With more than a month of summer left, there is plenty of time for a fun trip to the beach, park or hiking trail. Before you head out, though, make sure that alongside your water bottles, snacks and sunscreen you pack a first aid kit.
Away from home, you’re also away from your medicine cabinet and, depending on how far you go, your family doctor and convenient health care facilities. A simply stocked first aid kit can keep routine cuts, scrapes and headaches from ruining your day out.
You can either buy one at a local store or online, or just assemble one of your own customized to your family needs. A basic first aid kit should include:
- Bandages and antibiotic ointment (bacitracin, Neosporin)
- Tweezers (for splinter and tick removal)
- A pair of scissors
- A thermometer (digital)
- An ice pack or chemical cold pack
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for aches and fevers
- Medicine for allergies
- Cough and cold medicine
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Sore throat lozenges
- Hand sanitizer
Keep these watertight in a plastic container or zippered bag. And be sure to take along the phone numbers for your family’s physicians. It’s also a good idea to make sure you have health insurance cards and phone numbers.
You can make a similar kit for the house that also includes emergency preparedness items. Label it clearly and make sure everyone knows where it is.
The state Department of Health, the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) offer a range of educational materials and guidelines to help you learn more about first aid and emergency preparedness.
St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates has more than 665 physicians and advanced practitioners, in more than 100 practice locations throughout the Capital Region. We work with our patients and their loved ones to provide high-quality, compassionate care and advanced treatment options in a supportive, healing environment.
To find a health care professional to meet your needs, visit https://www.sphp.com/medical-associates/ and click “Find a Doctor.”
