Healthy Fitness features

Before we're beset with the bites, stings, cuts and grazes that typically accompany outdoor activities, it's sensible to review the contents of the family medicine cabinet. GP Martin Bell offers advice on what to keep close to hand this summer...

Summer means lots of outdoor family activities, but all too often the fun is interrupted by the need to treat minor ailments like stings and bites, cuts and grazes, and upset tummies.

Being well prepared to cope with minor accidents and ailments, whether at home or on your travels, can greatly ease the distress and inconvenience for both adults and children.

Just as we make sure there's enough food in the house, including some emergency supplies, it's sensible to have a supply of the types of medication and remedies we need to deal with common ailments and minor accidents.

This is particularly so if there are children in the house, as few things are more distressing than having an ill child who is in pain and having no way of alleviating their symptoms.

So before summer is fully upon us, now is a good time to check that the contents of your medicine cabinet and travel first aid kit are up-to-date and adequate to deal with some of the most common minor accidents and complaints.

The first job is to empty the cabinet of all the medication you have collected over the years and look for the 'use-by' date on the packets. Just like food, medication 'goes off' with time and should be disposed of if it is out of date.

At the very least, old medication is likely to be ineffective, and it may even be harmful. If in doubt - and in the case of loose tablets or capsules - put them with the out-of-date pile.

Take all the discarded items to your local pharmacist for safe disposal. Don't put them in the bin or flush them down the toilet.

Keep your medicine cabinet in a safe, dry place that is well out of the reach of children. Don't choose the bathroom, as the frequently hot and steamy conditions can cause medication to degrade.

Once you've cleared out all the old products, it's time to review what you keep in your medicine cabinet and consider adding to it.

We all know that adults and (especially) children seem to get ill on a Sunday, bank holiday or in the middle of the night and, although chemists tend to stay open longer than they used to, there are still long periods of time when it would be hard to find a local chemist that's open.

1. Pain relief. It's sensible to have a supply of paracetamol (in syrup form, such as Calpol, for children) and Ibuprofen, which tends to be particularly effective for headaches and muscle and joint pains and strains. These are both also excellent for lowering temperatures and easing the pain of sore throats, colds and flu. Note that aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 16.
2. Antihistamines, such as loratadine (Clarityn) or chlorpheniramine (Piriton), are invaluable for treating hay fever, allergies, insect bites and itching. Antihistamines can be bought as tablets, as syrup for children, and in the form of cream or sprays for bites and allergic skin reactions.
3. Anti-diarrhoea tablets, such as loperamide (Imodium). Contrary to popular belief, taking a tablet to ease diarrhoea caused by gastroenteritis or food poisoning does not prolong the illness. Anti-diarrhoea medication is not usually recommended for children unless advised by a doctor.
4. Oral rehydration sachets, such as Dioralyte or Electrolade, should be in the cabinet, particularly for children who develop diarrhoea and/or vomiting. At times like this, the child tends to lose not only fluids and therefore risk dehydration, but also body salts. Rehydration drinks, given in an amount recommended on the package, are easily absorbed by the stomach and replace the fluids and salts lost in the diarrhoea.
5. Antacids, which can be bought in the form of chewable tablets or liquid, can be taken for heartburn or indigestion.
6. Cough medicine of one form or another can be a useful addition to your medicine cabinet, although some research has found that a mixture of good old-fashioned honey and lemon is as effective as most over-the-counter cough medicines.
7. Decongestant tablets, medicine or nasal sprays can be very useful to relieve the unpleasantness of the catarrh and congested nose that comes with most coughs and colds.
8. Thermometer. It is also sensible to have a thermometer handy. These days, cheap, accurate ear thermometers can be bought that are easy to use even on small children. A very high temperature can indicate that the person concerned has more than just a simple viral illness.
9. Antiseptic and a range of plasters and bandages are essential in the medicine cabinet, especially if children are in the house. No one would expect you to be a professional nurse, but cleaning and covering a wound soon after it has occurred can often prevent later infection and aid the healing process.

Remember: always read the medication labels and do not exceed the recommended doses.

It goes without saying that, while many minor illnesses can be managed in the home with the aid of over-the-counter medications, if in doubt seek medical advice or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

When you're planning days out, especially with children, it's sensible to keep a basic travel first aid kit with you in your bag or in the car.

Some useful items from your medicine cabinet to take with you on your travels are antiseptic, plasters and bandages, pain relief medication, antihistamines and oral rehydration sachets.

In addition, make sure you have plenty of sun-block of a high enough factor and a cream for using after sunbathing.

You may also want to include a travel sickness remedy - ask your pharmacist for advice on the best remedy for your family.

If you'll be away for a longer period, and particularly if you're travelling abroad, you may want to assemble a more comprehensive first aid kit.

Health Protection Scotland's Fit for Travel website provides advice on what to include in a travel first aid kit, as well as information about carrying documentation for any personal medications you may need to take with you.

Make sure you visit your GP or travel clinic well in advance of your trip for up-to-date advice on what vaccinations and immunisations you need for the particular countries or regions you're visiting.

Other useful sources of health advice and information when planning overseas trips include the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the National Travel Health Network and Centre, and NHS Choices. Website addresses are given below.

If you are a member of AXA PPP healthcare and have any medical queries, don’t forget you can call Health at Hand service specially designed to give you expert information and peace of mind. Call free on 0800 003 004 (freephone from a UK landline). Lines are open 24/7*, 365 days a year, please remember to have your membership number to hand before you call.

Fit for Travel: Travel health information for people travelling abroad from the UK
http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/advice-for-travellers/first-aid.aspx

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Travel health
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/staying-safe/health/

National Travel Health Network and Centre
http://www.nathnac.org/travel/index.htm

NHS Choices: Healthcare abroad
http://www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/Category.aspx?CategoryID=68

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