PopSugar

Surprise Mom with Personalized M&Ms

YumSugar — Thu, 10 May 2007 11:27:29 -0700

M&M's aren't exactly what come to mind when you think of a nice unique, Mother's Day gift. But what if, instead of being stamped with an "m" it was stamped with a personalized message instead? This year the M&M's folks are touting their personalized messages as "the perfect gift to bring a fun and heartfelt connection to mom" and it looks like a few folks are biting, including Blair "I've done a bunch of other things, but you probably remember me as Dr. Leeds from Sex and the City" Underwood. This year Blair will be presenting his mom with personalized messages that say "I Love U XO Blair" and "Thank U Mom." Personally, I think it's a pretty cute and I think moms (and just about anyone) will love the idea. Just don't think this means you don't have to get her something else too.

The custom printed M&Ms come in 17 colors (you choose 2), and you can have 2 messages (one on each color) consisting of 2 lines with 8 characters per line. Prices start at $11.99 per 7oz bag, but you have to order at least 4 bags. There are other gift options to choose from as well. And if you don't think mom will love them, how about using them as a wedding favor?

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Spinal injury

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:46:41 -0700

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Your spinal cord contains the nerves that carry messages between your brain and body. The cord passes through your neck and back. A spinal cord injury is very serious because it can cause paralysis below the site of the injury.

Alternative Names

Neck injury

Considerations

When someone has a spinal injury, additional movement may cause further damage to the nerves in the cord and can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

If you think someone could possibly have a spinal injury, DO NOT move the injured person even a little bit, unless it is absolutely necessary (like getting someone out of a burning car).

If you are in doubt about whether a person has a spinal injury, assume that he or she DOES have one.

Causes

Bullet or stab wound
Direct trauma to the face, neck, head, or back (e.g., car accidents)
Diving accident
Electric shock
Extreme twisting of the trunk
Sports injury (landing on head)
Major blow to the head or chest, car accident, fall from a great height

Symptoms

Head held in unusual position
Numbness or tingling that radiates down an arm or leg
Weakness
Difficulty walking
Paralysis of arms or legs
No bladder or bowel control
Shock (pale, clammy skin; bluish lips and fingernails; acting dazed or semi-conscious)
Unconscious
Stiff neck, headache, or neck pain

First Aid

The main goal is to keep the person immobile and safe until medical help arrives.

You or someone else should call 911.
Hold the person's head and neck in the position in which they were found. DO NOT attempt to reposition the neck. Do not allow the neck to bend or twist.

IF THE PERSON IS UNRESPONSIVE

Check the person's breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
DO NOT tilt the head back when attempting to open the airway. Instead, place your fingers on the jaw on each side of the head. Lift the jaw forward.

IF YOU NEED TO ROLL THE PERSON

Do not roll the person over unless the person is vomiting or choking on blood, or you need to check for breathing.

Two people are needed.
One person should be stationed at the head, the other at the person's side.
Keep the person's head, neck, and back in line with each other while you roll him or her onto one side.

Do Not

DO NOT bend, twist, or lift the person's head or body.
DO NOT attempt to move the person before medical help arrives unless it is absolutely necessary.
DO NOT remove a helmet if a spinal injury is suspected.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

Call you local emergency number (such as 911) if there has been any injury that affects the neck or spinal cord. Keep the person absolutely immobile. Unless there is urgent danger, keep the person in the position where he or she was found.

Prevention

Wear seat belts.
Avoid drinking alcohol and driving.
Avoid diving into pools, lakes, rivers and surf, particularly if you cannot determine the depth of the water, or if the water is not clear.
Avoid motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles.
Avoid "spearing" (tackling or diving into a person with your head).

References

Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

Townsend, Jr., CM, ed. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier; 2004:498-502,1952.

DeLee JC, Drez, Jr., D, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2003:798,837.

