Medicine Cabinet Maintenance 101

BY JACKIE MIDDLETON

Be prepared to deal with daily mishaps by stocking your chest with the right items. Here’s what you need to include:

FIRST-AID SHELF

■ Stock a few different types of painkillers. “Paracetamol will help with fever and pain, whereas ibuprofen will assist with inflammation, too,” says pharmacist Victor Wong. Talk with your doctor about the variety that is best for your most common ailments. ■ Stock up on adhesive bandages and dressings, and ensure that they’re within their expiry dates. The sticky adhesive can deteriorate over time, and some brands contain an antibiotic ointment that will expire. ■ A wound steriliser, such as iodine or saline wash, helps clean cuts and scrapes, while antibiotic ointment prevents infection. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide on fresh cuts. Recent studies have shown that it can impair wound healing.

COLD AND ALLERGY SHELF

■ Be prepared for a cold with vapourisers and saline or decongestant nasal sprays. They can open up congested nasal passages so you can breathe with ease. Soothe coughs, sore throats and aches with a combination cold product. Keep both daytime and evening formulas on hand. “The daytime version won’t make you drowsy, and the nighttime version will help you get some much needed rest,” says Wong. ■ Fevers are a common complaint in cold and flu season. Keep a digital thermometer for accurate readings. ■ Antihistamines can help with seasonal allergies, as well as allergic reactions. Some products can cause daytime drowsiness, so choose one that won’t make you sleepy if you’re working or driving.