Fight Colds and Flu Symptoms with These Natural Treatments

Along with over-the-counter medications to relieve the symptoms of colds and flu, there are some effective, research-based remedies to reduce cold and flu symptoms, and in some cases help prevent the onset of colds and flu.

Before modern medicine, our ancestors had to rely on home remedies. Below are a few over foods, supplements and treatments used in the past to prevent and relieve symptoms of colds and flu. They can have their place alongside our over-the-counter drugs to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Honey – cough suppressant and antibacterial

Honey has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Honey has been found to be an effective cough suppressant. Raw honey has a variety of antibacterial properties. Honey may contain botulism spores that are usually in a small enough amount to not bother older children and adults, however: do not give to children under the age of 1. Their immune system isn’t mature enough to fight off the spores. When using honey, buy raw, local honey if possible.

Garlic – powerful antiviral

Since ancient times, garlic has been used to prevent and treat infectious diseases. Garlic in its raw form has powerful antiviral properties called active organosulfur compounds (OSCs). Evidence points to its ability to prevent viral infections, such as colds and flu. According to the Johns Hopkins website on Lupus,(lupus is an autoimmune disease) garlic should be avoided due to its active ingredients- allicin, ajoene, and thiosulfinates, which can overstimulate your immune system.

medicine bottle with purple echinacea , isolated on white

Echinacea – immune system booster

Echinacea is a flowering plant that grows in the U.S. and Canada that has been used as medicine for centuries.

Native Americans have long used the herb and root of the echinacea plant for medicinal purposes.

Echinacea contains various bioactive compounds, including alkamides, polysaccharides, and caffeic acid derivatives, which can boost your immune system and reduce inflammation.

Caution: Care must be taken if autoimmune disease is present as echinacea, by its very nature of activating the immune system, could trigger a flareup of autoimmune disease. According to the Johns Hopkins website on what to avoid when diagnosed with Lupus (an autoimmune disease), just like garlic, echinacea can overstimulate the immune system and bring on an autoimmune flare.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that plays an important roles in your body, including supporting the immune system. It is also valuable in treating respiratory and allergic responses because of its anti-inflammatory effects. It is best to get your vitamin C from foods, however that isn’t always possible.

Good dietary sources of vitamin C include:

citrus fruits
red peppers
green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli

Rosehips are a good source of vitamin C. Boil and strain rosehips and sip on the tea. Add honey and lemon juice to boost immunity, calm a cough and clear phlegm.

Probiotics – enhance immunity

Probiotics are “friendly” bacteria and yeast that are present in your body, some foods, and supplements. They support protein breakdown, fight inflammation, and enhance immune function.

Sauerkraut and other fermented vegies offer a powerhouse of health benefits. Irritable bowel patients (IBS) sufferers have reported relief of symptoms.

Probiotics can keep your gut and immune system healthy and may reduce your chance of getting sick with an upper respiratory infection and shorten duration of an infection. When purchasing probiotics, select one that has active colony forming units (CFUs) and has probiotic count in the billions.The probiotics that can help with cold and flu symptoms are in the Bacillus , Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium species.

Caution must be taken with people who are undergoing any chemo or immune therapy. Always consult your primary care provider.

Powdered collagen protein in the spoon. Glass of water

Saltwater gargle – can reduce and loosen mucus, which contains bacteria and allergens.

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a full glass of water.
Swish it around your mouth and throat.
Spit it out.

Salt pipe – an inhaler containing salt particles that provides respiratory relief. Salt pipes can be used in salt therapy, also known as halotherapy.

In the mid-1800s, Polish physician Feliks Boczkowski observed that salt miners didn’t have the same respiratory issues prevalent in other miners. During World War 2 German physician Karl Spannagel observed his patients had improved health after having hidden in salt caves

Salt pipes can be used for respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and bronchitis by reducing inflammation in airways and soothing irritated bronchus. It is also effective in relieving symptoms related to COPD and mold exposure.

