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Now is the Time To Get Your Medicine Chest Winterized
Winter is almost here and you might be opening your medicine cabinet
more often than usual, however, according to a survey by Vicks, the
medicine cabinet may not have the remedies you need.
For example,
the Medicine Cabinet survey found, while 81 percent of respondents
believe cold and flu medicines should be in a well-stocked medicine
cabinet, only 71 percent actually have them in their cabinets.
Survey results also found:
- Cold and flu medicines are the number one item in the medicine cabinet that are missing when they are needed.
- If cold and flu medications are found in the medicine cabinet, they are also most likely to be expired.
"It's
important to have medicine on hand before you need it, knowing it's
there and ready to do the job as soon as you get hit with a cold or
flu," said Dr. Len Horovitz, pulmonary and internal medicine specialist
and cold and flu expert at New York City's Lenox Hill Hospital. "With
the cold and flu season right around the corner, be prepared. Get rid
of the expired medicines and replace them now."
Dr. Horovitz suggests "winterizing" your medicine cabinet by stocking up with these items:
- A thermometer
- A first aid tip sheet for quick medical reference
- A cough suppressant
- A cough expectorant
- A supply of lozenges and throat sprays
- A daytime, non-drowsy cold remedy
- A multi-symptom, nighttime cold remedy
When used as
directed, these items will provide comfort you can count on throughout
the year, especially during the winter, Horovitz said.
"Get ready,
stock up, be prepared," Horovitz commented. "And if you do come down
with a cold or flu, take care of yourself ... and don't forget some
pampering too."
Copyright 1999 Health Resources Publishing
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