DrKoop.Net

Family planning is often used as a synonym for the use of birth control, though its connotations are somewhat different. It is most usually applied to the circumstance of a monogamous female-male couple who wish to limit the number of children they have and/or to control the timing of pregnancy (also known as spacing children). The phrase family planning is most frequently used to mean that the couple uses birth control to plan having children, rather than preventing pregnancy entirely

Following a bee sting the first step in treatment is removal of the barbed stinger. The stinger should be removed as fast as possible without regard to method: studies have shown the amount of venom delivered does not differ if the stinger is pinched or scraped off and even a delay of a few seconds leads to more venom being injected.

The sting may be painful for a few hours. Swelling and itching may persist for a week. Do not scratch the area as that will only increase the itching and swelling. If a reaction persists for over a week or covers an area greater than 3 or 4 inches, seek medical attention. Also, doctors may recommend a tetanus immunization. For about 2 percent of people, anaphylactic shock from certain proteins in the venom can be life-threatening and requires emergency treatment by a physician. If the victim is allergic to bee stings, the victim must be treated to prevent shock. People known to be highly allergic may carry around epinephrine in the form of a self-injectable Epipen for the treatment of an anaphylactic shock.

For patients who experience severe or life threatening reactions to insect stings, researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a series of allergy injections composed of increasing concentrations of naturally occurring venom which provide excellent and usually life-long protections against future insect stings.