Neti pots and other nasal irrigation devices for nasal congestion, sinus pressure and allergic rhinitis relief.

Nasal irrigation devices — which include neti pots, bulb syringes, squeeze bottles, and battery-operated pulsed water devices — are usually safe and effective products when used and cleaned properly. The can relief allergic rhinitis, sinus congestion and pressure. Using a saline spray or a neti pot may help clear nasal congestion and it might help with some symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection.

First, rinse only with distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water. Tap water isn’t safe for use as a nasal rinse because it’s not adequately filtered or treated. Some tap water contains low levels of organisms — such as bacteria and protozoa, including amoebas — that may be safe to swallow because stomach acid kills them. But in your nose, these organisms can stay alive in nasal passages and cause potentially serious infections. Check out the FDA site for more information on nasal irrigation.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

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Are You One of the 14 Million Living in a Pharmacy Desert?

Scenario this winter

Little girl using asthma inhaler on blurred background

All the pharmacies have shut down or are on strike within a 2-hour radius of your home. Your daughter is in the beginning states of a full-blown asthma attack. You reach for her inhaler and find it empty, and no extra cartridges are to be found. The carton of nebulizer solution is also empty. Your child is wheezing and in panic mode. You try to console and calm her down, knowing anxiety will make symptoms worse. Frantic, you call her doctor. They advise going to the ER, which is almost as far away as the nearest pharmacy. Hospitals and clinics are overrun with patients with influenza, COVID, and a new virus that hasn’t yet been identified. Desperate, you call around to clinics, trying to find inhalers and there are none to be found.

You knew she was running low on her medication-you thought you had more time; it was on your To Do List. You should have planned better.

Don’t get caught off guard when it comes to your children’s health.

Pharmacy deserts coming to a city near you

The combined closing of over 1500 pharmacies over the past 2 years (Walgreens, CVS and Rite Aid) and the gap these have left in access to medication is massive. Mail order and online pharmacies are filling the gap for chronic medications, however acute illnesses, pain medications and antibiotics are still prescribed and filled on the local level.

Pharmacies are shuttering their doors due to theft, finances, and widespread strikes. Supply chains in medications, food and everyday necessities are projected to be severely disrupted. Some medications may completely disappear altogether. We don’t make our many of our own medications in the states, so we are massively dependent upon China and India for most of our pharmaceuticals.

According to an independent study done September 2021, by Goodrx Health, 40 % of counties (representing over 41 million people) in the US are pharmacy deserts,-it takes over 15 minutes to drive to nearest pharmacy. South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, and Kansas have the largest number of counties that lack sufficient access to a local pharmacy. In addition, the white paper reveals that 80% of counties lack adequate healthcare infrastructure. Over a third of the U.S. population lives in a county where there is less than adequate access to pharmacies, primary care providers, hospitals, trauma centers, and/or low-cost health centers.

Like it or not, this is the new world we find ourselves in. This post COVID, world war 3, supply chain disruption, and medication shortages world. Add the possibility of nuclear war on the horizon. And potential food shortages. If this isn’t enough, widespread food poisonings have been reported, from contaminated onions, pork products, beef and poultry meatballs, burritos and more. (Find the complete up to date list from the FDA and bookmark this page for reference). It’s enough to overwhelm even the most organized and prepared individual.

We will need to pull all our resources, keep a cool head, and focus on priorities.

2 is 1 and 1 is none. This can mean 2 things. First- if you are using up the product (such as an inhaler cartridge), and you don’t have an extra one in for the next time it is needed, you are now down to none. Another meaning-if one cartridge fails or malfunctions and you don’t have a backup, you are down to none-. Have extra lifesaving medicine or devices on hand.

