Objectives
Students will:
- identify situations which might result in bones, bumps & bruises
- recognize symptoms of bones, bumps & bruises of varying levels of severity
- identify appropriate responses to these symptoms based on the severity of the symptoms*
- identify basic strategies for dealing with minor symptoms of bones, bumps & bruises*
Teacher Notes
Be sure that students understand clearly in this lesson and all other lessons in this section, that the information taught in this class is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice. f students have questions about personal health issues, they should call their healthcare provider. The intent of LifeFacts: Managing Illness &Injury is to provide students with underlying background information so that they will be able to make healthy choices and informed decisions about their healthcare needs.
Each type of injury discussed in this lesson may have a variety of accompanying symptoms which should prompt different types of responses. All broken bones or severe strains or sprains should be seen by a doctor.
Shortness of breath may occur if a person exercises strenuously or receives a blow to the chest area. This type of breathing problem should subside with rest. However internal injuries may occur shortness of breath persists, emergency help is called for (possible collapsed lung) Be sure learners with more significant challenges know how to get help in the event of emergencies. Practice individually to be sure ALL students know how to access help in various settings
LifeFacts To Be Taught
Bones, Bumps and Bruises
Broken bones, being hit by something, falling or twisting a leg or ankle when exercising - all of these kinds of injuries may cause pain or discomfort and swelling of the affected part of the body.
Signs and Symptoms of Injury
- Swelling
- pain
- difficulty moving the injured part of the body even 3-5 minutes after the injury happens
- area looks "deformed" (not normal)
- bruised (black and blue colors appear on the skin)
Self-care
- put ice on the area
- elevate (raise) the affected area
- rest
- stop any bleeding
- take non-aspirin for pain and swelling
- if asked to by your doctor, wrap your injury (if it is a strain or sprain) not too tightly, using an elastic bandage to decrease the swelling and provide extra support while it heals.
When to get medical help
- if you have any questions or concerns about the injury.
- if the injury does not feel better within a day.
- if a bone is protruding (sticking out) through the skin, call 911 or an ambulance immediately.
- if the person is unable to move, they may have an injured back or neck and should not be moved (except by health care professionals).
- If this happens, call 911 or an ambulance immediately.
- if the injured limb is cold, blue, or numb {no feeling)
- if the injured body part is bent or misshapen (doesn't look normal) if you can't move the injured body part or put weight on it
- if the bones make a grating or grinding sound if the joints make á popping sound
- if pain increases or Persists after 4 days
- if you still can’t bear weight after 24 hours
Prevention
Stay away from unsteady heights (unsteady ladders, standing on chairs, etc.) when driving or exercising, be very cautious and observant of other’s actions that might cause injury – “watch out for the other guy” do warm-up or stretching exercises before exercising.
Shortness of Breath
Sometimes, when a person is exercising very hard (strenuously) or is hit in the chest area, they may feel breathless (have trouble breathing). This is not usually serious and the person should feel better (be able to breathe easily) after sitting quietly for a few minutes. However, if the shortness of breath doesn’t get better then the person should get medical help right away
Signs and symptoms of injury-related breathing problems
- wheezing
- Pain
- shortness of breath
- Short rapid breathing due to fear of pain with large breaths
Self-care for injury-related breathing problems
- rest in a sitting position
LifeFacts Teaching Steps
Present the “LifeFacts” above using the following activities:
Step 1:
Reuse Teaching Picture 22 to discuss common situations which might result in broken bones, bumps and bruises. See Teaching Questions on the back of the Teaching Picture. Ask students to identify other situations where such injuries might occur. Write their ideas on the board.
Step 2:
Use Teaching Picture 27 to discuss broken bones, bumps, bruises and pulled muscles. Teaching questions on the back of the Teaching Picture will help to explore basic first-aid strategies for dealing with minor symptoms. Be sure students understand when they should get help and who they could call.
Step 3:
Use Worksheet 12 to explore various types of bone, bump or bruise symptoms with varying levels of severity and practice making choices about getting help or taking care of oneself.
Step 4:
Use Worksheet 13 to reinforce learning about the prevention of minor bone, bump, or bruise symptoms.