The call of the wild is something that many of us simply can't resist. Nature beckons and we must answer. The call may sound sweet, but nature often conceals not only great mysteries but also many dangers. First-aid training should be the first priority on your packing list.  Next, you need the right supplies. Having the right gear could set your mind at ease while you go for an idyllic hike through the woods. Not having it may well lead to a YouTube cautionary tale written in your posthumous honor. We've taken most of the guesswork out of choosing an IFAK (Individual First-Aid Kit), but ..read more

Haven't we all struggled with the age-old question: should I go see a doctor? In this article, we'll talk about when your illness has probably progressed from the sniffles to something more serious.  When should you go to the doctor's office? If you're feeling concerned about anything related to your health or the health of your loved one, then it's perfectly acceptable to go to the doctor. In other words, there isn't really a "wrong" time to go see a physician. However, there are some specific criteria you should look out for that can indicate your illness is more serious than usual.&nb ..read more

A blackout, also known as a power outage, can occur during any time of year, but they are especially common during the winter months when wind and weather become more severe. Today we answer the question: How should you prepare for a power outage?  To prepare for a power outage, you need to keep in mind the essentials, and then build up from there. Start with warmth and shelter, then a water supply, a good stock of food, and finally keep in mind personal needs such as medications and communication.  Most power outages don't last long - but some can last weeks or months! Don't get cau ..read more

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA) are tax-free medical savings accounts. You use them to pay for certain qualified medical expenses. They’re regulated by the IRS, and learning what you need to know directly from them may take heroic patience... possibly an emesis basin. We’ve waded through the noise and translated the most important points for you.   The HSA has much more information to go through, so we’ll present it first. Then we’ll look at  FSAs, and finally, we’ll compare the two to see which one is right for you. There is a lot to cover ..read more

Choosing an emergency medical kit for your vehicle is a big deal, but it shouldn’t be intimidating. There is no room in a portable kit for fluff. Every piece of necessary equipment must be present, organized, and easy to find. If you’re searching for the best vehicle medical kit and need some guidance, this article is for you. There are some simple, but critical, questions to answer before shopping for a car kit. In some cases, these questions may determine whether you can save a life or not. In others, your legal future may be at stake. So before going too far take a few minutes to examine y ..read more

Not all hospitals are created equal. Depending on the size, or location, there may be vast differences in the services and care available to a patient. If you come to the hospital for emergency care, you may find yourself in a trauma center.  Have you ever wondered what’s the difference between an emergency room (ER) and a trauma center?  In essence, an emergency room is a portion of a hospital that is open 24 hours, 365 days a year and is dedicated to treating life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Conversely, a trauma center is an entire hospital system that is specifically certif ..read more

Adults have about 5 liters of blood, but how much of that can you lose?  We've all injured ourselves at times (even if it's just a paper cut), but it's important to be able to determine if bleeding is truly severe.  Any kind of loss of blood is serious, and bleeding that won't stop is more serious. Where the blood is from will also make a difference, as a bad bleed from a finger isn't as serious as a bad bleed from the neck. Likewise, spurting blood is more serious than a slow oozing bleed.  Ultimately, if bleeding isn't controlled, people will progress into irreversible shock ..read more

Should I call an ambulance? This is a very common question, and let me just say at the outset, if you or someone you know is worried about a possible emergency, call 911 now!  There is a small group of people who abuse the 911 system, but if you're even asking the question, "Should I call an ambulance?" then you're not one of them. If you have any fear or worry about a possible emergency, don't hesitate to call 911 and ask for an ambulance. In general, most people wait too long to call 911.  In the next sections, let's talk about some of the nuances behind the question: in what emerg ..read more

Are you wondering what the term "vital signs" means? While vital signs are very commonly known among healthcare professionals, the average person might not know their full significance. In this article, we'll discuss the most common vital signs, how to check them, and what they mean.  Vital signs get their name because they measure the "vital" functions of the human body. The most common vital signs include heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature, and mental status. However, depending on the patient, health professionals will check other more relevant vi ..read more

Accidents happen, and among the most common mishaps are burns and scalds. Whether you've touched a hot pan, spilled boiling water, or had a run-in with a curling iron, understanding how to treat burns and scalds promptly and effectively is crucial. In this article, we'll explore the different types of burns, their severity, and the essential steps to administer first aid. Understanding Burns and Scalds A burn is an injury to the skin or other tissues in the body caused usually by heat, chemicals, electrical contact, and overexposure to the sun or other radiation. Scalds occur when hot liquids ..read more