As stated above, online and mail order pharmacies can fill the gap- but not for acute medications. And because of supply chain disruptions- or altogether shutdowns- you may be forced into seeking help at the nearest hospital or walk in clinic. Which is the very last place you want to be. Is your medicine chest stocked with supplies needed for all emergencies? Check out Jase Case and Jase Daily for your emergency stock of medications.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

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Surviving a Nuclear Fallout: Vital Medications

As if the Russia Ukraine conflict wasn’t enough, all eyes and nations are focused on the escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine. Even before the October 7^th Hamas attack on Israel, experts were warning of nuclear escalation, and recently Russia revoked a ban on atomic-weapons testing, prompting the US to perform a high-explosive nuclear experiment in Nevada.

A paper published by Homeland Security describes types of nuclear attacks, what areas would be affected and what to do in the event of a nuclear detonation- both short and long term. It is highly advised you head to the website and print this document off.

Medications That Can Protect You In The Event Of A Nuclear Fallout

Potassium iodide, Prussian Blue and EDTA are the most common medications given for nuclear fallout exposure.

Potassium Iodide (KI)

(Over the counter, however, seek care provider guidance on how and when to take)

The thyroid gland cannot tell the difference between stable and radioactive iodine. KI acts to block radioactive iodine from being taken into the thyroid gland, it can help protect this gland from injury. Ingesting iodide tablets (KI) flood the thyroid gland and can protect the thyroid gland from absorbing the radioactive iodine from a nuclear incident.

It is also important to know what KI cannot do. KI cannot protect parts of the body other than the thyroid from radioactive iodine. KI cannot protect the body from any radioactive elements other than iodine. If radioactive iodine is not present, then taking KI is not protective.

How to take potassium iodide?

Only take potassium iodide if state or local health authorities suggest you do so. During an emergency, health officials will send out an announcement. Your health department will then tell you when it’s OK to take potassium iodide. They’ll also tell you when you can stop the medication.

Excerpt from FDA recommendations

How much potassium iodide (KI) should I take?

The FDA has approved two different forms of KI—tablets and liquid—that people can take by mouth after a nuclear radiation emergency. Tablets come in two strengths, 130 milligram (mg) and 65 mg. The tablets are scored so they may be cut into smaller pieces for lower doses. Each milliliter (mL) of the oral liquid solution contains 65 mg of KI. According to the FDA, the following doses are appropriate to take after internal contamination with (or likely internal contamination with) radioactive iodine:

Adults should take 130 mg (one 130 mg tablet OR two 65 mg tablets OR two mL of solution). Children who are adult size (greater than or equal to 150 pounds) should take the full adult dose, regardless of their age.
Women who are breastfeeding should take the adult dose of 130 mg.
Children between 3 and 18 years of age should take 65 mg (one 65 mg tablet OR 1 mL of solution).
Infants and children between 1 month and 3 years of age should take 32 mg (½ of a 65 mg tablet OR ½ mL of solution). This dose is for both nursing and nonnursing infants and children.
Newborns from birth to 1 month of age should be given 16 mg (¼ of a 65 mg tablet or ¼ mL of solution). This dose is for both nursing and non-nursing newborn infants.
NOTE: Newborn infants should only be given potassium iodide under the direction of a healthcare provider. Their underdeveloped thyroid is at risk for developing low thyroid. Thyroid function tests are indicated after iodide has been administered and the radioactive event has passed.

Medical conditions in which taking potassium iodide may be harmful:

Taking KI may be harmful for some people because of the high levels of iodine in this medicine.

You should not take KI if:

You know you are allergic to iodine (If you are unsure about this, consult your doctor.
A Seafood or shellfish allergy does not necessarily mean that you are allergic to iodine.
Certain skin disorders (such as dermatitis herpetiformis or urticaria vasculitis).
People with thyroid disease (for example, multinodular goiter, Graves’ disease, or autoimmune thyroiditis).

Food and drug interactions

There are no known food or drug interactions when taking potassium iodide.

Side effects of potassium iodide

When taken as directed KI has few side effects.

