De-Clutter Tips for Volume 3,  April 2006

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 - De-cluttering tips from Kathryn

This past month my home has been invaded by a ridiculously contagious, completely debilitating and absolutely nasty cold virus. In my efforts to soothe myself and my poor sick toddler, I dragged myself to the medicine cabinet for relief. Oh dear, what a mess.

I confess it wasn’t pretty. And because of my little compulsive problem, I tackled the situation head-on; all wrapped up in my ultra-glamorous flannel pj’s with a box of tissue under one arm. Now I am pleased to say I am at peace with another small clutter trap in my home. So I have gathered up some tips and tricks for us to share, and this month I encourage you to organize the medicine cabinet/first-aid center in your space.
Do not keep medications and vitamins in a bathroom medicine cabinet because the humidity is terrible for the lifespan of pharmaceutical products. The laundry room can be a great alternative.

A well labeled tote, basket or other suitable container makes taking the supplies to the scene of the accident, or sick person even easier.

Keep it up high out of reach of children and pets, even if little ones are just occasional visitors. Under the bathroom sink or in the bathroom vanity drawers is not a good idea.

Keep a good quality first aid book (like the BC Health Guide available at most pharmacies) or sheet of instructions with your supplies. On the cover or first page place a big label with each family member’s allergies, any health issues, immunization records, and Medical Card numbers.

Equally vital is contact information for your family doctor, local hospital, walk-in clinic, health care plan provider and the BCNurseLine 24 hour toll free number 1-866-215-4700. (This is a great resource available to BC’ers for any 4 am emergency questions)
Clean out your current supplies and make sure you have the minor emergency essentials; thermometer, band-aids, gauze, tweezers, tensor bandage, hydrogen peroxide or antiseptic ointment, bee sting kit, insect bite cream, after-burn cream, sunscreen, bug repellent, antacids, antihistamines etc.

Remove any prescription drugs that are old or that you no longer take. Check the expiry dates on non-prescription drugs and remove those that are outdated as well. If you don't know if a drug is still good, check with your pharmacist.

Do not put out-of-date or unused medication in the garbage or down the toilet or sink! Check to see if your pharmacy has a drug recycling program that disposes of unused or expired drugs in an environmentally safe manner. Most pharmacies do and programs exist to incinerate unused drugs.

Another good idea is to have a quick Grab Bag of minor first aid emergency and illness remedies on hand for traveling. It is really nice to have it done and ready to go into your suitcase so when your sweetheart finally gets wise and plans a surprise trip for you to the tropics and packs your bag for you to complete the fantasy, it’s that much easier for him or her.

That said, all this is much more effective if you give your family a tour of what you have done so that if you are the one to fall ill they will be able to help you and maybe even help themselves safely too.

So wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough, and if you do get sick stay home and organize. Stay well, healthy and happy!