Spring Cleaning should Include Your Medicine Cabinet

Springtime is always a great time to clean the rugs, upholstery and draperies, but we tend to forget about cleaning and updating something more important, like the old fashioned medicine cabinet. After inhaling an extremely spicy meal, I recently attacked my medicine cabinet at midnight for some Pepto-Bismol tablets to put out the gastric burn. Unfortunately, the tablets expired in 2009. I guess that I am lucky that I have not had a problem since then, yet I went to sleep in misery. I was negligent in updating my over–the –counter medicines and now promise to be better prepared.

People with diabetes have most of the same needs as everyone else but their cabinets should include some specialty products as well. I will list products that should be included with some name brands as well. Even with over-the-counter products, you should check with your physician to make sure that they do not interfere with your prescription medication.

1- Eye Drops- Spring can cause dry and itchy eyes and having some eye drops that replace moisture without preservatives will help. Also consider Bausch and Lomb Ocuvite Lutein advanced support tablets. This is a great supplement for people with diabetes. They are more at risk for cataracts, glaucoma, and retinopathy. Lutein has been shown to support eye health and possible improved night vision.

2- Pepto-Bismol or similar product for gastric upset and gas. We all hope it will not happen but with all the up-coming picnics and barbecues, it probably will. Consider a fiber supplement like Genesis Today, a dietary fiber supplement to help keep you regular as well as possibly lower your blood sugar (fiber makes your blood sugar rise more slowly).

3- Multi-vitamin- Research has shown that vitamin supplements can have a positive impact on our general health. A specific product offered to people with diabetes is Multi-betic multi-vitamin-antioxidant and supplement. It focuses on nutrients needed by you without the need for multiple tablets.

4- Cough and cold remedies- Although the flu season has ended, there is nothing worse than a summertime cold, sore throat or cough. Luckily, there are many diabetic friendly products available. Consider having Cepacol Sugar –Free Lozenges on hand. They have no fillers or added calories and relieve a dry scratchy throat. Diabetic Tussin Mucus relief capsules are also diabetic friendly and are easy to carry along. They loosen phlegm and thin out secretions. Diabetic Tussin DM cough Suppressant-Expectorant liquid relieves chest congestion with no sugar, alcohol and is fructose free. It helps with a cough as well. Take along Diabetic Tussin menthol cough drops and Cold-Eeze chocolate mint Lozenges for fast and portable relief. Sugar free and pleasant tasting, they do the trick.

5- Aspirin-unless you are allergic this can help with fever or pain. Consider Tylenol or Ibuprofen to complete your product line. They all do much of the same, but some are loyal fans of certain products.

Enjoy your warmer weather and stay healthy! Be prepared so life will be much easier.