Some of the more common side effects are:

Skin rashes
Inflammation of the salivary glands
GI upset

Prussian Blue (Common Brand Name: Radiogardase)

(By prescription only)

Note- Do NOT ingest Prussian blue pigment sold commercially, this practice is dangerous and potentially harmful.

Prussian blue is a pill that may be used in a radiation emergency to help remove radioactive cesium and thallium from the body. Prussian blue traps radioactive cesium and thallium in the intestines and keeps them from being reabsorbed by the body. Prussian blue decreases the half-life of cesium by 33% and from 3.8 to 2.2 days for thallium, The rate of cesium and thallium elimination is proportional to the dose and duration of Prussian blue.

Prussian blue comes in capsule form, and can be taken with or without food, however it is advised to take with food to stimulate secretion of cesium or thallium.

Treatment should be initiated as soon as possible after contamination is suspected. Even when delayed, treatment is effective and should not be withheld.

Dosage:

For oral dosage form (capsules):

For cesium poisoning:

Adults and teenagers—3 grams (6 capsules) three times a day.
Children 2 to 12 years of age—1 gram (2 capsules) three times a day.
Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For thallium poisoning:

Adults and teenagers—3 grams (6 capsules) three times a day.
Children 2 to 12 years of age—1 gram (2 capsules) three times a day.
Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Notify your care provider before taking if:

You are pregnant or nursing.
Have any allergic reactions to Prussian blue coloring in foods or medications.
Arrhythmia (heart rhythm problem) or
Electrolyte imbalance—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
Blockage of the intestines or constipation.
Stomach or bowel problems—May increase risk for constipation.
Liver disease—May not work properly in patients with this condition.

Treatment may last 30 days or longer.

Food and drug interactions

There are no known food interactions.

The absorption of many drugs decreases when Prussian blue is added. Some of these are:

Carbidopa
Ciprofloxacin
Doxycycline
For a complete list check out this site

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

Skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
Fast, irregular heartbeat
Muscle pain or weakness, cramps

Mild side effects:

Blue colored stools
Constipation
Upset stomach

EDTA

Prescription medicine, given by injection into the vein (intravenously) or into the muscle (intramuscularly) when used to treat radiation and lead poisoning. It is also found in pill form.

In addition to treating poisonings by radioactive materials such as plutonium, thorium, uranium, and strontium, EDTA is used to treat lead poisoning and brain damage caused by lead poisoning.

EDTA has many other uses, from treating calcium deposits in the eye (eyedrops) to high calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia) and treating heart rhythm problems.

Drug and food interactions

Allergy to EDTA has been reported, however no interactions with food

Drugs: There are 21 known drug interactions with EDTA

Side effects

EDTA is safe when used as a prescription medicine, as eye drops, and in small amounts as a preservative in foods.
EDTA can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, low blood pressure, skin problems, and fever.
It is UNSAFE to use more than 3 grams of EDTA per day, or to take it longer than 5 to 7 days. Too much can cause kidney damage, dangerously low calcium levels, and death.

Special precautions and warnings (From RX List website):

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: EDTA seems to be safe when used in food amounts. The safety of larger amounts is unknown.
Asthma: Nebulizer solutions containing disodium EDTA as a preservative can cause the breathing tubes to narrow in some people with asthma. The size of the dose determines the amount of the narrowing.
Heart rhythm problems: EDTA might make heart rhythm problems worse.
Diabetes: EDTA might interfere with blood sugar control because it can interact with insulin.
Low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia): EDTA can decrease serum calcium levels, making hypocalcemia worse.
Low potassium (hypokalemia): EDTA can bind with potassium and increase the amount of potassium that is flushed out in the urine. This might cause potassium levels to drop too low, especially in people who have low levels to begin with. If you have this problem, don’t use EDTA.
Low magnesium levels in the blood (hypomagnesemia): EDTA can bind with magnesium and increase the amount of magnesium that is flushed out in the urine. This might cause magnesium levels to drop too low, especially in people who have low levels to begin with. If you have this problem, don’t use EDTA.
Liver problems and hepatitis: EDTA might make liver disease worse. Avoid using EDTA if you have a liver condition.
Kidney problems: EDTA can harm the kidney and might make kidney disease worse. EDTA doses should be reduced in patients with kidney disease. Avoid using EDTA if you have severe kidney disease or kidney failure.
Seizures (epilepsy): There is some concern that EDTA might increase the risk of seizure in people with epilepsy or in people who tend to have seizures. EDTA can cause severe decreases in blood levels of calcium, and this can cause a seizure.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

