KEEP A MEDICINE CHEST

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 June 1938, Page 4

KEEP A MEDICINE CHEST

A WISE PRECAUTION. Accidents and illnesses occur in every home, and it often happens that the one thing required in a hurry is not in the house. It is, therefore, wise to keep a medicine-cupboard stocked with those things likely to be wanted in an emergency, as well as those used frequently. Here is an example, containing most of the things likely to be wanted in a family with children, with a few notes on the use of some of the medicines. 1. Applications for external use:— (a) Antiseptics: Lysol—for use in disinfecting utensils, hands, etc! lodine — for wounds and inflammation. lodine must only be painted on the part, never applied on a dressing and left, as it will blister the skin. Boracic—as a dusting powder, or for making an eye lotion. Glycerine and thymol—for a gargle or mouth wash. (b) Dressings: Roll of lint; 1-inch and '2-inch bandages; roll of cotton wool; safety-pins; adhesive plaster; scissors. Boxes of prepared dressings and plaster, suitable for small wounds, can now be obtained from all chemists. (c) Calamine lotion —excellent for all skin irritations, such as bites, sunburn, heat rashes, etc. (d) Vaseline. (e) Embrocation—for muscular strains and bruises, etc. (f) Camphorated oil, or one of the proprietary ointments —for rubbing on the chest in cases of heavy cold. (g) Re-distilled glycerine—a few drops of this will relieve simple cases of earache rapidly. Severe earache calls for medical attention. (h) Oil of cloves—relieves toothache temporarily. 2. Medicines for internal use: — (a) Aperients —every one will have her own special variety of these, but here are three useful ones: Cascara — liquid or pill. Paraffin —for chronic cases. Confection of senna —very useful for children. (b) Soda-mints, or any other tablets or powder containing bismuth or soda bicarbonate —for indigestion. (c) Aspirin, preferably combined with caffeine —for relieving headaches, toothache, and other simple aches and pains. Also quite useful to take at night when beginning a cold. (d) Glycerine (already mentioned) mixed with equal quantities of lemon and honey—an excellent sedative for tickling coughs. It is not advisable to keep a large stock of medicines, such as tonics and cough mixtures, for it is best to buy them as they are required. This list is only intended as a guide, and can be added to or shortened according to individual requirements. Many people will have certain tried remedies of their own, to which they will be wise to stick, but this list will prove useful to those who have not yet started a medicine chest.