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Wilderness First Aid Q&A

Beware these beautiful flowers that can kill

flower-200x148Few of us are familiar with the seemingly innocent but mischievously potent poisonous flowers readily found nationwide. Ingestion of such plants is one of the top 10 causes of poisoning worldwide.

Are tarantulas dangerous?

tarantula-200x148Have you ever wondered what gives tarantuals their bad rep and why the site of one of these gargantuan spiders makes our skin crawl? You may be surprised to find out that the answer is not so obvious!

How to treat scorpion stings

scorpion-200x148Although the scorpion's venom is usually relatively harmless to humans, there are species of scorpions that can be lethal. Here's what to do if you get stung.

How to sled safely

sled-200x148What can you do to minimize your risk of getting hurt while still enjoying sledding on the new snowfall?

Preventing and treating rattlesnake bites

snake-200x148Most snake bites occur in the summer months when both snakes and humans are most active outdoors, with the greatest number of venomous bites occurring in southern and western states with warmer climates. Here's how to prevent and treat a snake bite.

How to prevent and treat skier’s thumb

skier-200x148Skier’s thumb is an injury to the ligament that runs between the two bones on the interior side of your thumb and holds the bones of the thumb together. The injury can occur when you fall on your outstretched hands while holding a ski pole, causing the thumb to either bend backwards or too far out to the side.

Why the wrist is at risk in winter sports

wrist-200x148Before the snow melts, get in all the snowboarding, ice-skating, skiing, snowball fights and sledding you can. Make sure to take precautions, though, so you don’t have to cut your fun short by having an unexpected slip on some ice!

Taking the chill out of chilblains

chilblain-200x148Chilblains, known more commonly as pernio, is a rare and painful response of our blood vessels to cold, specifically, in above freezing temperatures.

How wind chill makes you colder

windchill-200x148What is really going on when a strong gust of wind picks up out of nowhere and makes it feel like the the temperature dropped 10 degrees – even though the reading on the thermometer has not changed?

Are poinsettias poisonous?

poinsettia-200x148There is a lot to get anxious about at Christmas time, but Poinsettia toxicity should not be at the top of your “naughty” list.

What are no-see-ums?

Biting midges can be a nuisance to campers, fishermen, hunters, hikers, gardeners, and others who spend time outdoors. Here's how to treat their bites.

Using a mouthguard to protect your teeth

While helmets, goggles and kneepads protect your head and body, it's also important to protect your teeth. A mouthguard is an easy, reliable way to safeguard your teeth during sports and play.

How to treat Tinea Versicolor rash?

Q: I get a blotchy rash on my chest and back in the summer that my doctor told me is something called “Tinea Versicolor.” What causes that and how can I treat it?