It is always useful to have ice packs in the freezer to use in case you or your children suffer a blow. They will also help you if your doctor has told you to apply cold on an injury. Follow these steps to make your own and save on the cost of commercial products.
The key ingredient is alcohol, as it prevents the water from freezing completely. Thus, the liquid in the bags does not harden completely, which makes it easier to wrap them around the injury. Also, unlike frequently used ice cubes, they do not leak. You can reuse them as many times as you want. You should only take them to the freezer when they thaw.Materials
- 2 cups of water.
- 1 cup isopropyl alcohol (the higher the percentage of alcohol, the softer your bags will be).
- Blue food coloring (optional).
- 2 zip lock bags.
Instructions
- Mix the water and alcohol in one of your bags.
- Add the food coloring to give it the blue tint that commercial ice packs have.
- Get as much air out as possible and close the bag.
- Put the first bag inside the second to give it more resistance.
- Put it in the freezer for 12 hours before using it the first time.
When should cold be applied to an injury?
The cold has an analgesic effect that helps relieve the pain of trauma. It also decreases muscle spasm and bleeding, which speeds up the recovery process from an injury. It also closes blood vessels, preventing more blood from reaching the damaged area. This reduces and slows down the inflammatory process.
It should be applied instantly after a concussion occurs. In cases of tendinitis, a cold compress should be applied when the pain appears. For sprains, strains, or fractures, it should be used for the first 72 hours.
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