Do you have an active family? Are your kids involved in soccer or little league? What sports are high on your priority list � running, golf, tennis?

American Sports Data, Inc. estimates:
- 50.6 million people over the age of 6 exercise frequently, participating in single activities (running, cycling, treadmill)
- 39.9 million participate in recreational sports (basketball, tennis, softball)
- 15.3 million people are active outdoors (hiking, mountain biking, skiing)
- 3.2 million players are registered with the U.S. Youth Soccer Association

If you pound the pavement, swing the club, or bat the ball, there is always the chance for injury. Is your family prepared with a sports first aid kit that meets your needs? Many commercially packaged first aid kits contain basic supplies. Sure, they might offer limited help for simple emergencies. But is your first aid kit prepared to handle your child�s rugby injuries or treat a sprained ankle on the soccer field? How about your knee pain after a marathon?

The answer is to create your own customized kit that fits your family�s sports first aid needs. Chances are you already have many of the necessary supplies on hand sport bike jackets. Here�s how you get started.

1. Evaluate your needs by the type of sports your family participates in. Is there the likelihood of bumps, cuts, and bruising that might occur in contact team sports? Or are overuse injuries more prevalent such as runner�s knee, golfer�s tendonitis, or tennis elbow?

2. Decide what supplies best fit the type of injuries you have described, such as bandages and ointment for cuts; ice pack for pain and swelling; sunscreen for sun burn.

3. Find a roomy, insulated tote to carry your supplies. Why an insulated carrier rather than one of those little, plastic boxes that most first aid kits come in? Because you need to carry at least one, preferably two frozen, reusable ice packs in your sports first aid kit. Most kits only contain an instant, one-time-use, chemical ice pack. This is usually not sufficient to numb pain or reduce swelling. The best and most effective treatment for many injuries is to immediately apply a frozen ice pack for several 15 to 20 minute sessions. This will help lessen pain, reduce swelling and treat bruising. And an insulated tote will keep your ice packs cold for several hours.

Here is a list of suggested supplies to include in your family�s sports first aid kit:

Information: First aid guide or manual

General: Matches, Scissors, Travel Toilet Paper, Anti-diarrheal, Antiseptic wipes, Tweezers, Needle (for splinters), Thermometer, Safety pins, Flashlight, Disposable gloves, Mouthpiece (in case of using CPR), Blanket, Plastic Zip-lock bags (to keep supplies dry), Tissues

Emergencies: Cell phone, Whistle, Personal alarm, Pepper spray, Emergency phone numbers, Maps (with directions to nearest first aid)

Pain and Swelling: Cold pack, Ibuprofen

For cuts, scrapes, blisters: Bandages of different sizes, Antibiotic cream or hydrocortisone cream, Mole skin dressing kit, Sterile gauze, Adhesive tape, Antiseptic solution, Non-stick gauze pads

Sun protection/heat exhaustion: Misting water bottle, Cold pack, Sunscreen, Lip balm, Aloe Vera lotion

Fractures, strains, sprains, pulled muscles: Neoprene joint braces, Compression bandage/ice wrap, Cold pack, Two triangle shaped pieces of cloth for a sling or tourniquet

Dehydration: Filled water bottle, Sports drink

Allergic Reactions: Calamine lotion, Epinephrine (for bee stings), Antihistamine, Recommended medications

Insect Bites: Epinephrine (for bee stings), Insect repellent, Cold pack (reduces swelling of bug bites)

Assemble your supplies and customize your family sports first aid kit for each event or outing.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in the event of a serious injury.

About the Author: Louise Roach is a health and fitness editor, marketing specialist, and product development consultant. She helps others find pain relief through the use of SnowPack Cold Therapy products. Learn more about the benefits of cold therapy at http://www.snowpackusa.com/ Sign up for *free* health/fitness e-newsletter at: http://home.netcom.com/~newsflash/

How can sports possibly be be romantic? It's simple. Just ask any man who has cheered on his favorite team, while cuddling with his wife, and he'll tell you.

Many women I know profess to hate all sports. Why? If it's something your husband really enjoys, wouldn't you rather learn about it, and share the common bond of sports than to have him watch it alone or always leave to watch it with his buddies? Me? I'd rather be a sports wife than a sports widow.

Before you start to panic, let me sneak in a disclaimer. No, you don't have to put on a parka and sit through an icy-cold Green Bay Packers game in November to show your husband your love. You can certainly sit warm and cozy on your living room couch together, to show him that he is special to you.

Does the thought of being cooped up indoors watching a game bore you to tears? If so, take him on a trip to see his favorite professional team or player sport bike jackets. Or, for a more relaxed date, go to a local Middle School or High School game. You'll love the energy. It's hard not to get hooked watching those kids put their hearts and souls into their games.

You're still not convinced? Why not show your romantic side with your sports-loving husband in a fun, active way. No matter what his favorite sport is, you can easily find a way to participate.

Football Fans: Toss the football with him in the yard. If you've never played football before or just got your nails done, use a Nerf ball. When he lets you tackle him, you can sneak in a kiss.

Basketball Fans: Shoot hoops in the driveway. Play a game of "HORSE". The winner gets a back rub or snuggling afterwards. That way you both win!

Baseball Fans: Play catch with a water balloon on a hot summer day. Go to the batting cage. Or join a softball league together. It's great exercise, and you get to enjoy time together.

Hockey Fans: Dust off your rollerblades, grab a hockey stick and a street puck and hit the street with your husband. What do you have to lose other than a few inches off your thighs?

Fantasy Sports Fans: Join his Fantasy Football, Baseball or Basketball League. It's a great way to get to know his friends and also be one of the 'cool' wives. You might even surprise him and win a few games.

Golf Fans: Play golf together. Or, if your finances are tight, try a game of mini-golf!

NASCAR fans: Visit the local arcade. Find two racing games that are connected so you can race each other.

Tour de France fans: This one is easy. Pack a lunch and a few jugs of water on your bikes and hit the road.

No matter what you plan, it'll be a treat for him. And, the next time you're watching an episode of Desperate Housewives, don't be surprised if you find your husband sitting next to you.

About the Author: RomanceYourHusband.com (link to http://www.romanceyourhusband.com ) is a website dedicated to helping married couples stay friends and to help them remember why they married each other in the first place. Our disclaimer is: If he's a jerk, this won't work. But, if he's sweet, rub his feet.