Energize and Organize: Home/Office Wellness Supplies for Nationwide Flu Season

Best to get these wellness supplies out of the bathroom cabinet and well organized!

Best Weapons Against Flu: Hydration and Elevation  is an informative article published in the New York Times on January 12, 2018.   Read on and take action!


Are you and your loved ones prepared for the winter allergy/cold/flu season?  There are all kinds of viruses going around at the moment so be sure to take the time now while you are feeling fine to get and be organized in the event you and/or your loved ones do come down with something.   Here's how ...
 
Step 1:  Gather supplies.
Gather all of your medications and medical supplies in one place.
 
Step 2:  Sort by category.
Categories might include Cold, Congestion and Cough Remedies, Digestive Health Remedies, Fever Remedies,  First Aid Remedies, Food Remedies, Miscellaneous Remedies, Prescriptions, Vitamins …
 
 Step 3:  Examine expiration dates.
Carefully read the labels and throw out any items that have expired. To learn where you can safely dispose of your discarded medications,  call your local police station and/or visit ….
https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

Note:  "The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, (April 28, 2018 - 10AM to 2PM) aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Please check back on April 1, 2018 to locate collection sites near you."


Step 4:  Containerize and Store.
Group like items in labeled baskets and store the baskets in your linen closet, kitchen cabinet and/or other designated location.  Remember that prolonged exposure to heat and moisture can affect the effectiveness of medications so be sure to store them away from children and in a location other than the bathroom.
 
Step 5:  Take Inventory and Stock Up
Do you have a variety of these supplies in your home and/or office?

Colds, Congestion and Coughs Remedies

• Antihistamine (such as Benadryl)
• Cough medicine (such as Robitussin)
• Decongestant (such as Sudafed)
• Lip balm
• Tissues (boxes and personal packets)
• Throat lozenges

 
Digestive Health Remedies

• Antacids (in tablet or liquid form)
• Antidiarrheal treatment
• Laxatives

 
Fever Remedies

• Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol)
• Aspirin
• Gel cold pack (or plastic bags for ice pack)
• Ibuprofen (such as Advil and Motrin)
• Thermometer and notepad/pen 
• Water bottles

 
First Aid

• Aloe vera gel
• Antibiotic ointment for preventing infections from wounds 
• Antiseptic for wound cleaning (such as alcohol prep pads and/or hydrogen peroxide)
• Arnicare pain relief
• Antifungal creams (athlete’s foot relief)
• Bandages, Band-Aids, gauze, medical tape
• Burn ointment
• Disposable latex and/or latex-free gloves
• Sterile bangages and tape

Food

• Chicken soup and/or soup of your choice
• Ginger ale
• Saltines 
• Tea and other hot beverages
• Variety of cold liquids (water, juice, soda, etc.)

 
Miscellaneous

• Antibacterial wipes
• Calamine lotion
• Hydrocortisone cream (for persistent itching)
• Emergency contact information with phone numbers
• Eyedrops
• Eyewash cup
• Lip balm
• Safety pins
• Scissors
• Sunscreen
• Tweezers

 
Remember if you need assistance and support with your family life, home and/or office, you are cordially invited to contact ...
Donna LaRoche, M.Ed., Professional Organizer Serving Cape Cod, Metro West and Eastern Massachusetts  Contact 617.640.2366     www.energizeandorganize.com​​