The kids are home from school, office parties are underway and some adventurous cooking is on offer - it's a time of year where anything could happen! Make sure that this December you are prepared and your medicine cupboard is up to date for any sudden illnesses. At a time when many shops and GP surgeries are closed, it's always wise to ensure you have the essentials.
Past research has shown that tens of millions of pounds worth of out of date medication is sitting in people's cupboards across the country, and nearly 1 in 10 people do not even realise medicines have an expiry date.
A well-equipped medicine cabinet means you are prepared when it's most important. Superdrug is on hand to offer an extensive range of essential healthcare products, and expert advice on how to refresh your medicine cabinet's contents.
Top 5 tips from Superdrug:
1. Check expiry dates and dispose of out of date products in the correct way (not to be disposed with normal waste, medicines need to be taken out of packaging and mixed with e.g. cat litter or returned to a pharmacy for proper disposal).
2. Check dosage and age recommendations and give medicines accordingly.
3. Make sure medicine is stored in the right place. It should be kept in a cool, dry area, and away from sight and reach of children.
4. Check the packaging and labels of all liquid medicines and do not keep for longer than suggested once opened - it's always handy to have a sharpie pen to write the date of first use.
4. Make sure you throw out any first aid items such as plasters if the seal has been broken.
It can be pricey to choose only branded medication, as opposed to high street own brand alternatives, depending on the preferred brand. Superdrug has everything you need to stay healthy this season with great offers in store.
Here are the top 10 must-haves for any medicine cupboard:
1. Cold and flu products: First Defence to help fight illness early and Day & Night capsules to alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
2. Vitamin C: supplements to help boost your immune system.
3. Cough Syrup: It's good to have a selection cough remedies so you're prepared for each type of cough in the early stages.
4. Painkillers: paracetamol and anti-inflammatory for sore heads or aches and pains.
5. Tummy settlers.
6. Thermometer.
7. Antihistamine tablets.
8. Plasters.
9. Antiseptic cream.
10. Bandages.
Refresh your medicine cabinet before the end of the year