Diseases Brought by the cold seasons-Part III-Frostbite and Frostnips

Give your child proper body coverings when exposed to colds

Frostbite may look like an ordinary heat burn but it is actually some body tissues frozen and in severe cases "dead" caused by below zero temperature.Most often frostbite affect the toes, fingers, earlobes, chin and the tip of the nose.

Frostbite can be prevented by layering your clothes rather than wearing bulky clothing. Thin layers of clothing gives more warmth as thin layers of clothing create air spaces that trap body temperature close to the skin and act as insulation for the body against cold. It is also good to have your child wear 2 or 3 pairs of thin socks than the bulky one.

Lessen your alcohol intake and don't smoke. Alcohol causes the body to lose heat quickly smoking slows down blood circulation. to the extremities.

Stay indoors as much as possible when it is very cold and windy.When your child have to go out, shield his face and other parts that can be exposed to cold and the wind.

When your child have been exposed to cold temperature, check for the following:

1. Skin that swells and feels hard and solid
2. Loss of function and absence of pain when pinched hard
3.Skin color changing from white to red to purple
4.presence of blisters
5. Slurred speech and
6. confusion

When all of these are present  the following self care tips may help.

1.If the your child does not respond, do the CPR
2. Get him out of the cold and into a warmer place
3.Remove wet clothing and tight clothing
4.Warm the affected area by soaking it a tub of warm water and antiseptic. Water temperature should be between 101 and 104 Fahrenheit.
5.Don't rub it with snow or soak it in cold water
6.Stop the soaking when the are becomes red(soaking should be 45 minutes and when done too fast, thawing may be painful and blister may appear.
7.If warm water is not available,put the frozen part in warm blanket or in warm body parts such as under the armpit and abdomen
 8. Keep the affected area elevated but properly protected
9.Never rub or massage frostbitten areas
10.Don't break blister.

If the symptoms persist, call for help and seek medical assistance.

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Protect your kids from cold weather

Now that the cold season is officially with us, it's time to take out those jackets to protect us from this cold season. Our kids are more prone to catch the cold virus and here are some few things you can do to give them protection.

Have them drink lots of citrus fruit juices. Vitamin C is the primary protection against colds virus so let your kids have ample supply of this potent vitamin. Prepare your kids lots of juices from citrus fruits. Have them eat them raw and lace their favorite foods with them. Don't forget to give them vitamin C supplements to increased their immune system.

Get them to wear jackets and other protective clothing against damp cold wether. Let your kids be protected against the damp cold weather by wearing proper clothing. Have them wear jackets during the late afternoon when air is too damp. This is the best time for viruses to go active. Don't let your kids let out chilling.If possible keep them indoor during this time of the day.

Give them the colds shot. The best protection is of course your kids' old shot. Take them to the clinic have them have the shot. Although it is not hundred percent protection, it is still better to be protected than not.

Tell your kids to wash hands frequently. The fastest way to spread virus is through hand contact. Washing the hands often eliminate the chance of the cold virus to spread. It also gives protection to your kids catching  the virus.

Take a time to know how to take care kids with colds. Make your self equipped with the nursing care for colds. Read or find out from your health care service providers things to do when your kids is down with colds and flu. Know the sings and symptoms when it is time to see a doctor.

The cold weather is here with us. It reminds us that the holiday season is soon to come.To enjoy it , let your kids be free from any diseases brought by the cold seasons.

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