Gardening is a popular hobby, but insect bites and stings are often a problem. From biting flies to bees and extended exposure to the sun, there are risks to be aware of. It’s a good idea to memorize these first aid tips in case something happens while your mom and dad are gardening.
Treating a Sunburn
Hopefully, your parents apply enough sunscreen before they head outside. If they do get a sunburn, aloe gel helps ease the pain. Loose clothing will feel better. Apply a cool washcloth to ease the pain. If the sunburn blisters, call the family doctor for additional suggestions.
Treating Bee Stings and Insect Bites
When bees are busy pollinating flowers in a garden, there’s the possibility your mom or dad may accidentally step on one or come too close and get stung. If that happens, remove the stinger if possible.
Once the stinger is removed, make a paste from baking soda and water and apply it over the sting. That helps neutralize the bee venom. After that, apply an ice pack to help with swelling. If your mom or dad has never been stung before, watch for signs of an allergic reaction and get medical help if needed.
You can also do the same with wasp and hornet stings, and ant bites. If your mom or dad is bit by a deer fly, horse fly, or another biting fly, clean the bite and apply a topical antibiotic ointment.
Treating Heat Exhaustion
Too much time in the sun or hotter temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion. If your parents are too hot, take their temperature. If it’s dangerously high (104 or higher), seek medical attention. Otherwise, get your parents to take a cool shower, dress in light, loose clothing, and sit in front of the AC or a fan. A glass of water should be handy for them to sip.
Treating Cuts and Scrapes
Cuts and scrapes are other common injuries while gardening. Your mom or dad may accidentally get cut by berry vines. Fencing may scratch them. They could fall and scrape a knee or elbow.
Cleaning the cut with soap and water, applying an antibacterial ointment, and covering the cut with a bandage is important. If the cut is deep, stitches and a professional debriding of the wound are considerations.
Is someone around when your parents are outside? A medic alert pendant helps your parents call for help if something happens. Having a caregiver with your parents during the hours they’re outside is better.
Senior care services are easily arranged and make sure your mom and dad have a caregiver to help them carry in produce, remind them to apply sunscreen, and limit their time in the heat. Make a call and arrange senior care today.
If you or an aging loved one needs Senior Care in Davis, CA, remember Senior Home Care Services. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
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