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Did You Spring Clean Your Medicine Cabinet?

By Donna Stark

You've taken care of your closets, the garage, the windows, and your carpets, but did you manage to sort through your medicine cabinet too while spring cleaning this year? If not, you may want to take the time to do that now before you are too busy with all the summer activities you have planned. Medication is one of the items in your home that always seems to accumulate faster than a blink of the eye, which is why it is so important to go through what you have a couple of times a year. Here are some tips from your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic that will help you get a handle on the amount you have sitting in your home.

Store Your Medicine Safely

Before we start with tips on how to organize your medicine, let's first make sure you are storing it all in the safest place possible. Make sure your medications are kept in a cool, dry place away from light, heat, and high humidity. A closet in your hallway or a section in your pantry are great places to consider, while a cabinet in your bathroom should be avoided. It's also vital to keep all medications out of the reach of small children and to make sure each one is clearly identified.

Edit Your Stash

A good rule of thumb is to go through your stash every six months or so. Check what you have, determine what you need, and toss everything that is expired. Expired medicine will often break down and become ineffective or dangerous. Don't forget to check your first aid kit and any inhalers in the house too!

Discard Properly

Yes, there is a right way to dispose of expired or unnecessary medications. Many pharmacies provide a drop box or hold drop-off days for easy disposal, but if your local drug stores do not, follow the tips below.

  • Pour medicine into a sealable plastic bag (add water if the medicine is in the form of pills)
  • Add cat litter or coffee grounds to the bag
  • Seal the bag and place it in the trash
  • Do not flush any medications down the toilet

Staying on Top of Your Collection

It can be hard to keep track of your medications if you don't stay on top of what you have, so take the time to go through, edit, and replenish what is in your home. And while you are doing that, write down a separate list of the current medications each family member is taking. This is an easy way to stay organized and up-to-date when it comes time to see a doctor.

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

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