There are different materials that you can buy to strap and support your elbow. Either trainer’s tape or kinesiology tape or tubular bandages can help limit your range of motion that is causing you discomfort, reduce stress on the injured tissue, and may allow more blood to flow to the injured area.  Trainer’s and kinesiology tape are often best for muscle injuries. The tape expands when you move, making the treatment comfortable and practical if you have an active lifestyle or continue to exercise.  If you have sensitive skin, consider trying quick release medical tape, which combines the strength of trainer’s and kinesiology tapes with less chance of irritating the skin during wear or removal.  Tubular medical bandages are wrapped around the affected area and then affixed with tape or a small fastener. This might also be a good option if you have sensitive skin. Tubular bandages are an especially good option for wrapping joints or even to cover tape.  You can purchase trainer’s and kinesiology tape and bandages at many pharmacies, medical supply stores, and sports stores. Some larger retailers may also carry it. Consider trying to strap your elbow with duct tape, which is as supportive as trainer’s or kinesiology tape.  Some professionals may recommend using black tape, as it can adhere better to sweaty skin. Purchase bandages to wrap, strap, and support your elbow. Bandages will support your elbow and they may also help to reduce any swelling you have.  You can use most types of medical wrap bandages at pharmacies, medical supply stores, and even some sports stores. Make sure to buy a bandage that is long enough to wrap your elbow enough to support and immobilize it. You will need to purchase medical tape or pins to keep the bandage in place. Prepare your arm skin for taping or bandaging by washing and shaving it, if necessary. This can not only help remove dirt and debris, make the tape stick more effectively, but also may prevent any discomfort when you remove the tape or bandage.  Wash away any oils, sweat or dirt that may be on your skin with a gentle cleanser and warm water. This can minimize the risk that the tape or bandage doesn’t adhere properly to your arm.  Any type of mild soap can effectively clean your arm. Make sure to rinse or wipe off all of the soap. If you have chosen not to use an underwrap (see next step) or have a lot of hair on your arm, you may want to shave your arm.  Shave with care to prevent cutting your skin and causing injury. If you prefer not to place the tape or bandage against your skin, place an underwrap between the tape and your skin. If you use an underwrap, be aware that it is not as effective as using tape only.  You do not have to use an underwrap or skin adhesives with tape or bandages.  Spray the skin adhesive and or apply the underwrap to the areas of your arm you plan to wrap.  You can buy underwrap and skin adhesive at most pharmacies, medical supply stores and some sports stores. You may need to cut the tape before you wrap your elbow depending on whether you bought strips or a round of tape. Pre-cutting the tape can help ensure you use the right amount and prevent you from wasting any tape.  Cut pieces of your tape to approximately the length of your forearm. You may also want some smaller pieces.  Rounding the edges of the tape can make it easier to apply.  If your tape has backing, remove it before application.
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One-sentence summary -- Familiarize yourself with strapping options. Buy bandages for your elbow. Get your skin ready for taping or bandaging. Protect your skin before taping or bandaging. Cut the tape for application.


When they come home be sure to take note of their smell. You don’t need to have a breathalyzer to detect the use of drugs or alcohol. You can often smell alcohol, marijuana, or cigarettes long after they have been used.  Just because their clothing smells like cigarettes or marijuana doesn’t mean that they were smoking them. They could have been hanging out with friends that were smoking. If you smell drugs on your teen, you should consider asking them about it. Say something like, “Have you been drinking?” Methamphetamines are commonly used among teens, and this drug may leave a cat urine smell. Excessive cologne or perfume could be an attempt to mask the smell of smoke or alcohol. Nosebleeds, scabs around the mouth and nose, and bloodshot eyes can be a sign of drug use. This is especially true if you see more than one or all of these facial changes. It can be a sign that they are currently high or that they are snorting drugs up their nose. If you notice continuous facial changes, ask your teen if they need help by saying, “I’ve noticed that you have had a lot of nosebleeds lately. Is everything okay? Do you need to see a doctor?” They may not care as much about their physical appearance. Showering less, not brushing their hair, wearing dirty clothes, or just generally looking unkempt may be a sign of drug use or of a mental health problem. This is especially alarming if your teenager hasn’t done this in the past. Some drugs cause you to have a loss of appetite. Over time this could lead to considerable weight loss. On the other hand, other drugs cause you to have an increase in appetite. Over time this could lead to considerable weight gain. Monitor your teen’s eating while they are home and ask them about their meals while they are not home.  Eat family meals together, and ask your teenager what they had for lunch at school. Keep in mind that changes in your teen’s eating habits may also indicate a mental health problem, such as an eating disorder. Do not immediately assume that drugs are to blame for the change. Extreme drug use can cause neurological disorders, which can lead to shaking, tremors, and even seizures. This is often a sign of using cocaine, amphetamines, or other stimulants. Any impairment is your teenager’s coordination could also be a sign of current drug use or long term side effects.  Seizures can occur in drug users even without a prior history of seizures. If this happens in your presence, seek medical help immediately. Be aware that there are many different types of drugs and the side effects of each type of drug can be very different. For example, if your teen is using cocaine, then they will exhibit different side effects than someone who smokes marijuana or uses methamphetamines. Watch for signs of psychosis as well. Psychosis can be a serious side effect of drug use. If your tee is suffering from psychosis, they may experience delusions, hallucinations, confusion or disturbing thoughts, or a lack of self-awareness. If your teen is showing any signs of physical or emotional distress as a result of drug use, especially neurological signs like seizures, shaking, tremors, or memory impairment, then you need to call 911 or get your child to an emergency room immediately. Medical professionals can evaluate and treat you child, and if your child is on drugs, then they can help you to get help for your child.
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One-sentence summary --
Smell their clothes and breath. Take note of any physical changes on their face. Notice changes in their appearance. Monitor their eating habits. Keep an eye out for more serious side effects. Seek emergency medical attention for your child in severe situations.