First Aid: Time for a review

I became interested in health and wellness along time ago when I was in Girl Scouts. I decided to study for a badge on First Aid. First aid techniques change over the years and often what we do is really based on bad information, “old wives tales,” so I decided to check out the Red Cross website and see what is up to date information.

I remember my mother always said put butter on a burn 1st degree burn---Do Not Do This. (I read somewhere oils trap the heat in causing the skin to continue to burn--maybe true.) Sorry Mom, the Mayo Clinic tells us:

For minor burns:

• Cool the burn to help soothe the pain. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain eases. Or apply a clean towel dampened with cool tap water.
• Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area. Try to do this quickly and gently, before the area swells.
• Don't break small blisters (no bigger than your little fingernail). If blisters break, gently clean the area with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a nonstick gauze bandage.
• Apply moisturizer or aloe vera lotion or gel, which may provide relief in some cases.

Major burns:

• Until an emergency unit arrives, take these actions:
• Protect the burned person from further harm.
• But don't remove burned clothing stuck to the skin.
• Check for signs of circulation. Look for breathing, coughing or movement. Begin CPR if needed.
• Remove jewelry, belts and other restrictive items, especially from around burned areas and the neck---burned areas swell rapidly.
• Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water--doing so could cause a serious loss of body heat (hypothermia) or a drop in blood pressure and decreased blood flow (shock).
• Elevate the burned area. Raise the wound above heart level, if possible.
• Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, bandage or a clean cloth. 

Every home should have a well-stocked first-aid kit.

The Mayo Clinic recommends a basic first-aid kit that includes:

• Adhesive tape
• Elastic wrap bandages
• Bandage strips and "butterfly" bandages in assorted sizes
• Nonstick sterile bandages and roller gauze in assorted sizes
• Eye shield or pad
• Triangular bandage
• Aluminum finger split
• Instant cold packs
• Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
• Disposable nonlatex examination gloves, several pairs
• Duct tape
• Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Plastic bags, assorted sizes
• Safety pins in assorted sizes
• Scissors and tweezers
• Soap or hand sanitizer
• Antibiotic ointment
• Antiseptic solution and towelettes
• Eyewash solution
• Thermometer
• Turkey baster or other bulb suction device for flushing wounds
• Breathing barrier
• Syringe, medicine cup or spoon
• First-aid manual

The kit should include medications appropriate to your family such as: Aloe vera gel, Calamine lotion, Anti-diarrhea medication, Laxative, Antacids, Antihistamine, Pain relievers, Cough and cold medications, and Auto-injector of epinephrine, if prescribed by your doctor.

An emergency items kit includes: Emergency phone numbers, contact information for your family doctor, Medical consent forms for each family member, Medical history forms for each family member, Small, waterproof flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries, Waterproof matches, Small notepad and waterproof writing instrument, Emergency space blanket, Cell phone with solar charger, Sunscreen, Insect repellant,

Whistle. I would include a hat or scarf. Check your first-aid kits regularly to be sure the flashlight batteries work and to replace supplies that have expired or been used up.

There are many resources for medical information and advice including the Internet, magazines, and television. The Red Cross tells us to seek health and safety recommendations from credible sources and disregard popular myths. Their website lists some of the most common first aid mistakes They recommend enrolling in a first aid class to learn how to respond correctly in an emergency situation.

• Myth: Soothe a burn by applying butter. 
Reality: If you apply butter or an oily substance to a serious burn, you could make it difficult for a doctor to treat the burn later and increase risk of infection. The right approach: Treat a burn with cool water. If a burn is severe and starts to blister, make sure to see a doctor. Keep the affected area clean and loosely covered with a dry, sterile dressing. 

• Myth: If a child swallows a poisonous substance, induce vomiting with syrup of ipecac. Reality: Inducing vomiting is not recommended for certain poisonous substances and may be harmful. 
The right approach: Never give anything to eat or drink unless directed to by the Poison Control Center or a medical professional. If an accidental poisoning occurs, immediately call the Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222) or your doctor for advice.

