Etalage, San Francisco, Ed van der Elsken, 1960

#Etalage #SanFrancisco #EdvanderElsken #JayneMansfield #HotWaterBottle #VampireNails #ASTLEInstantCoffee #Rabbits #SanFranciscoSocial #EdvanderElskens #fotografie #photography #EdVanDerElsken #EdvanderElsken

http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/collection/RP-F-2019-242-1-48

Swansea burns experts warn: don’t breathe in steam to treat colds or flu

“No proven benefit, but real risk of burns”

Consultant surgeon Jeremy Yarrow said the practice of leaning over bowls of hot water to inhale steam is dangerous and ineffective.

“Although inhaling steam is sometimes thought to be useful as a remedy for common colds and chest infections, evidence of the effectiveness is weak and theories that the steam loosens mucus, opens nasal passages or slows the replication of viruses are just unproven,” he explained.

He added that every winter, the burns centre treats children and adults with injuries from spilled boiling water — often affecting the face, chest, abdomen and legs. Some cases require surgery or skin grafts, and children are particularly vulnerable.

“The injuries I see can often involve burns around the thighs, lower abdomen, and genital areas with children at a much higher risk due to their thinner skin and lack of awareness of the danger,” Mr Yarrow said.

“Unfortunately, these injuries have the potential to be truly life‑changing and can cause lifelong disfigurement and scarring.”

Safer Cold & Flu Remedies

• Drink plenty of fluids
• Use decongestant sprays
• Try vapour rubs or salt water nasal rinses
• Rest and allow your body to recover naturally

Mr Yarrow emphasised that quick action is vital:

“Should the worst happen and a burn injury occur, remembering the 3Cs can make all the difference. Cooling the burn properly and seeking help quickly reduces the potential for long‑term injury or scarring.”

Burns First Aid – The 3Cs

• Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes
• Call for help – dial 999, 111 or contact your GP
• Cover loosely with cling film or a sterile, non‑fluffy dressing

Extra winter warning: hot water bottles

The centre also reminded people to take care with hot water bottles, which continue to cause scald injuries each winter.

Advanced practitioner occupational therapist Janine Evans said:

“We’re not saying not to use hot water bottles, we’re saying that if you must use them, to ensure to use them safely. It’s all about minimising the risk of an accident happening.”

Health experts at Swansea Bay University Health Board say both warnings carry the same message: simple home remedies can carry hidden dangers. Whether it’s bowls of boiling water for steam inhalation or ageing hot water bottles, everyday items can cause devastating burns if used unsafely.

They urge the public to avoid steam inhalation altogether, follow NHS‑recommended remedies for colds and flu, and take extra care with hot water bottles this winter.

#burnsAndPlasticSurgery #BurnsFirstAid #coldRemedy #colds #flu #hotWaterBottle #steamInhalation #SwanseaBayNHS #SwanseaBayUniversityHealthBoard

My extra-long, two-litre #HotWaterBottle is turning out to be the best thing since the best thing ever. It warms all of me, and it warms me all night. After two snug nights, I'm astonished by how big an advance it is over a standard hot water bottle.

#GrowingOld

Great article from Low-Tech Magazine about hot water bottles for heating people, not spaces. I use a hot water bottle for much of the winter and it's much more effective and cozy than trying to use the furnace to heat my ancient and drafty apartment

https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2022/01/the-revenge-of-the-hot-water-bottle

#hotwaterbottle #sustainability #lowtechmeagazine