5 Essential First Aid Items

Walk into any pharmacy or grocer and you will find shelf upon shelf, filled with hundreds of “over-the-counter” medications, used to treat everything from hair loss to hemorrhoids. This can make creating first aid kits and stockpiling medications a maze of confusion. “Expert” and healthcare professionals have their personal recommendations. The following are five over-the-counter items we suggest that should be bought in bulk and included in all of your first aid and emergency kits.

1) Aspirin: used to relieve pain & inflammation, thin the blood and reduce fever (should not be taken on an empty stomach).
2) Benadryl (diphenhydramine): used to treat itching, rash, allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), and is commonly found in sleep aids (drowsiness may occur with use).
3) Pepto-Bismol: used to treat indigestion, nausea, heartburn and diarrhea. This is essential in the treatment and prevention of Dehydration.
4) Neosporin: Antibiotic ointment for cuts scrapes and burns.
5) BFI Antiseptic First Aid Powder: Powder used for cuts, scrapes, rashes and burns. Keeps wounds from oozing and dry preventing infection and chaffing. Has a long shelf life and is lightweight.

No first aid or emergency kit is complete without these five ingredients, they are inexpensive, easy to find and all treat a variety of health issues. These items will provide a solid foundation on which to build your families first aid program.

*When stored properly, most drugs are “good” (meaning within a reasonable range of their original potency – usually 90%) for years beyond the labeled expiration date when stored properly. Most tablets and capsules require a cool, dark, and dry storage environment (low oxygen is also good).

**None of the foregoing is a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medications. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on BeFoundAlive.com. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

Stay healthy, mind-body-spirit! -Z