Everywhere I go folks are asking me about the cold and flu kit that I suggest in my office and on radio so that you will be prepared. It WAS on the blog in the past, but nooooooooooo………………………… you guys didn’t read or take it seriously until now that there are lots of kids and adults coming down with the cold, flu and other assorted viruses. (A little Bronx guilt!!!) So, here it is again - listen up!

Do Not

• Do not use “cold” medicines as they have no discernable effects and can actually make things worse as well as be life threatening in the case of children.

• Do not use acetaminophen (Tylenol, other brands) as it may prolong the cold or flu - unless the pain, fever and aches are simply too much to bear. The same may be true for Aleve, Motrin, etc., although this class of medication (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) does control fever and pain better.

• Do not demand antibiotics from your doctor as they are near useless most of the time and can cause resistant germs to develop.

Do

• Drink lots of fluids.

• Call your doctor with questions or if fever and malaise persist.

• Get the flu vaccine! (No, it does not always work and yes, you could get a reaction which is RARE but for the 30- 40% that it helps, it can really relieve your symptoms.)

• Use salt water drops like Ocean to clear your nose.

• Get lots of rest/ sleep.

Keep these at home (they can be bought over the counter):

1. Cold Eze Homeopathic Lozenges - Take AT THE VERY FIRST SIGNS OF A COLD.

2. Sinusin by Heel - is great for nasal congestion due to colds.

3. Umcka by Nature’s Way – take for chest congestion/bronchitis.

4. Bronchalis Homeopathic by Heel - take with Umcka for Bronchitis.

5. American ginseng by Native Essence - take at the first sign of a cold. (This brand is Wisconsin grown and processed in New Mexico - not China! If you can’t find it, we can send it to you from my office. Call (480) 661- 1880.

6. Sambucol by Nature’s Way- If you DO get the flu, this Black Elderberry extract can relieve symptoms and shorten the course of your illness.

7. Oscillococcinum (homeopathic remedy) - At the very first sign of the flu, this remedy might just thwart it. A MUST when traveling as each compact tube can be packed conveniently, does not require cooling and can be taken on the plane with you.

Health & first aid supplies

- One week’s worth of medications and any necessary medical supplies, such as asthma inhalers, or diabetic insulin syringes and glucose monitor equipment, packed in zip lock bags and well sealed. Use a Sharpie pen to write the name of the family member on the outside of the bag, what it is, and dates when it expires.

- Extra prescription glasses if possible

- Traumeel cream – used to treat sprains, strains, bruises, pain, aching muscles, and inflammation

- Arnica – tablets taken under the tongue to help strains and sprains

- A spray bottle of Bach’s Flower Remedy – a safe and effective way to treat anxiety; available without a prescription

- A tube of 99 percent aloe vera gel for burns

- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

For cooking & water

- Wind-proof matches

- A small, handheld stove with fuel supply to boil water and prepare food

- At least one small pot and/or one small pan

- Freeze-dried meals in pouches (3 day supply)

- Powdered Gatorade or other hydration fluid (assume that you need one gallon per day per person for three days- more if it is a very hot summer)

- Tiny gel packs with carbohydrates for energy

- Mini water filter and one cartridge replacement, plus water treatment tabs (two small vials) Chlorine water pellets another option.

- Hydrating backpack for each adult. This is a water pouch carried as a backpack and containing water that the wearer can sip from an attached tube. There are male and female versions.

- Can opener for food

- Pet food for three days

- Paper or plastic cups, utensils and plates (camper mess kits are available in outdoor stores.)

Emergency supplies

- Waterproof plastic boxes ( 3- 35 gallon) to hold survival gear

- Reflector tape that can be applied to box

- First aid kit (many prepackaged ones are available). Should have instant ice packs.

- Headlamp for each adult and child (LEDs have little energy demand, can vary in intensity, and can blink to attract attention)

- Two battery packs (usually AAA) to replace LED and communicator batteries that fail

- Camper’s towels – ultra light microfilament (one large for every two adults and every two kids)

- Camper’s blankets, with solar reflector on one side – ultra light (one for each family member) and/ or sleeping bags for each family member

- Neck bandanas for each family member (can be moistened to assist with heat)

- Zip lock bags to store several items

- Sunglasses for all family members

- One bottle of DEET insect repellant (enough for three applications daily for each family member for one week).