Make an Ice Pack
Cold therapy eases the pain and swelling of injuries. Ice packs come in many sizes and styles depending on type and location of injury. But why spend extra money to keep a variety on hand? You can make a custom-fit ice pack with common household items that rivals any store bought counterpart.
Instructions
1. Use rice to create a mild ice pack. Insert 1 1/2 cups of rice into a sandwich sized, plastic zip seal bag. (Any type of rice will do.) Freeze the rice for two hours. The result is a simple ice pack that feels quite cool, yet not ice cold, to the skin. This is an excellent form of cold therapy for patients who find ice pack temperatures too uncomfortable to withstand. To make a larger version, use 4 cups of rice and a gallon-sized plastic bag.
2. Make a flexible gel ice pack by pouring a small bottle of dishwashing liquid into a gallon-sized plastic, re-sealable bag. Place that bag inside a second bag to guard against leaks. Double zip and then check both seals, and place in the freezer for at least two hours. The dishwashing liquid will not solidify, but form an icy gel. You can wrap this type of ice pack around knees or elbows and secure it into place when wrapped with a cotton bandage. This is a cost-effective method. Use the dishwashing liquid (and wash and re-use the bag) once you no longer need an ice pack.
3. Grab the nearest bag of frozen fruit or vegetables for an impromptu homemade ice pack. Any type will work, but look for food with smaller pieces. For example, a bag of peas works better than a bag of broccoli. The smaller pieces make the bag more flexible and form a closer bond to the skin. When the contents of the bag become 'mushy,' simply re-freeze. Store in the freezer until you need another ice pack (or a good side dish).
4. Create a firm, custom-molded reusable ice pack by drenching a new disposable diaper with plain water. Fold and double bag the wet diaper, and then freeze it overnight. When it emerges, the ice pack will be stiff. Knead it well, and the gel granules inside the diaper will loosen enough to mold into a custom fit. If you don't know a baby, you can find single disposable diapers in vending machines.
5. Construct a liquid ice pack using a 1:2 mixture of rubbing alcohol and tap water. Double-bag in plastic zip seal bags designed for freezer storage. The alcohol helps maintain the cold temperature and keeps the concoction from freezing solid. Clearly label the packet as a non-edible ice pack. Rubbing alcohol is toxic when ingested.
Tags: dishwashing liquid, cups rice, gallon-sized plastic, Make Pack, plastic seal, smaller pieces