Alternative Names Lips – chapped and dry Information Here are some recommendations for preventing chapped lips: Avoid going out in dry, cold weather without putting on lip balm or lipstick. Try to keep the air in your home humid. Use a sunscreen on your lips when outside in sunny weather.
Definition Drug addiction (dependence) is compulsively using a substance, despite its negative and sometimes dangerous effects. Drug abuse is using a drug excessively, or for purposes for which it was not medically intended. A physical dependence on a substance (needing the drug to function) is not always part of the
Definition A heart attack is a medical emergency. The average person waits 3 hours before seeking help for symptoms of a heart attack. Many heart attack victims die before they reach a hospital. The sooner someone gets to the emergency room, the better the chance of survival. Prompt medical treatment
Definition Choking is when someone can’t breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe). Alternative Names Heimlich maneuver – adult or child over 1 year Considerations A choking person’s airway may be completely or partially blocked. A complete blockage is an urgent medical
Definition Choking is when an infant can’t breathe because food, a toy, or other object is blocking the airway (throat or windpipe). Considerations A choking infant’s airway may be completely or partially blocked. A complete blockage is an urgent medical emergency. A partial obstruction can quickly become life threatening if
Definition The Heimlich maneuver is an emergency technique for preventing suffocation when a person’s airway (windpipe) becomes blocked by a piece of food or other object. It can be used safely on both adults and children, but most experts do not recommend it for infants less than 1 year old.
Definition This condition involves losing blood. This can occur internally (when blood leaks from blood vessels inside the body), externally through a natural opening (such as the vagina , mouth, or rectum), or externally through a break in the skin. Alternative Names Blood loss; Open injury bleeding Considerations Direct pressure
Definition A cut is an injury that results in a break or opening in the skin. A laceration is a jagged, irregular cut. A puncture is a wound made by a pointed object (like a nail, knife, or sharp tooth). Alternative Names Wound – cut or puncture; Open wound; Laceration
Definition Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow. This can damage multiple organs. Shock requires IMMEDIATE medical treatment and can get worse very rapidly. Considerations Major classes of shock include: Cardiogenic shock (associated with heart problems) Hypovolemic shock (caused by inadequate
Definition Hypothermia is dangerously low body temperature, below 95°F (35°C). Alternative Names Low body temperature; Cold exposure Considerations People most likely to experience hypothermia include: Very old or very young Chronically ill, especially with heart or circulation problems Malnourished Overly tired Under the influence of alcohol or drugs Causes Hypothermia