Being Prepared for Cold and Flu Season

By Donna Stark

Are you the type of person who is constantly organizing the pantry, playroom, DVD collection, and closets in your home? If so, that's great! It's good to manage the piles of toys, cluttered closets, and shelves of mismatched shoes, but while you are at it, don't forget to stay on top of your medicine cabinet too. With the cold and flu season headed our way, you should make sure everything is fully stocked because nothing is worse than running out of supplies during the middle of the night when you or a loved one are feeling under the weather.

Stocking Up

If you are like most people, you may not even realize what is and what isn't in your medicine cabinet until the day comes when someone is feeling ill. Your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic understand the urgency when a loved one is sick, so they want to make sure you are prepared. Take a look at their suggestions below.

Medications - Store all your medications as directed and away from areas that have inconsistent temperatures, such as your bathrooms. Throw away expired items and get rid of the medications you are no longer using. For the upcoming season, you may want to make sure you are stocked with cold and flu medications, cough syrup, throat lozenges, pain relievers, a working thermometer, and any prescriptions you are taking. In addition to medications, take a look at your supplement supply too. Vitamins C and D, zinc, and magnesium are always good to have on hand during the season of sickness.

Dressings and bandages - It's also a good idea to make sure there are plenty of other emergency items in the home, such as bandages, antibiotic creams or ointments, eye drops, cotton swabs and gauze, tweezers, alcohol wipes, ice packs, and heating pads. Designate a spot in the house that everyone can have access to.

Medical devices - Last of all, you should check all your medical devices in the house and make sure there are plenty of batteries in the home if they are needed, or battery packs to keep them running should the power go out. You may also want to invest in a humidifier if the dry air aggravates your breathing.

Being Prepared

Keeping an up-to-date supply of all the health essentials is vital for the cold and flu season heading our way, so take the time to ensure everything is in order at your home. Being prepared for the worst is the best gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Ammon, Idaho.