• Myth (bad advice): The best way to treat a bleeding extremity is by applying a tourniquet. 
Reality: Tourniquets stop the flow of blood, which could cause permanent damage to a limb. They should be used only as a last resort in the case of severe bleeding. The right approach: Pad the wound with layers of sterile gauze or cloth, apply direct pressure and wrap the wound securely. Seek medical help if the bleeding doesn't stop or if the wound is gaping, dirty or caused by an animal bite

• Myth: Apply heat to a sprain, strain or fracture. 
Reality: Heat actually increases swelling and can keep the injury from healing as quickly as it could. 
The right approach: Apply ice to reduce swelling for about 20 minutes. Place a thin barrier between the ice and the bare skin.

• Myth: You should move someone injured in a car accident away from the scene. 
Reality: A person with a spinal-cord injury won't necessarily appear badly injured, but any movement could lead to paralysis or death. 
The right approach: Move an injured victim only if 
The scene becomes unsafe (the vehicle is threatened by fire or another serious hazard) or if you have to reach another victim who may have a more serious injury or illness. 
You need to provide proper care (CPR needs to be performed on a firm, flat surface. 
Otherwise, it's best to stabilize the victim, and leave the person in place until paramedics arrive. 

• Myth: Rub your eye when you get a foreign substance in it. Tears will wash the substance out. 
Reality: Rubbing could cause a serious scratch or abrasion to the eye. 
The right approach: Rinse the eye with tap water. 

• Myth: Use hot water to thaw a cold extremity. Reality: Avoid any extreme temperature change- hot water can cause further damage. 
The right approach: Gradually warm the extremity by soaking it in lukewarm water. 

• Myth: To reduce a fever, sponge rubbing alcohol on the skin. 
Reality: Alcohol can be absorbed by the skin, which can cause alcohol poisoning, especially in young children. 
The right approach: Lower a fever by taking ibuprofen. If a high fever continues for several days, see a physician or go to a hospital emergency room for treatment.  

• Myth: Allergic reactions to bee stings can be treated at home. 
Reality: Delaying professional treatment to a respiratory allergic reaction to a bee sting could be fatal. 
The right approach: For symptoms such as breathing problems, tight throat or swollen tongue, call an ambulance immediately.

• Myth: If you get a cut or scrape, apply first-aid ointment, cover it with a bandage, and leave it untended to heal for a few days. 
Reality: Exposure to fresh air is the quickest way to allow wounds to heal, and thus it is generally best not to apply creams or ointments, since they keep the wound moist. Bandages should also be changed to keep the wound clean. 
The right approach: The first and best thing to do with a wound is wash it with soap and cool water. All dressings should be changed twice a day. At bedtime, the bandage should be replaced with a looser dressing so air can circulate around the wound. Upon waking, a slightly tighter bandage should be applied, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. Bandages should be changed even if it means pulling off a part of a scab that's forming, experts say. Also, try to keep the wounded area dry.

The Mayo clinic tells us for a broken bone or fractured bone, where bone has torn through the skin, this requires emergency medical attention---call for help to come to you. Also call for emergency help if:

• The person is unresponsive, isn't breathing or isn't moving. Begin CPR if there's no breathing or heartbeat.
• There is heavy bleeding.
• Even gentle pressure or movement causes pain.
• The limb or joint appears deformed.
• The bone has pierced the skin.
• The extremity of the injured arm or leg, such as a toe or finger, is numb or bluish at the tip.
• You suspect a bone is broken in the neck, head or back.
• Don't move the person except if necessary to avoid further injury. Take these actions immediately while waiting for medical help:
• Stop any bleeding. Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, a clean cloth or a clean piece of clothing.
• Immobilize the injured area. Don't try to realign the bone or push a bone that's sticking out back in. If you've been trained in how to splint and professional help isn't readily available, apply a splint to the area above and below the fracture sites. Padding the splints can help reduce discomfort.
• Apply ice packs to limit swelling and help relieve pain. Don't apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap the ice in a towel, piece of cloth or some other material.

