Medicine Cabinet Hacks
Growing up, anytime there was an accident in the house such as a cut or bruise, my mother would reach out for whatever was needed from her stash of medicine. If you ask most mothers, they will say they learnt it is important to always be ready in case one needs urgent medical attention. Therefore, you need to have and keep a well-maintained medicine cabinet at home.
What is a Medicine Cabinet?
It is a box or shelf or drawer depending on what you prefer, that contains essential medication medical supplies and supplements required in the home. Many ailments do not require a visit to the doctor hence the reason why you should have essential medicines and for days when you need to administer first aid before getting to the hospital Having a medicine cabinet will also help save you a dash to the local pharmacy, as well as save on time and worry.
What should you keep in your Medicine Cabinet?
- Pain Relievers– These helps relieve pain and fevers. You should have some for kids, some for adults and different kids for different types of pains e.g paracetamol and brufen for headaches, deep heat for twists and falls.
- Cough and Cold medicine– While nothing can cut short the lifespan of a cold, it is important to have medication that helps to relieve the symptoms to make it more bearable as it runs its course. This includes fever medication, discomfort, pains associated with flu/cold.
- Allergy medicine– Sometimes one cannot know if they are allergic to something until they try to eat, drink or apply it. Its good to have an anti-allergy in the house to bring down the effects of the allergy as you withdraw the substance that caused the allergy itself. Moreover, to some people, it is better to take a one-a-day anti-allergy medicine during certain weather conditions such as during spring for people allergic to pollen.
- Digestive Issues medication– This type is used to treat digestive issues such as heartburn, indigestion and other stomach disorders. A good example to have is Activated Charcoal.
- Cuts and Burns essentials– These include Elastoplast, antiseptic solution for cleaning wounds such as surgical spirit, gloves to avoid introducing bacteria to the wound, bandages, sterile gauze, plasters, etc. However, if a wound is deep and looks like it has exposed tissues, it is best to seek medical advice and get it dressed professionally. Serious burns should also not be ignored.
- Accessories– These include a thermometer, scissors, teething toys if you have children, among other essential accessories that could help.
- Supplements– These are useful when you want to increase essential vitamins, boost immunity, etc. The best supplements to stock are immune boosters such as Vitamin C and probiotics.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do check the expiry date of all medicines and supplements.
- Do store medicines in a cool dry place ideally not in the bathroom or kitchen as these are high humidity areas that are bound to affect the PH/composition of the medicines.
- Don’t dispose medicines along with all other garbage
- Do keep medicines out of reach of children and pets
- Do keep the medicine cabinet where it can be easily accessed during an emergency
- Do label your medicines correctly and visibly.
- Don’t share any prescription medicine.
- Don’t use regular spoons for measuring medicine. Instead use measuring spoons, cups and droplets that come with the medication so as to administer the right dosage.
