New backpacks? Check.
School supplies? Check.
First-day outfit? Check.
But there’s one back-to-school task that’s easy to forget: checking your family’s medicine cabinet.
Once school starts, schedules get busier, kids spend more time together, and those unexpected runny noses, seasonal allergies, playground scrapes, and late-night fevers have a way of showing up at the least convenient time.
Before the first school bell rings, take a few minutes to give your family’s medications and health supplies a back-to-school refresh.
Check What You Already Have
Start by looking through the medications and health supplies you already keep at home. Check expiration dates and look for products that are empty or running low.
Depending on your family’s needs, you may want to make sure you have appropriate supplies for common situations, such as:
- A working thermometer
- Bandages and basic first-aid supplies
- Age-appropriate products for fever or discomfort
- Seasonal allergy products
- Supplies for minor cuts, scrapes, or bug bites
- Any medications your family regularly uses
You don’t need to stock your medicine cabinet with everything on the pharmacy shelf. The goal is simply to make sure the products your family relies on are available when you need them.
Check Prescriptions and School Medications
If your child takes a prescription medication regularly, now is a good time to check the remaining supply and available refills.
Pay special attention to medications or supplies your child may need during the school day, such as an inhaler, epinephrine auto-injector, diabetes supplies, or another prescribed medication.
School medication policies can vary. Check with your child’s school or school nurse before the first day to find out whether you need updated authorization forms, appropriately labeled medication, or additional supplies.
Taking care of those details ahead of time can save you from scrambling once school begins.
Check Expiration Dates and Dispose of Old Medications Properly
Found expired or unused medications while cleaning things out?
Don’t assume every medication should simply be flushed down the toilet or tossed into the household trash. Disposal recommendations can vary by medication.
Ask our team at Foster Corner Drug about appropriate medication disposal options in your area. We can help point you in the right direction.
Check Where Your Medications Are Stored
Despite the name, the bathroom “medicine cabinet” isn’t always the best place for medications.
Bathrooms can become warm and humid, and some medications should be protected from those conditions. Unless the product’s instructions say otherwise, medications are generally best kept in an appropriate cool, dry location.
Most importantly, keep medications and supplements securely stored out of the reach and sight of children.
Get Ahead of Back-to-School Germs
A healthy school year isn’t only about what’s in your medicine cabinet.
Back-to-school season is also a good time to reinforce everyday healthy habits. Encourage regular handwashing, adequate sleep, good nutrition, and staying hydrated throughout the day.
It’s also a good opportunity to check whether your family is up to date on recommended immunizations and discuss any questions with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Remember: Kids Aren’t Small Adults
This is especially important when choosing over-the-counter medications.
A product that’s appropriate for an adult may not be appropriate for a child. Always check the label for age restrictions and dosing instructions, and use weight-based dosing when directed.
For liquid medications, use the measuring device provided with the product rather than a household spoon. If you’re unsure how much medication to give your child, ask your pharmacist before giving it.
Put Foster Corner Drug on Your Back-to-School Checklist
Not sure which over-the-counter product is appropriate for your child’s age? Have questions about a prescription they need during school? Wondering whether something in your medicine cabinet is expired or should be replaced?
Bring your questions to Foster Corner Drug.
Our pharmacy team can help you review medications, choose appropriate over-the-counter products, answer dosing questions, and make sure your family is prepared for the school year ahead.
Back-to-school preparation isn’t just about backpacks and pencils. A little health preparation now can make those unexpected sick days, scrapes, and sniffles much easier to handle later.
