The Family Medicine Cabinet

Keep These Handy for Safety

Following are several other things parents should have around the home to keep children healthy and help in case of an emergency:

• Post a list of emergency phone numbers near the telephone, including names and numbers for the doctor, dentist, pharmacist, and poison control center. The universal poison control telephone number in the United States is (800) 222-1222, and calls are routed to the local poison control center. It's also helpful to have your own street address and phone number on the list for babysitters and yourself in case you panic during an emergency.
  
• Always know exactly where the first aid manual is kept. You may want to store one with your medications and keep one in an easily accessible area such as a kitchen drawer near the telephone. Be sure to let babysitters know where the manual is also.
  
• Disposable paper cups, paper towels, and tissues help stop the spread of germs.
• Sunscreen is a must-have for any family, and not just in the summer months. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen designed to block both UVB and UVA rays and with an SPF of at least 15.
• A cool-mist vaporizer/humidifier can help ease congestion by moistening the mucous membranes in the nose and clearing nasal passages. It's imperative that the unit is cleaned and sanitized regularly and thoroughly to avoid growth of bacteria, molds, and viruses.

Giving your medicine cabinet an annual checkup keeps you prepared to handle illness or minor injuries, and is an easy way to help keep your family safe and healthier.