Review Date: 7/25/2007

Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000029

Two person roll - series

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:44:55 -0700

Back

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Procedure, part 1

To roll an injured person two people are needed. One person is stationed at the head and the other at the victim's side. The person on the side places one hand on the victim's shoulder and the other on the victim's thigh area. The person at the victim's head stabilizes the head and neck so that the head and neck does not bend, move, or twist in any direction.

Procedure, part 2

With the coordinated movement of the rescue team the victim is carefully rolled on his side while the head and neck are supported and kept in alignment. Paying proper attention to the care of an injured victim can help prevent additional spinal cord injury.

Review Date: 7/25/2007

Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 3_100210

Carrying angle of the elbow - excessive

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:54:33 -0700

Overview

Alternative Names
Information

Illustrations

Skeleton

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Alternative Names

Elbow carrying angle - excessive; Excessive carrying angle of the elbow; Cubitus valgus

Information

With the arms extended at the sides and the palms facing forward, the forearm and hands are normally slightly away from the body. This is the normal "carrying angle" of the elbow, which is 5 to 15 degrees. This angle permits the forearms to clear the hips in swinging movements during walking, and is important when carrying objects.

After certain fractures of the elbow, the carrying angle of the healed arm may be stick out too much from the body. This is called an excessive carrying angle. Or, the angle may be decreased so that the arm points toward the body, creating what is called a "gunstock deformity."

Because the carrying angle may vary widely from person to person, it is important to compare one elbow with the other when determining a problem with the angle.

Review Date: 7/25/2007

Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_002316

Spondylolisthesis

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:55:27 -0700

Overview

Definition
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Spondylolisthesis is a condition in which a bone (vertebra) in the lower part of the spine slips forward and onto a bone below it.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

In children, spondylolisthesis usually occurs between the fifth bone in the lower back (lumbar vertebra) and the first bone in the sacrum area. It is often due to a birth defect in that area of the spine.

In adults, the most common cause is degenerative disease (such as arthritis). The slip usually occurs between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae.

Other causes of spondylolisthesis include stress fractures (commonly seen in gymnasts) and traumatic fractures. Spondylolisthesis may occasionally be associated with bone diseases.

Spondylolisthesis may vary from mild to severe. It can produce increased lordosis (swayback), but in later stages may result in kyphosis (roundback) as the upper spine falls off the lower spine.

Symptoms may include lower back pain and pain in the thighs and buttocks, stiffness, muscle tightness, and tenderness in the slipped area. Neurological damage (leg weakness or changes in sensation) may result from pressure on nerve roots and may cause pain radiating down the legs.

Symptoms

Lordosis
Lower back pain
Localized tenderness over the spine just above the pelvis
Pain in thighs
Pain in buttocks
Tight hamstrings
Stiffness in back

Signs and tests

X-ray of the spine (demonstrates misalignment of lumbar vertebra, and possible fracture)
A straight leg raise may be uncomfortable or painful

NOTE: A person with spondylolisthesis may have no symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the severity of the spondylolisthesis. Most patients require only strengthening and stretching exercises combined with activity modification (avoiding hyperextension of the back and contact sports). Some practitioners also use a rigid brace.

For cases with severe pain not responding to therapy, if the slip is severe, or there are neurologic changes, the slipping vertebra might be surgically fused. This surgery has a higher incidence of nerve injury than most other spinal fusion surgeries. A brace or body cast may be used after surgery.

Expectations (prognosis)

Conservative therapy for mild spondylolisthesis is successful in about 80% of cases. When necessary, surgery produces satisfactory results in 85 - 90% of people with severe, painful spondylolisthesis.

Complications

Nerve compression
Temporary or permanent damage of spinal nerve roots, which may cause sensation changes, weakness, or paralysis of the legs
Chronic back pain

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your child's back appears to curve excessively, if the child complains of back pain or stiffness, or pain in the thighs and buttocks.

Prevention

People with marked lordosis should avoid back hyperextension (leaning way back), weight lifting, and contact sports. Lower back pain, although common in preadolescent and adolescent children, should be evaluated -- especially in the presence of marked lordosis.

