Stocking Your Medicine Cabinet

Having the right items in your medicine cabinet can be very important. Not only does it enable you to take better care of yourself and family, but it also makes you a better host or hostess to your guests. Your medicine cabinet should have a variety of items ranging from medicine and first aid to personal hygiene. There are a some items that I have found to be essential over time and others that are just useful and convenient to keep on stand by.

When selecting medicines to purchase for your medicine cabinet, I break them into a few different categories: pain reliever, stomach care, cold/ flu and allergy.

When it comes to pain reliever, its always good to keep a few different types on hand. Some people do not tolerate certain types of pain reliever well. I usually stock Acetaminophen, Ibuprophen, and Aspirin because that pretty much covers everyone. Another point to keep in mind, is that if you have children or children visit your home regularly you would also benefit from stocking children's Ibuprophen and Acetaminophen.

Stomach care can be a bit more complex, because it covers a broader spectrum of issues but I have found a way to simplify that. A must have for every medicine cabinet is Pepto Bismol, it covers a large variety of ailments and comes in both an adult and children's formula. Next, I always keep some form of antacid chewable on hand. I buy these in economy size because this is one of the most frequently requested items among guests. I usually keep an anti- diarrhea, and something to control vomiting like Emetrol, just in case Pepto isn't enough, but that is not completely necessary.

What you need for cold and flu, is a bit more broad because of the variety of symptoms one can experience. I tend to stick with a multi-symptom formula and get one for cold and a separate for flu. I try to keep a standard decongestant and a cough syrup on hand as well. Having cough drops or throat lozenges is always handy too. Again, these items are sold in separate formulas for children which is something you should consider when stocking up.

Having allergy medicine on hand can be the difference between your guests staying or going, especially if you have pets. Many people have allergies, and a variety of different things can set some off on a whim. I always keep non drowsy formula like Clariton around, so that I don't have to worry about people driving home drowsy. Clariton comes in an adult and children's formula, so that brand pretty much covers you. In addition always keep Cortaid cream on hand for skin flare ups, along with some Calamine Lotion for extreme itchiness. These things are especially handy if you have your own kids, because who can predict when they might stumble upon some poison ivy in their outdoor adventures.

After stocking your cabinet with medicines, you should consider stocking it with essential first aid items and common personal hygiene items as well. Doing this will ensure you are always prepared should an emergency arise, and keeping ordinary hygiene items available will guarantee that you always have what your guests and family need for the most part.

Keeping stock of the proper items to administer first aid, is really important for every home. It gives you the ability to calm a chaotic situation and maintain control in minor and major emergencies. First things first, every home should have band aids. I keep them in stock in a variety of shapes and sizes. I usually buy some printed designs for the kids as well, because a fun band aid can help ease the sting of almost any boo boo. Having some form of antiseptic on hand is essential as well. I buy Peroxide and no sting kids antiseptic to cover all my bases. Triple antibiotic is another really important item, Neosporin is great, but I usually just purchase a store brand comparable. I few other items that aren't as important or as frequently used but may come in handy are gauze, tape, a sling and an ice pack.

Last but certainly not least I try to have certain hygiene items on hand at all times. Of course you have the standard items that you and your family use everyday, such as toothpaste, floss and mouthwash. Keeping extras of all of that everyday stuff is not a bad idea. I always stock an extra toothbrush just in case a guest forgets theirs. Keeping items like pads, tampons, contact lens solution, hair spray and an extra brush is usually smart as well. That covers you for the most common situations. I try and put the personal products with in eye shot so people don't have to be embarrassed by having to ask for them, which is important when you have teenagers that visit often.

Having these common items available in your home, makes your home more comfortable to both your family and guests. It can reduce the amount of emergency trips you have to make to the store. More importantly, it enables you to be prepared in almost any situation and creates a happier and healthier home.