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What’s in your first-aid kit?

10/21/2007

First-aid kits are our first line of defense during emergencies. They make a big difference in urgent situations from a trifle cold to a fatal accident.

Having a first-aid kit is essential in every home. Assemble your own first-aid kit and stock it in your house, in an easily identifiable container, placed on a readily accessible area. The container should be clean, waterproof and kept in a dry place. Make sure the items are fresh and ready to use. Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

The Red Cross recommends that all first-aid kits for a family of four include: two absorbent compress dressings, 20 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes), one adhesive cloth tape, five antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram), five antiseptic wipe packets, two packets of aspirin (81 mg each), one instant cold compress, two pairs of non-latex gloves, two hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each), scissors, roller bandages, sterile gauze pads, oral thermometer, tweezers and first aid instruction booklet.

Apart from this basic list, the rest of the medical supplies you place inside your first-aid kit should reflect your family’s specific needs and situation.

Nexcare offers wide array of bandages. Made with a latex-free material, the strip adheres to and peels off the skin easily. Nexcare also has waterproof dressings that allow the patient to bathe or wash without getting the wound wet. As an added precaution, have an extra supply of gauze and Micropore tape.

Nexcare Micropore paper tape is a sound selection as it was specifically designed for sensitive skin.

During the rainy season, cough and colds coupled with fever is prevalent. Provide quick relief with Nexcare’s newest product, the Anti-Fever Gel Patch. Each disposable sheet has a cooling effect, which lasts up to six hours. It firmly adheres to skin, allowing the patient the freedom to move. It has eucalyptus oil that emits a relaxing scent and helps relieve mental fatigue. A reusable gel pad ideal for hot and cold compresses is also available.

For utmost safety, ask your doctor for other items to include, especially if your family has asthma, allergies and other special health conditions.

When you’re feeling under the weather or sore from nicks and grazes, Nexcare provides superior protection and comfort to help you feel like yourself again.

Nexcare is a trademark of the 3M Corp. Nexcare products are available in all leading drugstores and malls nationwide. For more information, visit www.3m.com.