Most teenagers, at some point in time, have heard the clichéd words that acne is just part of growing up. How they hate those words from their parents or physicians because they feel the ones saying it have no idea what they’re going through. The truth is that it is highly likely that a parent or other adult knows exactly what the teenager is going through because they have been there themselves, not too long ago.

In order to exercise patience with our kids who have matured from messy toddlers to teenagers with hormonal havoc, we need to remind ourselves that they have a short term view of life. Everything is for now and, at the most, for tomorrow. They haven’t seen life to plan ahead or are not able to look past a particular obstacle.

Outward Appearances

Teenagers also focus greatly on outward appearances. Regardless of how messy their room is at home, they want to look great when going to school. Acne is something they can not hide and hence despair when they hear consolation from parents with clear skin.

They feel succumbed to peer pressure when cheeky thirteen year olds make jokes or pass sarcastic comments like ‘pimple face’ and the like. They are at a vulnerable age where they get impressed with celebrities and wonder why teenage stars do not have acne problems if they are the same age. Little do they understand is that what they see on glossy magazine covers or in the movies is a result of hours of professional grooming, styling – and air brushing too!

They feel helpless as the over-the-counter acne medication doesn’t provide dramatic overnight miraculous results. They want everything done yesterday and can not wait for a few days or weeks to pass to see results. Instead, they try to expedite the process by self-medicating or picking at pimples, only making matters worse.

Acne comes unannounced and despite myths that greasy food or sugary drinks can aggravate it, it can attack any unsuspecting sixteen year old, even on the night before her prom. The perfect dress that she spent weeks looking for seems a waste when she sees the sudden outbreak of acne on her face. Unfortunately, layers of make-up may just worsen the case instead of improving it.

What we need to teach by example to our young and impressionable children, is how we understand this may be hard for them, but that we should all focus on inner beauty- in ourselves and in others. Acne may go after a few years, but a disease or a disability may affect your –or your loved ones – outward appearance later on in life, and if you appreciated what’s on the inside, you will never even notice the difference! This especially goes for acne.

What we normally would consider to be; first-aid, is the initial help we receive when we are, obviously unhealthy. What we are doing here is trying to show that Health First Aid starts long before you ever get hurt or are thinking you need first aid. If we take any mistake that happens we can see the result of the problem on our physical health and we then tend to that symptoms; a cut, small scratch, or even something broken. The actual cause of the mishap when investigated will ultimately turn up the reason for the occurrence This reason is part of what we cover here at Health First Aid.

Diets, overeating, and mishaps of all types are seen everyday and you may have experienced this yourself, when feeling tired or generally not of good spirits you can quite often find yourself involved in an upheaval or a mishap. The reason for the depression or upsets have a way of placing our attention somewhere else rather than on the task we are performing at that moment which can in turn place our health at risk. This lack of attention is the real cause of most if not all mishaps. Thus we need plenty of health first aid.

First Aid Can Save Lives

Administering first aid to a victim who is injured or ill can be the first step to saving that person’s life. It is important for everyone to have some basic first aid knowledge, since you never know when you might need to use it. The initial minutes after an injury or accident are often the most crucial. Since it can take some time for emergency services to reach a victim, those on the scene first can begin treatment while waiting for the professionals to arrive. Whether there is a need for CPR, shock treatment or immobilization of a potentially broken limb, the help that you can offer in the minutes directly following an accident can have a huge impact on a victim’s recovery.

First Aid Means Being Prepared

It is wise to always be prepared. First aid courses can train you to handle many emergencies that you could possible encounter. A first aid manual can be an invaluable resource when you are faced with a stressful situation and need some additional guidance. And first aid kits kept in your home and car can provide the tools and medications necessary for treating many injuries and illnesses on the spot. It doesn’t take that much time and money to prepare yourself for the bad situations that can arise, and once you have done your homework you can rest in the assurance that you will be able to handle any emergency that might come your way.

A first aid kit can be purchased as a complete set, or you can assemble one yourself with a waterproof box and a few essentials. A selection of bandages, antibiotic ointments and antiseptic towelettes can be used for most cuts and abrasions. Pain relievers, hot/cold compresses and roller bandages can be used for injuries to joints and muscle pain.

Thermometers, tweezers and first aid scissors are handy tools for a multitude of purposes. And for those weak stomachs, antidiarrheals, antacids and motion sickness medications are a must. Latex gloves, towels and ice packs are also good items to keep in stock, as are first aid remedies for outdoor ailments such as insect stings and sunburn. Keep a first aid kit wherever your family tends to spend a significant amount of time: at home, in the car and with your camping supplies. You can even purchase the most compact first aid kit to keep with your bicycle or in your briefcase.

While you may never need to use the first aid training you receive or the first aid supplies that you pack, the knowledge that you are prepared should an emergency arise can give you tremendous piece of mind – and might even help you save a life.