Spring 2020Spring clean your medicine cupboard

The top-to-bottom tidy up of the home once spring comes along remains an enduring part of the British calendar.

But in amongst the decluttering and perhaps the painting and redecorating, how many of us remember to spring clean our medicine cabinet.

From my experience of home visits, almost every house has one, which is good news. But when was the last time you checked to see what’s in it?

For accidents, your box should contain plasters, antiseptics, bandages, sterile dressings and medical tape, to help create a temporary splint should you suffer a serious cut. I keep eyewash in there too to help shift dirt or foreign bodies from the eyes.

Pain relief such as aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol help soothe the agony of cuts and aches and pains. Antihistamine is always advisable, especially as we are approaching high season for pollen. Anti-diarrhoea and oral rehydration salts are available at pharmacies. The latter is an easy way to help restore your body’s natural balance of minerals and fluid, and aid your recovery.

Speaking of pharmacies, they are a great place to gain advice on what medications you need to stockpile. These items could reduce pain, aid recovery and in the case of a wound, prevent infection setting in. That’s how vital they are to have at hand.

Conversely, spring is the time to rid your home of unused and out-of-date medications. 

It may be tempting to give left over medication to another family member, given long queues at some surgeries and, of course, having to watch your loved one suffer. However, like buying medicines online, using old pills and potions or not following your doctor’s instructions on when and how to take your medicine is incredibly dangerous. It is truly like playing Russian Roulette with your health, so don’t do it. Instead go to www.nhs.uk and search for ‘why do medicines have expiry dates’ and learn how to dispose of unused prescribed medications safely.

For many of us, spring is a time of renewed optimism where we get outside and exercise (particularly if we have let those New Year’s Resolutions to slim down slip). 

Those with hay fever or otherwise prone to pollen and dust allergies, may not share that enthusiasm but by following NHS advice, they should be able to manage their conditions and be active outdoors.

The days are getting longer and the temperatures warmer, so let us put a spring in our step and with a few precautions, enjoy good health this season.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Dr Chauhan is a respected GP, health and social care campaigner, and champion of social justice and charity. As a local GP, he has become a powerful advocate for his patients and introduced innovative methods to improve their care. His work mentoring and employing young people has won national recognition.