Are you tired of making the same promises to yourself every year about going to the gym or cutting out desserts? How about trying something new and easy – cleaning out your medicine cabinet! Take a moment to dispose of any nearly finished prescriptions, leftover Tums, multi-symptom cold and flu meds, Pepto-Bismol, and Lactaid.
These items serve as reminders of how well you have taken care of yourself and your family in the past. By identifying the root causes of our daily aches, pains, and chronic conditions, we can minimize the need for medication. It’s also important to note that common over-the-counter drugs can have their own side effects, such as antihistamines causing low blood pressure and heart rate or NSAIDs causing gas and bloating. It’s crucial to be mindful of this when taking medication.
Here are some tips to help you reduce your reliance on drugs in the upcoming year. Remember to consult a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about necessary medication.
1. Get rid of any over-the-counter sinus relief and cough drop medications, as they are not effective. However, do not throw out expired medication, as most of them remain safe to use for a few years after the expiration date. Just make sure to keep important medications like insulin and epi-pens up-to-date for safety purposes.
2. Take a moment to reflect on how often you have used each over-the-counter medication this past year. If it was only once or twice, put it back on the shelf. If you find yourself relying on a certain medication frequently, consider making small changes to your lifestyle to reduce your need for it. For example, if you are constantly using Aleve or Tylenol for headaches, look into stress-reducing activities like forest bathing or drinking more water. If you find yourself reaching for Dulcolax often, try incorporating more fiber into your diet. Drinking more water can also help with constipation, overeating, and headaches. Exercise can also have a positive impact on conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and insomnia. Additionally, proper nutrition can help alleviate headaches and other symptoms.
3. Many times, the symptoms we experience, such as rashes, headaches, dizziness, and nausea, are side effects of the medication we are taking. It is important to consider this and discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you suspect a certain medication may be causing these symptoms. In some cases, the doctor may be able to change the medication or suggest alternative treatments. It is also important to read the labels of any medication you take to be aware of potential side effects.
4. Sort your prescription bottles into two groups – those you are currently using and those that are leftover. It is important to dispose of any unused medication properly, especially medications like anxiety meds, antibiotics, and pain meds, which can be harmful if used by someone else.
5. Organize any remaining prescription bottles by condition, such as insomnia, diabetes, or asthma. If you have a resolution related to one of these conditions, such as managing your arthritis without medication, look into non-drug strategies and dietary changes. 6. Lastly, instead of relying on medication for discomfort, consider seeking advice from a hospital for alternative ways to manage your symptoms.
By following these steps, your medicine cabinet should be significantly emptier and reflect your commitment to good health. You can take pride in getting rid of expired medication and only keeping the essentials. Let’s hope that by next year, your medicine cabinet will be just as sparse.