Review Date: 9/26/2006

Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_001260

Compartment syndrome

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:55:15 -0700

Overview

Definition
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention

Illustrations

Wrist anatomy

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Compartment syndrome involves the compression of nerves and blood vessels within an enclosed space. This leads to impaired blood flow and muscle and nerve damage.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Thick layers of tissue called fascia separate groups of muscles in the arms and legs from each other. Inside each layer of fascia is a confined space, called a compartment, that includes the muscle tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. (They are surrounded by the fascia much like wires surrounded by insulation.)

Unlike a balloon, fascia do not expand, so any swelling in a compartment will lead to increasing pressure in that compartment, which will compress the muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. If this pressure is high enough, blood flow to the compartment will be blocked, which can lead to permanent injury to the muscle and nerves. If the pressure lasts long enough, the limb may die and need to be amputated.

Swelling leading to compartment syndrome is associated with high-energy trauma, such as from a car accident or crush injury, or surgery. Compartment syndrome may also occur due to tight bandages or casts; with significant swelling, pressure will build up and can cause compartment syndrome. Chronic compartment syndrome can be caused by repetitive activities like running that increase the pressure in a compartment only during that activity.

Compartment syndrome is most common in the lower leg and forearm, although it can also occur in the hand, foot, thigh and upper arm.

Symptoms

The hallmark symptom of compartment syndrome is severe pain that does not respond to elevation or pain medication. In more advanced cases, there may be decreased sensation, weakness, and paleness of the skin.

Signs and tests

Typically, severe pain will occur when a muscle running through a compartment is passively moved. For example, when the doctor moves the toes up and down, a patient with compartment syndrome in the foot or lower leg will experience severe pain. The skin overlying the compartment will be tensely swollen and shiny. There will also be pain when the compartment is squeezed.

The test that will absolutely diagnose this condition involves directly measuring the pressure in the compartment by inserting a needle attached to a pressure meter into the compartment. When the compartment pressure is greater than 45 mmHg or when the pressure is within 30 mmHg of the diastolic blood pressure (the lower number of the blood pressure), then the diagnosis is made. When chronic compartment syndrome is suspected, this test must be performed immediately after the activity that causes pain.

Treatment

Treatment for both acute and chronic compartment syndrome is usually surgery. Long incisions are made in the fascia to release the pressure building inside. The wounds are generally left open (covered with a sterile dressing) and closed during a second surgery, usually 48-72 hours later. Skin grafts may be required to close the wound.

If a cast or bandage is causing the problem, the dressing should be loosened or cut down to relieve the pressure.

Expectations (prognosis)

If the diagnosis of compartment syndrome is made promptly and surgical release performed, the outlook is excellent for recovery of the muscles and nerves inside the compartment. However, the overall prognosis will be determined by the injury leading to the syndrome.

If there is a delay in diagnosis, there can be permanent nerve injury and loss of muscle function. This is more common when injured person is unconscious or heavily sedated and incapable of complaining. Permanent nerve injury can occur after 12-24 hours of compression.

Complications

Complications include permanent injury to nerves and muscles that can dramatically impair function. (See Volkmann's ischemia.)

In more severe cases, limbs may need to be amputated because all the muscles in the compartment have died from lack of oxygen.

Calling your health care provider

If you have suffered an injury and have severe swelling and/or pain that does not improve with pain medications, contact your health care provider to be evaluated for compartment syndrome.

Prevention

While there is probably no way to prevent compartment syndrome, being very aware of this condition and early diagnosis and treatment will help to prevent many of the complications. People placed in casts need to be made aware of the risk of swelling and need to see their health care provider or go to the emergency room if they have increasing pain under the cast despite elevation and pain medicine.

Review Date: 9/26/2006

Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_001224

Radial nerve dysfunction

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:51:59 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Prevention

Illustrations

Radial nerve dysfunction

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Radial nerve dysfunction is a problem with the movement or sensation of the back of the arm (triceps), the forearm, or the hand.

