CURAD Serves as Official First-Aid Sponsor Of the American Heart Association Heart Walks

CURAD Brings Hospital-Quality Advances in First-Aid Supplies at the 2015 Heart Walks

Mundelein, Ill., Oct. 1, 2015 – This year, CURAD^® will serve at the American Heart Association (AHA) 2015 Heart Walks as the official first-aid sponsor, providing a wide range of first-aid supplies for people who may experience blisters, stress injuries, bumps and bruises along the walking path.

Walkers who stop by the CURAD first-aid tent will receive a free first-aid kit complete with Truly Ouchless™ Silicone Adhesive bandages, extreme-hold Performance Series™ bandages, a cold pack and a coupon. AHA will have emergency medical technicians on hand to administer care.

CURAD was proud to serve the over 7,000 people who attended the Chicago Walk, and now the 5,000 who will participate in the Lake County Walk, providing not only first-aid essentials, but education around safety and the importance of hospital-quality products for home use.

“Blisters are a common foot ailment encountered by distance walkers and runners - and they can turn a walk for a great cause like heart disease into a painful experience,” says Martie Moore, Chief Nursing Officer, CURAD.  “Blisters can be avoided by proper foot training, having the correct footwear and socks, and by early detection of possible problems. To help protect your feet, know the causes of blisters, and how to prevent and treat them.”

Causes of blisters:

• Heat is the number one reason for getting blisters. It is mostly caused by the friction between your skin and the inner of your shoe or boot.
• Sand and gravel in your boot can also increase friction, resulting in a blister.
• Moist or wet feet from sweat or water are more susceptible to blisters, since moisture softens your skin.
• When a small portion of your foot or ankle rubs against a part of your shoe, your foot first responds by getting red and hot. This is called a Hot Spot. While not a blister, these are the body's first sign of discomfort. If a hot spot is left untreated, the result is a painful blister, which is either filled with clear mucus (the body's own coolant fluid) or blood (blood blisters).

Preventing a blister:

• To prevent blisters on your feet, wear shoes that fit well. Wear your athletic shoes around your house to test them out before you go on long walks or runs. If one part rubs, use a cushioned tape to discourage a blister from forming, or find athletic socks with extra padding.
• It also helps to use moisture-wicking socks. Try the various socks, shoes and insoles that are designed specifically to help reduce blistering.

Early treatment of a blister:

• It’s best to leave the blister alone, as the unbroken skin over that fluid-filled bump provides a natural bacteria impediment that guards against infection. Most blisters pop on their own, so bursting them too soon can cause problems.
• Always wash your hands before touching a blister. Then, use an adhesive bandage to cover a small blister or use a porous bandage if the blister is larger.

About CURAD

Since being acquired by Medline in 2007, the CURAD brand has been re-energized – introducing many innovative solutions for a broad range of health concerns. With new Truly Ouchless™ adhesive technology, rugged Performance Series™ bandages and tapes, and advanced options like hydrocolloid and antibacterial bandages, CURAD remains at the forefront of creating hospital-quality products for home use. Learn more at www.curad.com.