According to the Mayo Clinic, shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, blood loss, an allergic reaction, severe infection, poisoning, severe burns or other causes. A person in shock is not getting enough blood or oxygen to their organs. This can lead to permanent organ damage or even death if left untreated. Signs and symptoms of shock vary depending on circumstances and may include:

• Cool, clammy skin
• Pale or ashen skin
• Rapid pulse
• Rapid breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Enlarged pupils
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness or fainting
• Changes in mental status or behavior, such as anxiousness or agitation 

Seek emergency medical care if you suspect a person is in shock. Then immediately take the following steps:

• Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly, unless you think this may cause pain or further injury.
• Keep the person still and don't move him or her unless necessary.
• Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of life, such as breathing, coughing or movement.
• Loosen tight clothing and, if needed, cover the person with a blanket to prevent chilling.
• Don't let the person eat or drink anything.
• If the person vomits or begins bleeding from the mouth, turn him or her onto a side to prevent choking, unless you suspect a spinal injury. 

Now that I have reviewed this basic information, I feel more prepared. I know what I can do and what I should not do. First Aide is HUGE topic. A web search shows there are varieties of online first aide courses. My recommendation would be to contact the Red Cross because first aide is their primary mission.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/search/search-results?q=first%20aide%20basic

http://www.redcross.org/email/safetynet/v1n9/firstaid.asp

http://www.firstaidforfree.com/

Coconut for Cake and Good Health

My childhood memories of coconut are all about baking. My brother’s favorite cake for his birthday was called German Chocolate Cake. Originally, the German’s Chocolate Cake was made of 3 layers of buttermilk cake flavored with melted German's chocolate, and sandwiched with a rich coconut-pecan filling. Typically my mother frosted the cake top with coconut -pecan filling sides with chocolate icing

The Joyofbaking.com website tells us the cake was named after German's Sweet Chocolate, which is a dark baking chocolate created by the Walter Baker & Company. Samuel German an employee developed the chocolate in 1852. The origin of German Chocolate Cake is hard to pinpoint---all we do know is it’s all American. “Richard Sax in Classic Home Desserts says this cake was being made in the 1920's and eventually became popular nationwide after a recipe appeared in a 1957 food column of a Dallas newspaper.”

The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Because the hairy nut seems to have eyes and resembles the head and face of a monkey, early Spanish explorers called it coco, or "monkey face". Coconut contains a nutritious white meat, juice, milk, and oil that has been staple food for populations around the world for generations. A third of the world's people depend on coconut for food.

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and is classified as a "functional food" since it provides many health benefits. Coconut oil has healing properties and is used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Coconut oil is considered curative for all illness by Pacific Islanders. The indigenous people call the coconut palm "The Tree of Life."

For thousands of years coconut has been valued and used in local folk medicine. Traditional medicine around the world has used coconut to treat a wide variety of health problems including abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds. Medical science research is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions.

Medical journals report that various forms of coconut, demonstrate a wide range of health benefits:

Kills viruses

Kills bacteria

Kills fungi and yeasts

Expels or kills tapeworms and other parasites

Provides quick energy and endurance

Enhancing physical and athletic performance

Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients

Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose

Relieves stress on pancreas

Helps protect against osteoporosis.

Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.

Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, stomach ulcers.

Reduces inflammation.

Supports tissue healing and repair.

Supports and aids immune system function

Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.

Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.

Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.

Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Functions as a protective antioxidant.

Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.

Dissolves kidney stones.

Supports thyroid function.

Promotes loss of excess weight

Applied Topically:

Form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.

Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.

Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.

Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.

Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion

Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Helps control dandruff

Pure virgin coconut oil does not need hydrogenation---the process of adding hydrogen to make a liquid fat hard. It is 92% saturated fat. Unlike animal fats, tropical oils -- palm, palm kernel, and coconut oils -- are saturated fats that are called oils.  Depending on room temperature they can be solid, semi-solid, or liquid.

Like all fats, coconut oil is a blend of fatty acids. Coconut oil contains an unusual blend of short and medium chain fatty acids, primarily lauric (44%) and myristic (16.8%) acids. It is this unusual composition of short and medium chain fatty acids that offers some health benefits.