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Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

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Maintain or Attain a Healthy Weight

When you maintain a healthy weight, your overall health and ability to care for the sick and injured is enhanced. Preparedness isn’t just first aid and readiness during adverse weather events and home safety.

According to the CDC:

The US obesity prevalence was 41.9% in 2017 – March 2020. (NHANES, 2021)
From 1999 –2000 through 2017 –March 2020, US obesity prevalence increased from 30.5% to 41.9%. During the same time, the prevalence of severe obesity increased from 4.7% to 9.2%. (NHANES, 2021)
Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. These are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death.
The estimated annual medical cost of obesity in the United States was nearly $173 billion in 2019 dollars. Medical costs for adults who had obesity were $1,861 higher than medical costs for people with healthy weight.

It is my belief that post covid the above rate of obesity will reveal a much higher rate.

Diseases linked to obesity:

Diabetes
Fatty liver disease
Sleep apnea
Premature death
Certain types of cancer (breast, colon, prostate, and esophageal cancers)

Obesity, and even being overweight puts a severe strain on the body. Plantar fasciitis, excess wear on hip and knee joints, low back pain and even sleep apnea can be a result of excess adipose tissue.

A vicious cycle can set up in the body, where the hormones ghrelin and leptin are out of balance.

At least that is what happens in an ideal world.

Ghrelin is called the hunger hormone and is secreted by the stomach when the stomach is empty. It regulates:

Blood glucose levels through reduced insulin secretion and regulates the synthesis and breakdown of glucose and glycogen.
It reduces heat production to conserve energy.
It reduces sympathetic activity.
It plays a role in regulating bone growth
It is also highly expressed in metastatic cancer cells

Leptin is called an appetite suppressant hormone and is secreted by adipose tissue and balances the ghrelin hunger hormone. Leptin regulates:

Satiety
Metabolism- energy regulation
Immune function
Stable mood
Mental sharpness

Leptin deficiency can lead to:

Recurrent bacterial infections
Severe obesity
A condition called leptin resistance

What is leptin resistance?

During a normal feedback loop:

High levels of leptin signal your body that there are adequate stores of fat so you eat less and burn more fat. When leptin levels are low, this signals your body (brain)that you need to eat more and hold on to fat reserves in the body.

Leptin resistance happens when leptin which is stored in fat cells isn’t acknowledged by the brain. This results in increased appetite and slower metabolism.

There are many reasons believed for leptin resistance. Genetics, poor sleep habits, processed food, insulin resistance and lack of exercise are believed to contribute to this.

There are no easy solutions.

Anyone who has struggled with weight has already heard the following-

Eat more vegetables,
Increase activity
Avoid processed foods
Stabilize blood sugar
Etc. etc. etc.

However. There is much more physiology and psychology involved to this than previously thought. If it was that easy, we would all be able to easily lose weight. Emotional eating, when bored, snacking between meals and lack of meal planning can contribute to weight gain.

Solutions

Check with your primary care provider before initiating any lifestyle changes

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

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Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Other Types of Accidental Poisonings and Exposures

Other Types of Accidental Poisonings and Exposures

Accidental poisonings cover a broad spectrum of populations and exposures. From the toddler ingesting something they found in the yard to medication errors to insect bites, the routes and exposure to toxic are almost endless. Some types of poisonings may not be apparent, and can cause irreparable damage if not caught in time.

