Medicine cabinet stock check could avoid hospital visits
Health chiefs are advising parents to avoid hospital visits this half-term by stocking up on some essential items for the medicine cabinet.
“This is the time of year when a lot of us are busy shopping for the half-term break and planning get-togethers. Whilst you’re out, why not also think about stocking up on medicine cabinet essentials to make sure you’re prepared for the break?” said a spokesperson for the NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.
“People often turn up at hospitals with minor illnesses and injuries that could often be better treated more quickly elsewhere or at home.
“Your local pharmacist can offer you free health advice at any time, and no appointment is necessary. From coughs and colds to aches and pains, they can give you expert help on everyday illnesses and answer questions about prescribed and over the counter medicines.
“All year round, pharmacists can also advise on healthy eating, obesity and giving up smoking and have private areas where you can talk in confidence.
The ICB advice is to have the following items in your medicine cabinet.
- Usual painkillers
- Cold and flu remedies
- Anti-diarrhoea medicine
- Oral rehydration salts
- Indigestion remedies
- Plasters
- Bandages
- Thermometer
- Tissues
“If you are already taking other medication, check first with your pharmacist to make sure the medicines are right for you,” added the spokesperson.
“Check any medicines already in your medicines cabinet are still okay to use. If any medicines are past their use-by date, don’t take them and return them to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.”