What’s in my medicine cabinet?

This past week had me searching for throat lozenges, nasal spray, and then cough lozenges. That was a gift from Covid19 which was really, truly unnecessary.

Then my thoughts took me back to my trip to Nova Scotia in 2023 where I stayed with my cousin, her husband and Evie, the “Covid cat”. They called her that because she was always 6 feet away – until I came to visit. I let her up on my bed. First mistake. In the middle of the night, I woke up to a full body rash with no access to an antihistamine. Second mistake. When the rash started to return the next evening, I was grateful to my cousin for her quick response. I promised myself I would have antihistamines with me when I travel from then on.

This gave me further pause to think about what was in our medicine cabinet.

Why, might you ask?

Well, I think it is one thing we can do to influence our health and the health of those around us. We can put a little effort into having what we will probably need at some point in the future – and not wait for that crisis to figure it out.

Also, a couple of years ago I saw this fascinating TikTok video from Dr. Voon, an ER doctor, about “must have meds to stock at home & work” from 2022. With all the concerns with overloaded ER departments and the lack of family doctors in Canada, such recommendations like this make even more sense. I imagine there is added concern over what is considered “emergency” by some is different for others. If we can do what we can from home, we can save our emergency departments for what they consider emergencies.

Here are the key things we keep in our “medicine cabinet”:

1. Echamide (clinical strength echinacea) from Natural Factors

2. Tylenol (or acetaminophen) for pain and fevers

3. Ibuprofen for pain, fever and inflammation

4. Tums antacid for heartburn relief

5. Claritin or some other antihistamine

6. Polysporin, Tegaderm and wound cleanser – necessary for road rash and other nasty gashes

7. Bandages of various sizes – for the bleeding we can stop and to protect any other skin wounds

8. Tensor bandage and fasteners – helps to hold ice packs in place among other things

9. Calamine lotion (or similar) – for itches

10. Aloe Vera – for sunburns

11. Cough lozenges

12. Sore throat lozenges (new addition)

13. Nasal spray (new addition)

I imagine you nodded your head at some of my list items, and were quick to think of what else you have.

This is actually an important addition to our leadership lifeboats. We need to ensure our physical health!

Take a moment to look at what is in your medicine cabinet. What do you need to add?