As author Amit Kalantri once noted, “Preparation doesn’t assure victory, it assures confidence.” Confidence can be the difference between success or failure—and even life or death. Confidence in your ability to handle situations quickly, smoothly, and effectively is key to maintaining health, safety, and comprehensive wellness.
As first responders to illnesses, injuries, or medical problems at home, every household should have the bare minimum number of health care supplies on hand. Attaining a well-equipped stockpile of supplies—and knowing how to use them properly—can save time, money, and even lives. Wondering about what to have at the ready? Here is a list of must-have health care products for the home.
The Basics: Essential First-Aid Gear
When injuries occur, responding with the correct supplies is essential to staying safe. Keep the following in your kit:
- Bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, and cotton balls or swabs
- Hand sanitizer, antiseptic solutions and wipes, and antibiotic ointments
- Splints, tourniquets, and needles and thread
- Scissors, tweezers, nail clippers, and a magnifying glass
- Medical gloves and surgical masks
- Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide
- Hydration fluids and clean water
OTC Medications and Creams for Treatment
Other must-have health care products for the home include medications, creams, and supplements. Stock up on your choice of these common items in proper doses:
- Pain and fever relief: aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen
- Allergy relief: antihistamines, anti-allergens, or eye drops
- Cold, cough, and mucus relief: cough drops, suppressants, or decongestants
- Digestive relief: calcium carbonate tablets,bismuth subsalicylate, or laxatives
- Rash and skin irritation relief: calamine lotion, aloe vera, antihistamine cream, or cortisone
- Sleep aids: supplements, sedative antihistamines, or natural remedies
Medical-Grade Devices for Monitoring
Professional medical devices aren’t always intended for home settings. However, several are valuable for occasional use. Read through the items you should have within reach.
Thermometers
The most basic household medical device is undoubtedly the most essential. Having a fully-functional thermometer accessible is key to monitoring one’s body temperature and checking for a fever. Identifying above or below-normal readings can help you determine the appropriate course of action or treatment. You can choose from a variety of traditional oral thermometers, standard digital thermometers, or digital forehead thermometers.
Pulse Oximeters
In our times of the current pandemic, a pulse oximeter comes in handy to measure blood oxygen levels. Be sure to learn about pulse oximetry readings to take full advantage of its purposes. A result detecting inadequate oxygen requires prompt medical care.
Blood Pressure Monitors
Those who struggle with hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low pressure) understand the relevance of blood pressure monitors. Checking one’s blood pressure metrics on a daily basis isn’t necessary for everyone, but having a monitor on standby is a wise idea. Regular monitoring offers a glimpse into your current health, providing a little more assurance for whatever may lie ahead.
