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Sports First Aid Kit: Are You Prepared?
Author : Louise Roach
Do you have an active family? Are your kids involved in soccer or little league? What sports are high on your priority list running golf tennis?

American Sports Data Inc. estimates:
- 50.6 million people over the age of 6 exercise frequently participating in single activities (running cycling treadmill)
- 39.9 million participate in recreational sports (basketball tennis softball)
- 15.3 million people are active outdoors (hiking mountain biking skiing)
- 3.2 million players are registered with the U.S. Youth Soccer Association

If you pound the pavement swing the club or bat the ball there is always the chance for injury. Is your family prepared with a sports first aid kit that meets your needs? Many commercially packaged first aid kits contain basic supplies. Sure they might offer limited help for simple emergencies. But is your first aid kit prepared to handle your childs rugby injuries or treat a sprained ankle on the soccer field? How about your knee pain after a marathon?

The answer is to create your own customized kit that fits your familys sports first aid needs. Chances are you already have many of the necessary supplies on hand. Heres how you get started.

1. Evaluate your needs by the type of sports your family participates in. Is there the likelihood of bumps cuts and bruising that might occur in contact team sports? Or are overuse injuries more prevalent such as runners knee golfers tendonitis or tennis elbow?

2. Decide what supplies best fit the type of injuries you have described such as bandages and ointment for cuts; ice pack for pain and swelling; sunscreen for sun burn.

3. Find a roomy insulated tote to carry your supplies. Why an insulated carrier rather than one of those little plastic boxes that most first aid kits come in? Because you need to carry at least one preferably two frozen reusable ice packs in your sports first aid kit. Most kits only contain an instant one-time-use chemical ice pack. This is usually not sufficient to numb pain or reduce swelling. The best and most effective treatment for many injuries is to immediately apply a frozen ice pack for several 15 to 20 minute sessions. This will help lessen pain reduce swelling and treat bruising. And an insulated tote will keep your ice packs cold for several hours.

Here is a list of suggested supplies to include in your familys sports first aid kit:

Information: First aid guide or manual

General: Matches Scissors Travel Toilet Paper Anti-diarrheal Antiseptic wipes Tweezers Needle (for splinters) Thermometer Safety pins Flashlight Disposable gloves Mouthpiece (in case of using CPR) Blanket Plastic Zip-lock bags (to keep supplies dry) Tissues

Emergencies: Cell phone Whistle Personal alarm Pepper spray Emergency phone numbers Maps (with directions to nearest first aid)

Pain and Swelling: Cold pack Ibuprofen

For cuts scrapes blisters: Bandages of different sizes Antibiotic cream or hydrocortisone cream Mole skin dressing kit Sterile gauze Adhesive tape Antiseptic solution Non-stick gauze pads

Sun protection/heat exhaustion: Misting water bottle Cold pack Sunscreen Lip balm Aloe Vera lotion

Fractures strains sprains pulled muscles: Neoprene joint braces Compression bandage/ice wrap Cold pack Two triangle shaped pieces of cloth for a sling or tourniquet

Dehydration: Filled water bottle Sports drink

Allergic Reactions: Calamine lotion Epinephrine (for bee stings) Antihistamine Recommended medications

Insect Bites: Epinephrine (for bee stings) Insect repellent Cold pack (reduces swelling of bug bites)

Assemble your supplies and customize your family sports first aid kit for each event or outing.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in the event of a serious injury.

About the Author

About the Author: Louise Roach is a health and fitness editor marketing specialist and product development consultant. She helps others find pain relief through the use of SnowPack Cold Therapy products. Learn more about the benefits of cold therapy at http://www.snowpackusa.com/ Sign up for *free* health/fitness e-newsletter at: http://home.netcom.com/~newsflash/