Dr. Mehmet Oz tells us "It has been shown that lauric acid [in coconut] increases the good HDL cholesterol in the blood to help improve cholesterol ratio levels.  Coconut oil lowers cholesterol by promoting its conversion to pregnenolone, a molecule that is a precursor to many of the hormones our bodies need. Coconut can help restore normal thyroid function. When the thyroid does not function optimally, it can contribute to higher levels of bad cholesterol.”

Linoleic acid makes up the polyunsaturated fat content of coconut oil. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, which the body is unable to make. Essential fatty acids must come from food in order for the body to function properly. Linoleic acid is an omega 6 fatty acid and is important for healthy brain function, skin and hair growth and bone health.

Andrew Weil, M.D., recommends we eat a balance between omega-3 (oily fish or take fish oil supplements, walnuts, flax seeds, and omega-3 fortified eggs) and omega-6. Both are polyunsaturated fatty acids but differ in their chemical structure. We need essential fatty acids for: Energy Production, Diffusion of oxygen into the bloodstream, Hemoglobin production, Vital for the transportation and metabolism of triglycerides and cholesterol, Brain and nerve tissue development, Control cell membrane fluids, etc.

We live in a market driven consume society. We must never forget that the advertising we see on television is there to sell us products, or ideas. Advertising is the corporate tool to create sales it does not educate. Often corporations lobby for laws to protect their profits at the individual’s expense.

Do you remember in the 1980’s when we were told coconut oil was unhealthy? Did you ever wonder why all of a sudden you should not eat coconut oil? The American Soybean Association (ASA) launched a series of attacks that became known as the "Tropical Grease Campaign." They coined a new term, "tropical oils," and used the phrase as a negative label.

We can thank heath advocates such as Dr. Oz and Dr. Weil for reintroducing us to the many benefits of coconut and other healthy oils. If we follow Dr. Andrew Weil’s advice for a balance between omega-3 and omega-6, this is a perfect recipe:

The FOODNETWORK--Canada’s

Caribbean Coconut Crusted Salmon

INGREDIENTS

1 ¼ cup of shredded, unsweetened coconut

4 6 oz salmon filets, skin removed

Salt and pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Put coconut into a freezer bag. Drop in the salmon filets one at a time and toss to coat. Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes.

3. Serve with Caribbean Salsa.

If you’re looking for a good German Chocolate Cake coconut-pecan filling recipe, this looks like my mom’s recipe. Here’s the link:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/german-chocolate-cake-frosting-ii/detail.aspx

Read more at http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/caribbean-coconut-crusted-salmon/6823/#XOwRpXzCqLo8rtSy.99

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400149/balancing-omega-3-and-omega-6.html 

http://www.doctoroz.com/article/surprising-health-benefits-coconut-oil

http://www.livestrong.com/article/363811-the-fatty-acid-composition-of-coconut-oil/

August 2003 issue of Consumers' Research, vol. 86 no. 8.

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/

http://www.webmd.com/diet/coconut-oil-and-health

http://www.joyofbaking.com/GermanChocolate.html#ixzz3hhxMj8K0

French Maritime Pine Bark: Pycnogenol

It is summer “cold” season. A fever in the winter is bearable but a fever in the summer heat it is hideous. My favorite herb for colds and flu is pine bark.

The active ingredient in French Maritime Pine Bark is pycnogenol. Pycnogenol is any group of flavinoids (chemical molecules) extracted from pine bark. Pycnogenol® has become the registered trademark of supplements made from French maritime pine trees.

A French explorer discovered the benefits of French maritime pine bark extract in the 1500′s. The largest maritime pine trees forest is located in southwestern France near the Bordeaux region. This forest plantation dates back to the times of Napoleon III. The maritime pine tree can be found throughout parts of Spain, Italy, Morocco and Portugal. In the 1950′s Jacques Masquelier began to seriously research beneficial properties of pine bark.

French maritime pine bark (pinus pinaster) comes from trees that grow in the Landes Forest of southwestern France. It should not be confused with White Pine Bark (pinus strobes). White pine is also known as: Eastern White Pine, Northern White Pine, Pumpkin Pine, Soft Pine, Deal Pine, Weymouth Pine, Pin du Lord, and Pinus Alba. The White Pine is an evergreen conifer native to eastern North America and has been cultivated throughout Europe. Medicinal White Pine Bark comes from the inner bark of the White Pine tree, or from young shoots and twigs. The bark is dried, and then used in powdered form, tea, syrups, as a poultice, and in capsules.

