Fall Medicine Cabinet/
|
Fall is a good time to clean out your medicine cabinet and check your home first aid kit. Use this checklist as a quick reference guide. Also make sure to have phone numbers listed in your calendar for your nearest hospital emergency room, your physician, your health plan and poison control center.
Medicine Cabinet
Check all prescription and over-the-counter drugs for expiration dates, and dispose of any outdated items. If there are no expiration dates, determine with your pharmacist if the medication remains effective.
- Check all tubes of creams and ointments, and throw out cracked/hardened items.
- Throw out any medications not properly labeled.
- Make sure all medications are out of reach of children and grandchildren.
Home First Aid Kit
Make sure you have at least the items listed below, and consider additional kits to be kept in family vehicles:
- Sterile gauze pads
- Surgical tape
- Adhesive bandages (Band Aids ®)
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hydrogen peroxide (or similar antiseptic)
- Cotton balls/swabs
- Thermometer
- Graduated measuring spoon for liquid medicines
- Syrup of ipecac (to induce in case of poison)
- Aspirin/Acetaminophen/Ibuprofin
- Cold packs
- Heating pad
- Safety pins
- Tweezers
- Antihistamine
- Tourniquet
- Functioning flashlight & extra batteries
Disclaimer: All information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice by your physician. You are advised to consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations appearing here.
Copyright © 1999 Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester, Inc. All Rights Reserved