As stated in the previous post on household chemical emergencies, poison control center is the fastest way to find out about what to do if you suspect any sort of exposure. Their online tool can help identify if there is a poison emergency and what to do They even have an app you can download for your phone to expedite the process.

According to The National Poison Control Center:

In 2020, the 55 U.S. poison control centers provided telephone guidance for over 2.1 million human poison exposures.

That’s about:

6.4 poison exposures/1000 population,
37.9 poison exposures in children younger than 6 years/1000 children,
1 poison exposure reported to U.S. poison control centers every 15 seconds

Adults comprised almost half of all exposures (47%), followed by children younger than 6 (39%), then teens (8%).

Types of exposures

Our previous post on household chemical exposures details what to do if you or your loved one is exposed to common household chemicals. Below are some other types of accidental poisonings:

The most common types of poisonings in children:

cosmetics and personal care products
cleaning substances and laundry products
pain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC)
foreign bodies such as toys and toy parts, coins, and thermometers
topical preparations like rash creams
vitamins and supplements
antihistamines
pesticides
plants
antimicrobials like antibiotics

Most dangerous types of poisonings for children:

Medications– Over the counter and prescription medications- Remember, there is no such thing as a child proof container. Store all medications out of the reach of children. Do not store medicine in any container other than its original packaging.

- Carbon monoxide poisoning Not all poisons are swallowed; some are inhaled, or breathed in. Carbon monoxide gas is in fact an invisible killer. It has no color or odor. Take it seriously. Make sure there’s a carbon monoxide alarm in every sleeping area of your home.
- Button batteries (sometimes called disc batteries) can be found in musical greeting cards, remote controls, key fobs, and other small electronic devices. Be especially mindful of the 20 mm lithium coin cell battery. When swallowed by a child, especially one younger than 4 years, it often lodges in the esophagus causing burns within just 2 hours. A hole in the esophagus may develop and the burn can extend into the trachea or aorta. More than 60 children have died from ingesting button batteries.

Iron pills are very dangerous for children to ingest. A child can start throwing up blood or have bloody diarrhea within an hour of ingestion

Cleaning products (covered in previous post)

Nail glue and primer (used in artificial nails, etc)
Hydrocarbons: This is a broad category that includes gasoline, kerosene, lamp oil, motor oil, lighter fluid, furniture polish, and paint thinner.
Wild mushrooms: Many types of mushrooms grow in many areas of the country. Some are deadly to eat.
Alcohol: When children swallow alcohol, they can have seizures, go into a coma, or even die. This is true no matter where the alcohol comes from. Mouthwash, facial cleaners, and hair tonics can have as much alcohol in them as alcoholic beverages.
Drain cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners: These caustics cause devastating burns to the mouth, throat and stomach. Drain cleaners may be strongly alkaline and toilet bowl cleaners may be strong acids. If swallowed, they must be diluted immediately to limit the damage that rapidly occurs.
Topical anesthetics: These medicines can cause seizures or a condition called methemoglobinemia which keeps the blood from carrying oxygen to the tissues. Be especially careful with teething gels, hemorrhoid preparations, anti-itch creams, and sunburn relief agents.

The most common types of poison exposures in adults:

pain medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC)
sedatives, hypnotics, antipsychotics
antidepressants
cardiovascular drugs
cleaning substances (household)
alcohols
pesticides
bites -ticks, spiders, bees, snakes)
anticonvulsants
cosmetics and personal care products

What to do if suspected poisoning:

If unconscious, vomiting, seizures, or other signs of distress immediately call 911, then contact via phone, app or online tool the poison control center for guidance. Do not immediately try to induce vomiting until you contact them. Some chemicals are caustic and can cause damage to the esophagus if vomited.

