4 First Aid Myths BUSTED (volume #1)
I remember my grandma telling me that every time I swallowed a piece of gum, it would stay in my stomach for 7 years. At 12 years old, I found this very alarming, as I quickly did a count to guess approximately how many pieces of juicy fruit I had sitting in the bottom of my stomach.
While it’s true that your stomach acid can't easily break down the synthetic resin in chewing gum, there is nothing stopping gum from moving right along through you and 'exiting' your body just like everything else you eat. Gum in your stomach for 7 years - MYTH! - fewf right?
Let's take a look at some First Aid myths ...
Butter up those Burns!
(but.. er.. actually don't..)
Not only will this solution make you smell like a crispy croissant, but the oils in butter will coat the skin which in turn acts to keep heat in. Burns need to let off heat in order for them to heal. Butter may actually promote an infection by entrapping local bacteria and contaminates close to damaged skin tissue.
So remember- Butter is best for basting and tasting!
When it comes to treating burns, the most important initial step is to cool the burn with water in order to promote heat loss from the area. If skin it too fragile to permit running the area under water, consider soaking the burn in a tub of cool water; do this for at least 10-20 minutes. Cooling a burn with water has proven to be beneficial up to 3 hours after the injury occurred.
Don't Sleep with a Concussion!
(Count your sheep and go to sleep!)
The best initial treatment for concussions is uninterrupted periods of rest. There is no need to continually wake someone up following a concussion.The majority of concussions will resolve in a 7-10 day period, however recovery may take longer in children and adolescents. Chiropractors, RMTs, and physiotherapists trained in concussion management are great resources to help you come up with a recovery plan that works for you and your specific concussion symptoms.
Want to learn more about Concussions?
Check out West Valley Chiropractic's Concussion Care page
Tilt your head back to stop a nosebleed
(Bloody 'ell)
Tilting the head backwards will actually promote blood drainage into the back of the throat. Not only does the taste suck, but this has the potential to cause airway impairment. Instead lean forward which will allow the blood to drain down your nose instead of down the back of your throat. Sit down and firmly pinch the soft part of the nose above the nostrils. If the bleeding lasts for more than half an hour, consider seeking medical attention.
Black eye? Slab on some Raw Steak...
(Say no to eye rib eye)
The biggest concern with raw meat around your eye is – you guessed it – bacteria! This old wives tale comes from the belief that the meat could draw out water build-up, which in turn could reduce swelling. Fact is, it’s the cold temperature that works to reduce inflammation, therefore an ice pack should be your go to. However, days following the injury, it is ideal to apply a warm compresses to help promote circulation to the area to promote healing.
Conclusion:
Use butter to baste the steak that is not on your face and then tilt your head back to go to sleep because you have a concussion.
Make sense?
We hope you'll stay tuned to CETS Blog for future First Aid Myths!
- Chelsea & Alex
Check out CETS upcoming First Aid + CPR courses online. Our First Aid Classes are open to the public at our Home Base Classroom in Cochrane. We are also able to provide mobile courses to complete First Aid training on-site.
References:
https://www.verywellhealth.com
https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/13-health-myths-old-wives-7464115
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page14339.aspx
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu