The family medicine cabinet should not be absent.

Although important and necessary for health care, many families in Hai Duong have not paid attention to equipping a family medicine cabinet.

Family medicine cabinet is the first step in health care and protection but has not received much attention.

Change your mind

Ms. Dao Thi Huyen's family in Tan Binh ward ( Hai Duong city) has a father-in-law who is nearly 80 years old and two young children. Previously, she paid little attention to having a medicine cabinet in the house. She simply thought that the house was in the center, near a pharmacy, so it would be convenient to buy it if needed. Therefore, she did not have the habit of stocking up on medicine and medical equipment in the house. However, her thinking changed during storm No. 3 that occurred in September 2024. When it rained heavily and the wind was strong, her 3-year-old son suddenly had a high fever.

Ms. Huyen said that at that time, although the family did not have a medicine cabinet, they still had leftover fever-reducing medicine from the previous purchase. After taking it, the child's fever subsided, but only lasted 2-3 hours before the fever returned. "That night, I was confused with worry. Outside, it was raining heavily and the wind was strong. Inside the house, the child had a high fever and the medicine was gone. Waiting until morning was not safe and going to the emergency room right away was very difficult, so the only way I could do was to apply a towel to the child," Ms. Huyen recalled.

Near dawn, Ms. Huyen's family was able to take the child to the hospital. After examination, the doctor concluded that due to the high fever that had not been reduced in time, it had affected her breathing and she had to be hospitalized. If at that time, there had been fever-reducing medicine in the house to reduce the fever, Ms. Huyen's child's illness would not have worsened. After that time, she paid attention to preparing spare medicine and equipping the family with a small medicine cabinet.

Although he is over 60 years old, Mr. Nguyen Huu T. in Vinh Hoa commune (Ninh Giang) has no concept or image of a family medicine cabinet even though he has an underlying disease. Mr. T. said that every time he is sick, he goes to the pharmacy in the commune center to buy medicine. Sometimes, he also buys extra basic medicines to prevent coughs, fevers, and flu. All are kept in the cabinet.

Family medicine cabinets are usually placed high up, out of reach of children.

Mr. T. lives alone, sometimes his son and his wife send their grandson home for him to look after. His grandson is mischievous, so he often falls, scratches his arms and legs, sometimes even bleeding. At times like that, Mr. T. is confused, not knowing what to do.

Once, he used a towel to bandage his grandson's wound. However, because the towel was not clean, the wound became infected and did not heal. Recently, Mr. T. was advised by his son and his wife to have a small medicine cabinet in the house, stocked with some basic medicines and necessary medical equipment and supplies. "I think it is reasonable because there are only two grandparents and grandchildren in the house, if the grandson has a cough or fever, it is difficult to go buy medicine right away. I also have some underlying diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. Although I have not had to be treated, it still makes my health not good, and I often get sick. Every time I get sick, I have to go buy medicine, which is inconvenient," said Mr. T.

Necessary

A family medicine cabinet is very practical and useful when storing basic medicines for first aid, quick treatment when there are health problems or minor injuries in daily life. From there, it contributes to minimizing unnecessary risks, ensuring emergency and treatment are convenient and safe. A family medicine cabinet is the first step to help care for and protect health. Society is increasingly developing, quality of life is improving, people pay attention to health care. However, equipping a family medicine cabinet is still not really focused on.

According to Master, Pharmacist Nguyen Chinh Khoa, Director of Hai Minh International Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Thanh Ha), nowadays, there are more and more drug stores, people can easily buy non-prescription drugs outside of stores and pharmacies. However, maintaining a family medicine cabinet is very necessary because it can proactively handle when health problems or minor injuries arise, especially for families with elderly people and young children.

Besides equipment, care and maintenance of family medicine cabinets are very necessary.

The family medicine cabinet can store basic medicines such as pain relievers, fever reducers, anti-inflammatory drugs, cold and cough syrups, antiseptics, digestive drugs, etc., or massage oils, eye drops, and topical creams. In addition, the medicine cabinet also stores common medical equipment such as thermometers, blood pressure monitors, hot packs, etc. When equipped with a family medicine cabinet, it is also necessary to take care of and clean the cabinet regularly. Remove old, expired medicines and add new ones. The medicine cabinet must be placed in a high, cool place, out of reach of children.

In addition, family members need to learn basic medical knowledge to use the family medicine cabinet effectively. In particular, it must be noted that the family medicine cabinet is only used for first aid, treating minor illnesses, and cannot replace long-term treatment. If the family medicine cabinet is cared for and used effectively, it will contribute to reducing the pressure of disease.

HOANG LINH

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/khong-nen-thieu-vang-tu-thuoc-gia-dinh-413864.html