 Follow the Poison Control Center’s instructions ******************************************************************************************************************************** FACTS OF HONEY & CINNAMON It is found that a mixture of Homey and Cinnamon helps most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also accept honey as a “Ram Ban” (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases. Today’s science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients. Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada, in its issue dated 17 January, 1995, has given the following list of diseases that can be helped by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists: Heart Disease: make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack. Also those who already had an attack, if they do this process daily, they are kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins. Arthritis: Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be helped. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain. Bladder Infections: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder. Toothache: Make a paste of one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and five teaspoons of honey and apply on the aching tooth. This may be applied 3 times a day until the tooth stops aching. Cholesterol: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of cinnamon powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water or hot water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% within 2 hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken 3 times a day, any chronic cholesterol is helped. According to information received in the said journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol. Colds: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with ¼ spoon cinnamon powder daily for 3 days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold and clear the sinuses. Upset Stomach: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also clears stomach ulcers from the root. Gas: According to the studies done in India & Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder, the stomach is relieved of gas. Immune System: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacteria and viral diseases. Indigestion: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food, relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals. Influenza: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ingredient which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu. Longevity: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take 4 spoons of honey, 1 spoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink ¼ cup, 3 to 4 times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft. Pimples: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it the next morning with warm water. If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root. Skin Infections: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts helps eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections. Weight Loss: Daily in the morning ½ hour before breakfast on an empty stomach and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in 1 cup water. If taken regularly it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking of this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet. Cancer: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been successfully helped. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month 3 times a day. Fatigue: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00pm when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week. Bad Breath: People of South America, first thing in the morning gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day. Bananas? The Cure for all ills….believe it or not If you want a quick fix for flagging energy levels there is no better snack than a banana. Containing three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose – combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proved that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90 minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world’s leading athletes. But energy isn’t the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions making it a must to add to your daily diet. Anemia - high in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia Blood pressure – this unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect food for helping to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit’s ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke. Brain Power – 200 students at a school were helped through their exams by eating bananas at breakfast, break and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils mare alert. Constipation – High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives. Depression – According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain trypotophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin known to make you relax, improve our mood and generally make you feel happier. Hangovers – one of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system. Heart-burn – Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body so if you suffer from heart-burn, try eating a banana for soothing relief. Morning sickness – snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness. Mosquito bites – before reaching for the insect bit cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation. Nerves – Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods such as bananas every two hours to keep levels steady. PMS – Forget the pills, eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. Ulcers – The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chroniculcer cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach. Temperature control – many other cultures see bananas as a “cooling” fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, trypotophan. Smoking – bananas can also help people trying to give us smoking, as the high levels of Vitamin C, A1, B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Stress – Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, there by reducing our potassium levels. These can be re-balanced with the help of a high potassium banana snack. Strokes – According to research in the New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%. Warts – Those keen on natural alternatives swear that, if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a surgical tape. ******************************************************************************************************************************** WARM WATER The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water, maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating. For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal. COLD WATER Never drink a glass of very cold icy water when you are extremely hot. It is too much of a shock to your system.