Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Tips from Rachael Ray and Dr. Wallace- Is Your Medicine Cabinet Hurting Your Health?


1)  Prescription and Over-the counter meds.  Meds aren't meant to be stored in a sauna! The heat and humidity can degrade tablets or dissolve gelcaps.  FIX IT:  Move all of your meds to a cool, dry place.

2)  Leftover Antibiotics.  If you followed doctor's orders, you shouldn't have any leftover antibiotics.  are designed to kill the bacteria making you sick; if you stop taking them as soon as you start to feel better, any bugs still in your system could become resistant.  FIX IT:  Finish you antibiotics, but if you do have stragglers, toss them immediately.

3)  Expired stuff.  Okay, over-the-counter pills, maybe a month past due is okay, beyond that, getting a fresh bottle will give you peace of mind.  Old prescriptions and expired sunscreens need to go right away.  FIX IT:  Start the new year by cleaning out your medicine chest.  Check dates on everything, get rid of stray meds or anything that looks or smells funny.  If topical medications have separated, toss them.

4)  Contact Lens Case.  The good news:  Keeping the case in the medicine chest protects it from the microscopic unmentionables that spray when you flush the toilet.  The caveat:  You should leave the empty case open to air dry, so bacteria don't grow in the moisture--so make some extra space on your shelf.  FIX IT:  Replace your case at least every three months to lower the risk of contamination and infection.

Thanks Rachael, however; you forgot about the toothpaste!!!  Fluoride is air soluble.  Capping the toothpaste tube after use protects it from those microscopic unmentionables sprayed from your toilet, preserves the effectiveness of the fluoride and may help keep the counter top cleaner.  FIX IT:  If you open it, shut it!!!  Keep the lid on the toothpaste!!!

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