Alternative Names

Neuropathy - radial nerve ; Radial nerve palsy

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Radial nerve dysfunction is a form of peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when there is damage to the radial nerve, which travels down the arm and supplies movement to the triceps muscle at the back of the upper arm. It also provides extension to the wrist and helps in movement and sensation of the wrist and hand.

Dysfunction of a single nerve group (such as the radial nerve) is classed as mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy implies a local cause of the nerve damage, although systemic disorders may occasionally cause isolated nerve damage (such as that which occurs with mononeuritis multiplex).

The usual causes are direct trauma, prolonged pressure on the nerve, or compression of the nerve caused by swelling or injury of nearby body structures. Entrapment involves pressure on the nerve where it passes through a narrow structure.

The radial nerve may be injured at the axilla (underarm) by direct pressure, such as "crutch palsy," caused by improper use of crutches, or pressure caused by hanging the arm over the back of a chair.

A more common cause of radial nerve dysfunction is trauma that occurs in the upper arm, such as a fracture of the humerus (upper arm bone) or pressure to the upper arm from arm positions during sleep or coma.

"Saturday-night palsy" is a term for an injury that occurs to the radial nerve during deep sleep, such as that which may occur when a person is intoxicated. Prolonged or repeated constriction of the wrist (caused by wearing a tight watch strap, for example) may also cause an injury to terminal portions of the radial nerve.

In some cases, no detectable cause can be identified. These mechanical factors may be complicated by ischemia (lack of oxygen from decreased blood flow) in the area.

Symptoms

Symptoms can affect the following:

The hand or forearm (dorsal surface, the "back" of the hand)
The "thumb side" (radial surface) of the dorsal hand
The fingers nearest the thumb (2nd and 3rd)

The following symptoms may occur:

Numbness, decreased sensation, tingling, or burning sensation
Pain
Abnormal sensations
Difficulty extending the arm at the elbow
Difficulty extending the wrist

Signs and tests

A neuromuscular examination of the arm, hand, and wrist may identify radial nerve dysfunction. There may be weakness of the wrist and finger extension muscles with decreased ability to extend the arm at the elbow, a minor decreased ability to rotate the arm outward (supination), or difficulty lifting the wrist or fingers (extensor muscle weakness).

Wrist drop or finger drop may be present, or there may be atrophy (muscle loss) of some of the muscles of the forearm. A detailed patient history may be needed to determine the possible cause of the neuropathy. Rarely, radial nerve dysfunction may be difficult to differentiate from a stroke in the brain.

Tests that reveal nerve dysfunction may include:

EMG (a recording of electrical activity in muscles)
Nerve conduction tests
Nerve biopsy

Head, neck, and shoulder MRIs can help rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.

Treatment

The treatment is aimed at maximizing the ability to use the hand and arm. The cause should be identified and treated as appropriate. In most cases, no treatment is required and recovery is spontaneous.

If there is no history of trauma to the area, conservative treatment is indicated by a sudden onset, minimal sensation changes, lack of difficulty in movement, and no test results indicating degeneration of the nerve axon.

Surgical removal of lesions that press on the nerve may be of benefit.

CONTROL OF SYMPTOMS:

Over-the-counter analgesics or prescription pain medications may be needed to control pain (neuralgia). Various other medications, including phenytoin, carbamazepine, or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, may reduce stabbing pains. Steroids (prednisone) may be used to try to minimize swelling.

Whenever possible, use of medications should be avoided or minimized to reduce the risk of medication side effects.

Physical therapy exercises may be appropriate for some people to maintain muscle strength. Orthopedic assistance may maximize the ability to use the hand in severe cases. This may include the use of braces, splints, or other appliances.

Vocational counseling, occupational therapy, occupational changes, job retraining, or similar interventions may be recommended as appropriate.

Expectations (prognosis)

If the cause of the nerve dysfunction can be identified and successfully treated, there is a possibility of full recovery. The extent of disability varies from none to partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Nerve pain may be quite uncomfortable and may persist for a prolonged period of time. If this occurs, see a pain specialist to ensure you have access to all options for pain treatment.

