Medicine Cabinet Must-Haves
Periodically, every member of a family or household will experience a minor illness or injury. In such instances, a properly stocked medicine cabinet may contain the products needed to provide quick relief and potentially prevent any minor affliction from becoming a major concern. This brief blog examines the items and products that should be found in every medicine cabinet.
Thermometer
A person's body temperature can be a significant indicator of their current overall health. An elevated temperature (above the normal 98.6 degrees) might be an indication that his or her system is fighting some type of invader or problem that could need further investigation and treatment.
Over-The-Counter Pain Killers And Fever Reducers
Products such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen may reduce fevers but also provide relief from the discomfort associated with ailments such as headaches, toothaches, muscle strains and other minor injuries.
Over-The-Counter Allergy Abating Products
Preparations containing allergy-fighting drugs like antihistamines can prove beneficial in curtailing or eliminating seasonal maladies such as hay fever or other conditions that might precipitate upper respiratory symptoms including itchy, watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion.
Over-The-Counter Nasal Decongestants And Cold Preparations
These products can help ameliorate the nasal congestion associated with the common cold and clogged sinus cavities. In addition, many of these products might also contain drugs designed to curb the annoying coughs that may develop as the result of mucus buildup.
Over-The-Counter Anti-Diarrheal And Indigestion Medications
At one time or another, everyone will experience the discomfort of diarrhea. Many medications available for public consumption will quickly resolve uncomplicated cases of this malady. In addition, the presence of products designed to curb indigestion and heartburn can prove quite valuable when someone consumes a food that "does not agree with them" or overindulges on foods or beverages that could negatively impact his or her digestive tract.
Tweezers
Most people have likely experienced the discomfort and annoyance of a splinter (piece of wood) becoming embedded immediately beneath the skin of their hand or foot. A pair of tweezers might make the process of removing said item easier, expedient and less painful.
Peroxide Or Alcohol
These anti-septic products can be crucial in the prevention of infections that could develop from skin abrasions and bruises.
Anti-Septic/Anti-Allergenic Skin Creams
Products containing infection-preventing and allergy-stopping medications may prove valuable when applied to minor skin irritation, rashes and other maladies like sunburn.
Bandages
Everyone has experienced a minor but acute injury. When such events occur, properly dressing the wound could prevent infection and promote quicker and more efficient healing.
Measuring/Dosage Cups
The instructions that are provided with most medications typically indicate proper dosage in accordance with the intended recipient's age, weight and presence of other health issues. The administration of either too little or too much of a drug could render them ineffective or precipitate potential side effects. Using a dosage cup to carefully measure appropriate amounts can reduce the chances of such occurrences from happening.
In addition to properly stacking a medicine cabinet, it is also important to safeguard all medications by keeping them out of the reach of children or placing them into childproof containers. Furthermore, individuals are encouraged to periodically check the expiration dates on such products. Expired medications might be less effective.