Action Plan:

On the refrigerator or other conspicuous place:

Keep an envelope with a list of medications and allergies for each family member
Keep a list of medications and allergies on refrigerator for each family member
Post poison control center phone number 1-800-222-1222
Post primary care provider name and number
Speak with primary care provider about keeping syrup of Ipecac on hand to induce vomiting.

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Are You Prepared For Household Chemical Emergencies?

Almost every household has some products that contain hazardous materials or chemicals. Knowing how to handle and store these products and what to do if someone is improperly exposed to them can help reduce injury.

Prevention is key. Before an emergency occurs, make sure to store household chemicals in places where children and pets cannot get to them. Also make sure you have the national poison control number saved in your cell phone or posted common areas or near landlines.

National Poison Control Phone: 1-800-222-1222

Down below is a list of common household chemicals:

Aerosol cans – may include cleaning supplies, but also consider hairspray or deodorant as well
Nail polish or nail polish remover
Cleaning products and furniture polishes
Laundry detergent and bleach
Automotive products like oil, windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze
Flammable products like kerosene, heating oil, propane tanks and lighter fluid
Lawn and garden supplies like pesticides, herbicides and insecticides
Workshop or painting supplies like paint thinner
Common household items like batteries, mercury thermometers, and fluorescent light bulbs

Storage of hazardous or dangerous chemicals is of utmost importance. Again, only store household chemicals in places where children and pets cannot get to them. Make sure they are out of reach and have a lock or child proof fastener to prevent accidental openings.

Other storage pearls to consider:

Keep all chemicals in their original containers and never remove the labels. If a container is corroding, it should be repackaged and clearly labeled
Never store hazardous chemicals in food containers
Make sure to dispose of chemicals correctly and never mix household chemicals. For example, bleach and ammonia may react and ignite or explode.
Never use products near an open flame
Clean up spills immediately. Allow fumes in rags to evaporate in a well ventilated area or outdoors before properly disposing of them

If there is a chemical spill or emergency in your home, make sure to follow these steps:

Get out immediately if there is danger of fire or explosion
Stay upwind and away from residences to avoid further exposure and breathing toxic fumes
Monitor yourself and others for signs of toxic poisoning, which may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Changes to skin color
- Headaches or blurry vision
- Irritation of eyes, skin, throat, or respiratory tract
- Dizziness, clumsiness or lack of coordination
- Cramps or diarrhea
Call the national poison control phone number if you think someone is experiencing any symptoms.
Follow instructions from the emergency dispatcher. Do not give anything by mouth unless advised to do so.

After a chemical emergency, discard all clothing and materials that have been contaminated. Some chemicals do not wash out fully.

- Brooke Lounsbury

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

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Honey – cough suppressant and antibacterial

Garlic – powerful antiviral

Echinacea – immune system booster

Probiotics – enhance immunity

Caution must be taken with people who are undergoing any chemo or immune therapy. Always consult your primary care provider.

Saltwater gargle – can reduce and loosen mucus, which contains bacteria and allergens.

Salt pipe – an inhaler containing salt particles that provides respiratory relief. Salt pipes can be used in salt therapy, also known as halotherapy.

Neti pots and other nasal irrigation devices for nasal congestion, sinus pressure and allergic rhinitis relief.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

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Scenario this winter

Don’t get caught off guard when it comes to your children’s health.

Pharmacy deserts coming to a city near you

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Join Our Newsletter

Medications That Can Protect You In The Event Of A Nuclear Fallout

Potassium Iodide (KI)

How to take potassium iodide?

How much potassium iodide (KI) should I take?

Medical conditions in which taking potassium iodide may be harmful:

Food and drug interactions

Side effects of potassium iodide

Prussian Blue (Common Brand Name: Radiogardase)

For cesium poisoning:

For thallium poisoning:

Food and drug interactions

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

Mild side effects:

EDTA

Drug and food interactions

Side effects

Special precautions and warnings (From RX List website):

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

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