Complications

Partial or complete loss of wrist or hand movement
Partial or complete loss of sensation in the hand
Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the hand
Mild to severe deformity of the hand

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if symptoms of radial nerve dysfunction develop.

Prevention

The prevention varies depending on the cause. Avoid prolonged pressure on the upper arm.

Review Date: 9/25/2006

Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000790

How to make a splint

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:46:50 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Causes
Symptoms
First Aid
Do Not
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if
Prevention

Illustrations

Fracture types (1)

Hand splint - series

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

A splint is a device used for holding a part of the body stable and motionless to prevent pain and further injury.

Alternative Names

Splint - instructions

Considerations

The purpose of a splint is to protect a wounded body part from further damage until you get medical help. It is important to check for good circulation after the injured body part has been immobilized.

Commercial splints are often used to immobilize a body part in the treatment of various disorders.

Causes

Splints can be used for many different injuries. Any time there is a broken bone, stabilizing the area is important.

Symptoms

See the information about fractures and dislocation.

First Aid

1. Care for all wounds first before applying a splint.

2. An injured body part should usually be splinted in the position in which it was found.

3. Find something rigid to use as supports to make the splint such as sticks, boards, or even rolled up newspapers. If none can be found, use a rolled blanket or clothing. An injured body part can also be taped to an uninjured body part in order to prevent it from moving. For example, you can tape an injured finger to the finger next to it to keep it immobile.

4. Extend the splint beyond the injured area in order to keep it from moving. In general, try to include the joint above and below the injury in the splint.

5. Secure the splint with ties (belts, cloth strips, neckties, etc.), or tape above and below the injury (make sure the knots are not pressing on the injury). Avoid over-tightening which can cut off the circulation.

6. Check the area of the injured body part frequently for swelling, paleness, or numbness. If necessary, loosen the splint.

7. Seek professional medical attention.

Do Not

DO NOT make any attempts to change the position of, or realign an injured body part.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

If an injury occurs while out hiking, camping, etc., call for emergency medical assistance as soon as possible. In the meantime, administer first aid for the victim.

Any injury that involves bone protruding through the skin, a loss of sensation, or a loss of pulse beyond the injury requires immediate emergency medical assistance. If any of these situations occur, medical assistance is not available, and the injured part looks to be abnormally bent, gently replacing the injured part back into its normal position may improve the circulation.

Prevention

Safety is the best way to avoid broken bones caused by falling. Some diseases make bones break easier, so extreme caution should be used when assisting a person with fragile bones.

Avoid activities that strain the muscles or bones for long periods of time as these can cause fatigue and falls. Always use proper protective gear, such as proper footwear, pads, braces, and helmets.

Review Date: 7/25/2007

Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000040

Amputation - traumatic

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:46:28 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Considerations
Causes
Symptoms
First Aid
Do Not
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if
Prevention

Illustrations

Amputation repair

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Traumatic amputation is the loss of a body part -- usually a finger, toe, arm, or leg-- that occurs as the result of an accident or trauma.

Alternative Names

Loss of a body part

Considerations

If an accident or trauma results in complete amputation (the body part is totally severed), the part sometimes can be reattached, especially when proper care is taken of the severed part and stump.

In a partial amputation, some soft-tissue connection remains. Depending on the severity of the injury, the partially severed extremity may or may not be able to be reattached.

There are various complications associated with amputation of a body part. The most important of these are bleeding, shock, and infection. (See wounds for more information.)

The long-term outcome for amputees has improved due to better understanding of the management of traumatic amputation, early emergency and critical care management, new surgical techniques, early rehabilitation, and new prosthetic designs. New limb replantation techniques have been moderately successful, but incomplete nerve regeneration remains a major limiting factor.

Often, the traumatic amputee will have a better outcome from having a well-fitting, functional prosthesis than a nonfunctional replanted limb.

