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Accidents Happen: A Medicine Cabinet Checklist For The Home

Image Source: Kohler
Image Source: Kohler

Your medicine cabinet is empty. Time to stock up, but on what? Here are some of the essentials you need. Write them down before you walk into the store.

 

First Aid Stuff

No one likes to think about an accident happening, but it happens. A properly stocked first aid kit is essential for every home. Remember, when you use something, it needs to be replenished. There are lots of first aid advice online, so think about taking a course to deal with an emergency situation.

 

Make sure you stock up on things like:

  • Different sized plasters
  • Eye dressings
  • Various bandages
  • Safety pins
  • Sterile gloves
  • Tweezers and scissors
  • Cleansing wipes
  • Scissors
  • Bandages
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • H2O
  • Alcohol
  • Pepto Bismol

 

This will allow you to deal with a variety of accidents from cuts to burns and everything in between.

Most people don’t have enough emergency supplies on-hand, and this is troublesome. While we tend not to think of things like a bee sting or a fall as being very serious, they are often very serious. A child may be allergic to bees. If there’s first aid around, a trip to the doctor’s is probably unnecessary (at least immediately). But, without meds, the child could die. The same is true for things like accidentally eating nuts if your child has a nut allergy.

Cuts, burns, and poison ivy or oak are also common dangers around the home, and more so when the child is at an age where he or she is exploring everything.

But, even if you don’t have children, working in the kitchen presents a variety of dangers you need to protect yourself from, and prepare for. Even experienced chefs cut themselves now and then. And, having bandages might mean the difference between passing out and being able to control a nasty (and deep) cut.

 

Creams And Sprays

Injuries like burns and stings are pretty common. Make sure you’ve got yourself covered. Kids are especially prone to things like bee stings and cuts, scrapes, and strange bruises and rashes. Make sure you have creams and ointments on-hand to deal with it.

Most creams and sprays are over-the-counter, but if you need prescription strength, you should go to your doctor, and see if you can find discount programs or plans through Nationwide Prescription Connection. This is especially helpful if you have a child with an allergy who needs specialized medicine, like an epi pen.

Medicine cabinets are also great places to stock up on things like cotton balls and swabs, Q-tips, insect repellant, petroleum jelly, sunscreen, activated charcoal, and tweezers.

 

Painkillers

Painkillers have their place in most homes. And, they’re appropriate for times when you just can’t get relief otherwise. For kids over 12, you would want paracetamol or ibuprofen tablets. For children under 12, you might need a liquid pain reliever prescribed from your doctor or an OTC drug safe for kids.

Adults can use a wide range of pain relievers.

Even so, all pain relievers pose a risk, so make sure you’re only using them when absolutely necessary. They are all known to cause liver damage and potential complications over the long term (especially with long-term use).

Usually, the gentler the pain reliever, the better. And, never give or take more than is absolutely needed. Pain relievers stress the body’s detox pathways, especially the liver’s Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) system — responsible for detoxing the body of all sorts of organic compounds. Children are especially sensitive to painkillers, so be careful with them.

 

Other Meds

Cough syrup and prescription meds are also somewhat common. It’s handy to have them on-hand to fit your specific needs. It’s always useful with children to have both nit treatment and worming tablets. Anti-histamine tabs should also be handy if anyone in the home suffers with allergies. Re-hydration sachets are also a good idea in case your child gets diarrhea or some other dehydrating condition or is vomiting.

 

Conclusion

Accidents happen when you don’t expect them. That’s why they’re called “accidents.” It’s also why it’s so important to have meds on hand and stocked up so you can deal with the problem and not have to rush around to the doctor’s or the pharmacy. Check your medicine cabinet frequently to make sure you have everything you need as well as any specific medications your family takes on the regular basis.

By having a fully-stocked cabinet, and first aid kit, you are prepared for any unpleasant surprises and might be ready to face them head-on.