HEALTH TOPICS

Whether you buy a first aid kit or make your own, make sure it has all the necessary items. Include personal medications. Check expiration dates regularly, and replace any used or out-of-date contents. The Red Cross recommends that all kits for a family of four include:

• 2 absorbent compress dressing (5 x 9 inches)
• 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
• 5 antibiotic ointment packets
• 2 packets of aspiring (81mg)
• 1 blanket (space blanket)
• 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
• 1 instant cold compress
• 2 pairs of non-latex gloves (size: large)
• 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets
• scissors
• 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
• 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
• 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
• oral thermometer (non-mercury, non-glass)
• 2 triangular bandages
• tweezers
• first aid instruction booklet

-Source: American Red Cross

Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, Feb 2017