Causes

Traumatic amputations usually result directly from factory, farm, or power tool accidents or from motor vehicle accidents. Natural disasters, war, and terrorist attacks can also cause traumatic amputations.

Symptoms

A body part that has been completely or partially cut off
Bleeding (may be minimal or severe, depending on the location and nature of the injury)
Pain (the degree of pain is not always related to the severity of the injury or the amount of bleeding)
Crushed body tissue (badly mangled, but still partially attached by muscle, bone, tendon or skin)

First Aid

Check the victim's airway (open if necessary); check breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing, CPR or bleeding control.
Try to calm and reassure the victim as much as possible. Amputation is painful and extremely frightening.
Control bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound, by elevating the injured area, and, if necessary, by using pressure point bleeding control. If the bleeding continues, recheck the source of the bleeding and reapply direct pressure, with help from someone who is not fatigued. If the victim is suffering from life-threatening bleeding, a constriction bandage or tourniquet will be easier to use than compression of pressure points.
Save any severed body parts and ensure that they stay with the patient. Remove contaminating material if possible, and gently rinse the body part if the cut end is contaminated with dirt. Wrap the severed part in a clean, damp cloth, place it in a sealed plastic bag and immerse the bag in cold water (ice water if available). Do not directly immerse the part in water and don't put the severed part directly on ice. Do not use dry ice as this will cause frostbite and injury to the part. If cold water is not available, keep the part away from heat as much as possible. Save it for the emergency personnel, or take it to the hospital. Cooling the severed part will keep it viable for about 18 hours. Without cooling, it will only remain viable for about 4 to 6 hours.
Take steps to prevent shock. Lay the victim flat, raise the feet about 12 inches and cover the victim with a coat or blanket. DO NOT place the victim in this position if a head, neck, back or leg injury is suspected or if it makes the victim uncomfortable.
Once the bleeding at the site of the amputation is under control, examine the person for other signs of injury that require emergency treatment. Treat fractures, additional cuts and other injuries appropriately.
Stay with the victim until medical help is obtained.

Do Not

DO NOT forget that saving the victim's life is more important than saving a body part.
DO NOT overlook other, less obvious, injuries.
DO NOT attempt to push any part back into place.
DO NOT decide that a body part is too small to save.
DO NOT place a tourniquet, unless the bleeding is life threatening, as the entire limb may be placed in jeopardy.
DO NOT raise false hopes of reattachment.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if

If a victim severs a limb, finger, toe, or other body part, you should call immediately for emergency medical assistance.

Prevention

Use safety equipment when using factory, farm, or power tools. Wear seat belts when driving a motor vehicle. Always use good judgment and observe appropriate safety precautions.

Review Date: 9/26/2006

Reviewed By: Andrew L. Chen, M.D., M.S., Orthopedist, The Alpine Clinic, Littleton, NH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 1_000006

Introducing the One and Only

YumSugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 07:03:51 -0700

A little while ago, I was browsing the candy aisle at Circuit City - I know, weird place to look for candy, but I was there waiting for someone else to make a purchase - when I came across a candy I had never seen before. Called 1&Only, it was a monstrous offering of Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peanut Butter Cups, Oreos, M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and more chocolate. It sounded a bit awful, so naturally I had to buy one.

So how was it? To find out and see close-up pictures, read more.

Well for starters, there are two individual stacks inside. One is a piece of chocolate, stacked with a peanut butter cup, stacked with a chocolate chip cookie and then dotted with some M&Ms. The other is chocolate, stacked with a peanut butter cup, an Oreo, and the sprinkled with white chocolate chips. And based on the description, it should have been delicious. Yet somehow it was just not. It was more gluttonous than anything else. One big sugar bomb, no individual flavors. The calories (240 for both pieces) were comparable to several other candy bars, but personally I'd rather eat a regular Reese's Peanut Butter Cup than this one.

However, if you want to give it a try, here are some retailers that stock the products. Or, you could buy your own, and sandwich them together yourself. Check out what they look like by clicking on the photos below.

View 13 Photos ›