I have never used White Pine as an herbal medicine. I am however a true believer in French Maritime Pine Bark, Pycnogenol. It helped me with a terrible case of bronchitis and a sinus infection. 

The makers of Pycnogenol®, French maritime pine bark (pinus pinaster), follow good agricultural practice (GAP) and good manufacturing practice (GMP). This means there is absolutely no application of pesticides to pine trees or use of toxic solvents during the manufacture.

French maritime pine bark (pinus pinaster), Pycnogenol has been researched extensively. It is used for treating circulation problems, allergies, asthma, ringing in the ears, high blood pressure, muscle soreness, pain, osteoarthritis, diabetes, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a disease of the female reproductive system called endometriosis, menopausal symptoms, painful menstrual periods, erectile dysfunction (ED), and an eye disease called retinopathy.

Pycnogenol is used to slow the aging process, maintain healthy skin, improve athletic endurance, and improve male fertility. It is also used for preventing disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including stroke, heart disease, and varicose veins. Anti-aging” products contain pycnogenol.

Two capsules are taken 2 hours before the flight and then again 6 hours later. Also, taking pycnogenol 100 mg before a flight, 6 hours after the flight, and the following day appears to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in the veins during long flights, and once the next day reduces swelling and ankle swelling.

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center website tells us Pycnogenol is derived from the bark of the French maritime pine tree. Studies have displayed effectiveness in treating many inflammatory conditions, skin disorders, and poor blood circulation. Pycnogenol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective in treating erectile dysfunction when used in combination with L-arginine. Recent animal studies show pycnogenol exhibits protective effects against cardiac toxicity caused by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, however human data is needed.

The Memorial Sloan Kettering website reports the primary constituents of pine bark extracts are procyanidins and phenolic acids. Pine bark extract acts as an antioxidant by increases the activities of antioxidant enzymes and by increasing the intracellular glutathione levels. It inhibits production the proteins that cause inflammation and atherosclerosis.

An in vitro (in the test tube) study suggests that Pycnogenol induces apoptosis in human breast cancer cells causing them to die. Other in vitro studies show it reduces neuronal apoptosis (neuron death), an important factor of Alzheimer’s disease.

There are no known interactions with foods.

Scientific research has studied the following dosages by mouth:

For allergies: 50 mg twice daily.

For asthma in children: 1 mg per pound of body weight given in two divided doses.

For poor circulation: 45-360 mg daily, or 50-100 mg three times daily.

For diseases of the retina, including those related to diabetes: 50 mg three times daily.

For mild high blood pressure: 200 mg of pycnogenol daily.

For improving exercise capacity in athletes: 200 mg daily.

Special precautions & warnings:

Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center tells us pycnogenol is effective for treating allergies, however for some people pyncogenol is actually an allergen. Some rare and possibly fatal allergies can develop. Signs of an allergic reaction to including wheezing or shortness of breath, rash, chest pain, and swelling of body parts including the face, hands or feet.

If pregnant or breast-feeding pycnogenol should be used cautiously or avoided as there is not enough available research. It may be safe for children when taken by mouth, short-term. If you have an autoimmune disease it’s best to avoid using pycnogenol. High doses of pycnogenol might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding conditions. High doses of pycnogenol might decrease blood sugar too much in people who are taking diabetes medication. Stop using pycnogenol at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery as it might increase the chance of bleeding during and after surgery.

Because pycnogenol increases the immune system it might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants).

Avoid taking pycnogenol with aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, ticlopidine (Ticlid), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

Avoid taking pycnogenol with herbs and supplements that can lower blood sugar such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

Avoid using pycnogenol with herbs that slow blood clotting such as angelica, clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, and others.

http://www.pycnogenol.com/

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1019.html

www.quantumhealth.com/news/pycnogenol_about.htm

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/_/search/Search.aspx?By=0&SearchBy=0&q=pycnogenol

https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/pine-bark-extract