How to Do a Medicine Cabinet Makeover
Everyone should have a medicine cabinet in their home for medical emergencies and minor injuries, however, we must keep it safe and reduce the risk of potential dangers that can lurk, as well as childproof it. There are basic items and over-the-counter medications (OTCs) that should always be part of a well-stocked medicine cabinet. We should also do a medicine cabinet makeover several times a year to discard expired medications and restock basic items.
Here I will offer some tips on how to do a medicine cabinet makeover.
Things You'll Need
- Bandages
- OTC medications
- Antihistamine
- Allergy creams
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Calamine lotion
- Scissors
- Gauze, bandages, tape
- Aspirin and/or other pain reliever
- Antacid
- Thermometer
Instructions
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Review and restock your cabinet with the necessary items. Discard expired medications safely and do not throw or flush them down the toilet, which the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discourages. There are places where you can recycle the plastic bottles and old medications. Public health online sites and government programs are available to assist you with discarding your expired medications safely. You might also ask a local pharmacy.
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Look for any broken items like old mercury thermometers. These are very dangerous and can cause serious harm to a child, so you should replace them with newer and safer thermometers that are also more accurate and efficient. Try the new EXERGEN Temporal Scanner Infrared thermometer that swipes the forehead once for an accurate temperature reading in two seconds. This is perfect for babies and children.
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Restock the medicine cabinet with over-the-counter medications for cold and flu, antihistamine and anti-itch creams, sunscreen lotions, aspirin and other pain relievers. The best medicine cabinet is one that is specifically tailored to meet the needs of the family living in the home. If there are children around, then stock with items and medications that are formulated or designed specifically with the pediatric population in mind. For example, buy bandages designed especially for kids or liquid-formulated cold and flu medication.
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Stock items that are readily available for minor injuries. A good first aid kit is one that contains all the basic items including: bandages, cotton, antiseptic cream, alcohol swabs, gauze, scissors and tape.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep the medicine cabinet locked in a cool place and safely away from children. You can buy childproof locks for the cabinet at most local hardware and home stores.
It is a good idea to keep extra items on hand for family members with existing medical conditions. For example, an EPI pen in case of anaphylactic shock or a blood pressure monitoring device.
If there is a diabetic member of the household, ensure that you stock enough diabetes-related items, as well as learn how to discard used needles safely.
This article is not a substitute for seeking medical attention from your own medical doctor or healthcare provider.
