Medicine essentials: 5 rules to ace the medicine cabinet game
Medicine essentials for every home: 5 rules to ace the medicine cabinet game
Seems like we are required to know it all: a proper way to file our taxes, how to navigate both business and personal relationships, how to be wildly free and financially stable all at once, which medicine we need to have at hand at all times, for all possible scenarios… And this last one, I get asked about a lot.
When it comes to stacking our home medicine cabinets, seems that it’s all about being prepared, come rain or thunder.
Striving to get all their bases covered, patients often ask me all types of different questions. What is the best cold sore relief? Which over-the-counter nausea medicine works the fastest? What’s best over-the-counter cold medicine, best over-the-counter medicine for sinus infection, best over-the-counter cough medicine, best over-the-counter allergy medicine…
The questions never end, yet the answer is not that universal and requires some deliberation and understanding. So, rather than providing you with a check-list that will leave you with a houseful of meds you may not use or need, I’ve decided to help you understand the subject at hand.
Just follow these 5 rules, and ace the medicine cabinet game.
Rule No. 1
First, fill in the blanks
Prescription medications come first, so the idea is to try and always fill our prescriptions on time, have them on hand and use exactly as prescribed.
It should go without saying that more serious or chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain mental health disorders should be at the top of our priority lists, and that it’s of the utmost importance to keep up with our doctor appointments and stay on top of our health conditions, before anything else.
The medications available with a prescription from a healthcare provider are typically more potent or have more possible side effects than OTC products, so it is important to pay attention to our reactions to them and report back to our doctor regularly.
Rule No. 2
Master the essentials
Over-the-counter products are typically used to treat minor health conditions, such as colds, headaches, cuts and scrapes, rashes, and minor pains. Examples of over-the-counter products include pain relievers, cold and flu medications, and certain dietary supplements.
Here are a few examples of OTC medications that are generally considered safe and effective for most people, and are handy to have at a hand’s reach:
Acetaminophen: Pain reliever and fever reducer, commonly used for mild to moderate pain and fever.
Ibuprofen: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used to manage pain, fever, and inflammation.
Antihistamines: Medications commonly used to relieve symptoms of allergies such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Decongestants: Medications commonly used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, the flu, or allergies.
Laxatives: Medications commonly used to relieve constipation.
Even though all of these fall into the group of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are considered to be safe and effective for a wide range of people, it's still important to read the label, follow the instructions, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Rule No. 3
Do your homework
Haste makes waste. Even when it comes to minor health conditions, the best way to know what will work for you is to take the time to read the labels thoroughly and carefully and choose the medication that matches your needs and symptoms.
Make sure the medication is intended to help you with all, or almost all of your symptoms, and that the medication doesn’t have a lot of additional active ingredients for symptoms you do not have.
Feels redundant to have to say this, but once you start doing your homework, you’ll be surprised how much easier it becomes to overcome minor health hiccups.
Rule No. 4
Triple check everything
No two people are the same, nor do we have the same needs. Some of us need prescription medications daily; others can go what seems to be a lifetime with over-the-counter products only or without any meds at all.
Over-the-counter medications can also have different effects on different people who seem to have a similar health condition - this is why we need to take the time to assess whether the products we are intending to buy are right for our individual needs. Factors that affect our response include age, weight, overall health, and any other medications we may be taking. Some of us may have an allergic reaction or experience side effects from an over-the-counter medication that others do not.
It is important to note that some products may not be safe for certain groups, such as pregnant women, children, or those with allergies or certain other health conditions. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new medication, whether it is an over-the-counter product or a prescription medication.
Rule No.5
Don’t hesitate to seek guidance
I cannot stress this enough: When in doubt, always seek medical help from a professional.
A visit to the doctor is always recommended if you have:
A fever that lasts for more than three days
Severe headache or head injury
Trouble breathing
Chest pain or pressure
Persistent or severe vomiting or diarrhea
A rash or skin irritation that does not improve
Persistent cough or cold symptoms that do not improve
…Or any other symptoms that cause concern and are not going away.
And don’t forget to make quality food, laughter, and humor a must in your daily routine. I am always here for any other questions you may have.
We recommend starting with the following topics: "Nail Diagnosis: What Your Nails Reveal About Your Health" or "Unveiling the Deceptive Practices of Supplement Sellers"
Enjoy Good Health!
Lori Atkins
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