Diwali: firecracker safety tips for children

The "festival of lights" Diwali is upon us in India. It is also a "festival of firecrackers" and millions of firecrackers are burnt every year throughout the country celebrating the victory of 'good over evil'. Unfortunately this needles cause of noise and air pollution also has another problem............. firecracker injuries
Here are a few tips to reduce the chance of your child having a firecracker injury:

• Did you know that most injuries are caused by 2 types of firecrackers, the rocket and the 'anaar'? Avoid the use of the these 2 crackers
• Never, ever leave children unsupervised when they are playing with crackers.
  Do not light fireworks inside your home.
• Buy good quality licensed fireworks of reputable vendors. Follow the instructions on the label while lighting them.
• Before you start the evening, fill a couple of buckets of water in case the untoward happens.
• Wear cotton clothes only while playing with crackers, keep the silk and satin for the pooja!
• Close-fitting clothes of thick material are a safer bet than loose or flowing garments.
• Do not allow your kids to keep fireworks in their pockets.
• Store crackers away from candles, diyas, fire or heat sources.
• Light one firework at a time.
• Do not relight crackers that haven't burst. Soak the 'dead' crackers in a bucket of water.
• Do not let kids play with used crackers or the previous year's crackers.
• Don't hold the firecrackers while lighting them.
• Instruct your kids to light 'anaar' and 'rockets' from the side without bending over them and quickly moving away before they burst.
• Hold sparklers away from the body.
• Prevent your kids from engaging in dangerous pranks like lighting crackers on their palms, throwing sparklers at each other or making fireworks themselves.
• Burn loud and noisy crackers away from infants and small children.
• Get your kids to invite their friends over and burst fireworks together. Hire a professional to organize a 'group' celebration. Not only can you prettier firecrackers but a safer Diwali too!
  For more on firecracker safety check out Indiainfo and Charak Clinics

Preventing/healing sore nipples

Preventing/healing sore nipples

Make sure your baby is sucking the right way. If the sucking hurts, your baby's mouth may not be positioned correctly.
Let your nipples air dry between feedings. Let the milk dry on your nipples.
Offer your baby the less sore of your two nipples first. Your baby's sucking may be less vigorous after the first few minutes.
Change nursing positions.
If possible, position any cracked or tender part of your breast at the corner of your baby's mouth, so that it gets less pressure during feeding.
Wash your nipples daily with warm water. Don't use soap or lotion that may contain alcohol, which can dry the skin.
Avoid bra pads lined with plastic.
Express milk until your let-down reflex occurs. This will help make your milk more available so your baby sucks less hard.
Breast feed often to prevent engorgement. Engorgement can make it hard for your baby to latch on.

For more information on breastfeeding check charak clinics and family doctor

Heat burns: First Aid

Health Tip: Handling Burns
Would you know what to do if a family member got a thermal burn?
That's the term for a burn caused by contact with open flame, hot liquid, a hot surface, or other source of high heat.
Do you know the 4 C's of burn care (Univ of Missouri)?
Cool the wound, Clean the wound, Cover the wound and Call the doctor

The Shriners Hospitals for Children suggests these steps (HealthDayNews) :

Get the victim away from the heat source as quickly and safely as possible.
Cool the burn with cold water ( not ICE/ icewater).
Cover the area with a sterile pad or clean sheet.
Maintain the person's body temperature and
take the victim to the nearest medical facility.
Do not apply oils, sprays or ointments to a serious burn.

Some other do's and dont's:

For eye burns, seek medical opinion immediately, do NOT put eye drops/ ointments
In case of a small burn, you may apply an antiseptic cream before seeking medical advice
If the burn is larger than the size of the palm (in adults) do seek out a doctor
DO NOT puncture blisters, they are sterile and prevent infection
In case of limb burns, remove constricting things like rings, bangles, belt, boots etc. as it may be difficult to remove them later due to swelling