Is your medicine cabinet back-to-school ready?
This year, pharmacist advises that you may want to
change how you prepare for cold and flu season
Kids will bring home more than homework now that they’re back in school. Brace yourself for
disease-causing germs, cuts, bites, scrapes and other maladies by keeping your medicine cabinet
well organized, up-to-date and fully stocked. “Parents should start by cleaning out and
organizing their medicine cabinets. Having remedies handy, exactly when you need them, will
help relieve the stress of caring for a sick child,” advises holistic pharmacist Sherry Torkos.
She advises that you start by doing the following:
 Choose a cool, dry storage place. “Bathroom cabinets are okay as long as they don’t get
warm and steamy during baths and showers. Many products degrade when exposed to
humidity and warm temperatures.”
 Check expiration dates. “Toss any expired products. Many pharmacies offer safe
medication disposal.”
 Safely secure all medications and supplements if there are young children in the
house. “Lock these products in a high cabinet.”
 Carefully review all labels. “Now is a good time to remind yourself of any precautions.
Many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs have warnings regarding their use in those who have
serious medical conditions such as heart, kidney or liver disease.”
 Understand dosing instructions. “Some products for children are dosed by weight or
age. Others are not safe or recommended for children.”
Here’s what Torkos says parents might want to include, and avoid, in a medicine cabinet
makeover:
 For bruises and muscle strains: “Arnica, available in tablets or gel, is a homeopathic
remedy that can be used for treating minor bruises and muscle strains. It can reduce pain
and swelling and speed healing. Keep a flexible cold pack handy to manage pain and
swelling from an acute minor injury such as a strain or sprain. Acetaminophen or
ibuprofen can help treat aches and pains.”
 For colds and flu: This year, you may want to stock up on a specific OTC Echinacea
preparation. Results of a landmark randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial,
published in the journal Current Therapeutic Research, found that Echinaforce Hot Drink
was as effective as the prescription antiviral medicine Oseltamavir (Tamiflu) in early flu
cases. The proprietary combination of concentrated Echinacea herb and root extract
safely and effectively reduced symptom severity and duration. “As a pharmacist I am
routinely asked about strategies for prevention and management of influenza. The use of
antiviral medications is limited by access (a prescription is required), high cost and the
development of resistance. This new study on Echinaforce Hot Drink gets the attention of
the medical community because it was of high quality and yielded statistically significant
results. The use of Echinaforce Hot Drink has the potential to impact the lives of many
people and save the health care system of the burden brought on by influenza.”
 For bug bites: Hydrocortisone creams help with the itching, swelling and redness. But
surprisingly they can cause kids’ skin to itch, burn, dry out and change color. A natural
alternative is an ointment that contains tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is antiseptic, anti-bacterial
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and anti-viral. It helps take the sting and itch out of bug bites, and it’s good for minor cuts
and irritations.
For sore throats: Buckwheat honey is great for managing a sore throat. It contains
antioxidants and nutrients that help speed healing. It also lubricates and soothes a sore
throat. Buckwheat honey can be given to children age one year and over, and is available
in most health food stores. Throat sprays with Echinacea, sage and pepperment can also
help.
For eczema/skin rash: Oatmeal baths can help relieve dry, itchy skin. Add 2 cups of
ground colloidal oatmeal (not breakfast oatmeal) to a tub of warm water (hot water can
further dry out and irritate skin). Then apply a moisturizer with soothing and hydrating
ingredients such as vitamin E, aloe and lavender.
For nausea, upset stomach: Studies show that the very potent anti-inflammatory
compounds called gingerols found in ginger can help relieve motion sickness, dizziness,
nausea and gas, and soothe the intestinal tract. You can find supplemental ginger in
chewables and gummies in pharmacies and health food stores.
With these products readily available, you may be able to resolve many of your child’s typical
health issues quickly and easily.
For additional information about Echinaforce Hot Drink, visit http://www.avogel.ca/en/.
Media Note: For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Sherry Torkos,
contact Media Relations, Inc. at 952-697-5220.
Biography: Sherry Torkos
Sherry Torkos is a pharmacist, author, and certified fitness instructor. As a leading health expert,
she has delivered hundreds of lectures to medical professionals, and is frequently interviewed on
radio and TV talk shows throughout North America and abroad. Sherry has authored 18 books,
including Saving Women’s Hearts, The Canadian Encyclopedia for Natural Medicine, The
Glycemic Index Made Simple, Winning at Weight Loss and Breaking the Age Barrier.