Packing up for your summer vacation? If you are driving and have the luxury of a bit of extra space, you may want to consider packing a first aid kit to take with your family. If you already keep one in your car (hello, fellow soccer/dance/volleyball moms!) then let this be your reminder to pull that kit out of your car, CHECK EXPIRATION DATES, and replenish all your used up supplies.
What’s in my kit? A handful of medicines have earned their way into my ever-ready first aid kit. Here is my top 10 list:
- Ibuprofen- for headaches, muscle aches, fevers or menstrual cramps.
- Tylenol- to supplement the ibuprofen if the ache or fever is severe.
- Antacid tablets (TUMS or Rolaids)- still the fastest relief from heartburn/stomach acid.
- Hydrocortisone cream (steroid such as Cortaid)- for anything that itches (bug bites, allergic skin reactions.)
- Triple antibiotic cream- for cuts/scrapes (after washing with water.)
- Bandaids- the GOOD kind that really stick, with specifics for knuckles, knees, and most commonly, HEELS (for those blisters!)
- Benadryl tablets- for an intense allergic reaction to food, stings, etc; also may be used to help nausea.
- ACE wrap- handy to limit swelling of a sprained ankle, knee or wrist.
- Aspirin- honestly, I only keep this in case an adult has symptoms of a possible heart attack.
- Imodium- I do NOT recommend this to stop infectious diarrhea (so do not take if you have a fever), but if you get a “nervous stomach” with the thought of flying, driving, or simply being cooped up in a car with your relatives, consider this medication to calm down your bowels.
BOTTOM LINE: These few basic first aid supplies should get you through 99% of the illnesses and injuries that crop up on your trips. Remember the creams may count as “liquids” so slip them into your airline-specified ziplock baggie if you are flying!