10 Health Essentials for Your Home

Every home needs a first aid kit, but there are also a few other things you should have besides bandages, thermometers, ice packs and maybe even a blood-pressure monitor. When doctors and other health experts were asked what things every home should have they came up with 10 essential items. Some of these items are simple, but things you probably never thought of as a “necessity.” Here are a few helpful tips on what to buy and what they can be used for:

Aspirin: Did you know Aspirin could be a lifesaver in the event of a heart attack? It’s true! Aspirin is a blood thinner so it impedes the process of blood clot formation. If you ever feel like you are having a heart attack, chew four 81mg tablets or one 325mg tablet while you wait for help.

Baking Soda: If you ever run out of toothpaste, using baking soda will do the job. Wet your toothbrush and press some baking soda on it. Baking soda is a mild abrasive and will whiten your teeth like a mild bleach.

Cigarette Rolling Papers: No, this is not to encourage you to smoke! These little sheets can help stop the bleeding if you ever cut yourself shaving. They are more effective than tissues or gauze.

Distilled White Vinegar: Ever been up all night scratching those annoying bug bites? A dab of undiluted vinegar can take the itch away. It also makes a great nontoxic cleaner when you mix it with water or baking soda.

Measuring Tape: Keep a measuring tape handy to measure the circumference of your waist every few months to keep track of your weight and risk of heart disease. Men and women who measure more than 40 inches and 35 inches, respectively, may be at higher risk for heart problems.

Meat Thermometer: This is so important to have because it prevents food-borne illness from undercooked meat. You can get a great meat thermometer for only $6!

Neti Pot: Neti pots are used to rinse your nasal passages with saline solution. This helps to relieve congestion from allergies. Use the Neti pot with only a saline rinse, distilled water or tap water that has been boiled and cooled. Be sure to rinse the pot with the same type of water once you are finished and dry it thoroughly.

Plain Petroleum Jelly: This is great for dabbing on minor cuts rather than antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin. Petroleum jelly forms a barrier against infections without the risk of allergic reactions associated with topical antibiotics.

Shea Butter: If you ever suffer from rashes or dry skin, shea butter is an excellent natural remedy. Shea butter is less likely to cause irritation to sensitive skin than other moisturizers that have multiple ingredients do. Check ingredients to make sure the product doesn’t contain fragrance, just shea butter.

Witch Hazel: Suffer from discomfort caused by hemorrhoids? Witch hazel can relieve that. You can purchase a large bottle that can also be used to relieve stinging and swelling from bug bites.

You can go to the store and purchase all of these items for about $60 total and they will be an excellent addition to you home care remedies. Keep yourself and your family safe and healthy and get shopping today!