Spring Cleaning Should Include the Medicine Cabinet

By Roberta Kleinman|2014-05-05T09:10:01-04:00Updated: April 20th, 2011|General Information, Newsletters|0 Comments

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 a 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.


NOTE: Consult your Doctor first to make sure my recommendations fit your special health needs.

About the Author: Roberta Kleinman

Roberta Kleinman, RN, M. Ed., CDE, is a registered nurse and certified diabetes educator. She grew up in Long Island, NY. Her nursing training was done at the University of Vermont where she received a B.S. R.N. Robbie obtained her Master of Education degree, with a specialty in exercise physiology, from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a member of the American Diabetes Association as well as the South Florida Association of Diabetes Educators. She worked with the education department of NBMC to help educate the hospital's in-patient nurses about diabetes. She practices a healthy lifestyle and has worked as a personal fitness trainer in the past. She was one of the initiators of the North Broward Diabetes Center (NBMC) which started in 1990 and was one of the first American Diabetes Association (ADA) certified programs in Broward County, Florida for nearly two decades. Robbie has educated patients to care for themselves and has counseled them on healthy eating, heart disease, high lipids, use of glucometers, insulin and many other aspects of diabetes care. The NBMC Diabetes Center received the Valor Award from the American Diabetes Center for excellent care to their patients. Robbie has volunteered over the years as leader of many diabetes support groups. More about Nurse Robbie

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