No active person in his right, non-blunt force-injured mind should be caught on a trip--or at home--without a first aid kit. And at the ready within that kit should be a cold pack.
No, you don't have to keep the first aid kit in the freezer. We're referring to an "instant" cold pack, that through the magic of chemical reaction can go from room temperature to near-freezing in an instant. When you activate the package by breaking an inner seal, water combines with ammonium nitrate. The resulting compound rapidly absorbs heat from its surrounding environment--including the aching lump on your noggin.
Of course it's a good idea to keep on hand, in the freezer, the old-fashioned re-usable kind filled with water or gel. The instant versions are, unfortunately, one-use only.
What to Look for
With instant cold packs, the cold-making, heat-absorbing reaction is set in motion by bending the package in half or striking it--so you'll want to store it and carry it away from any hard objects that might accidentally activate it.
In addition to subduing bumps and bruises, cold packs can provide pain relief from headaches, muscle spasms and minor injuries, by reducing localized inflammation.
With instant cold packs, keep in mind that their "cold time" is only about 15 minutes; so if you like the idea of having instant cold, you'll want to keep a few of them around. Available in bulk packs for less than $1 each, it's quite affordable to stock up on instant cold packs.
Common Pitfalls
Not sure whether to get hot or cold packs? Ideally, get both. For the above-mentioned injuries, application of cold is usually recommended. But many therapy product manufacturers produce packs that can be used for either hot or cold application--put them in the freezer for cold, or put them in the microwave to use as a warm compress.
Aching muscles after a long ride or a taxing martial arts class respond well to heat.
No need to worry about soggy and drippy wraps, either. Many of the cold packs on the market today are designed to be applied directly and comfortably to the skin.
Whether it's a black eye or a bump on the head, whip out the cold as soon as possible--you'll spare yourself considerable pain and you might just avoid having to answer that most annoying question at work the next day: "What happened to you?!?"
Member Comments