As summer approaches, it's time to make sure that your first-aid kit is ready.  first-aid-kit

I was reminded of this last week when we attended a family party.  All the kids found their way outside the meeting hall and were playing pickup baseball in a nearby field.  Of course, my youngest took a spill on some gravel and scraped up both his knees and the palms of his hands.

There was a good-sized first-aid kit in my van, but I only had those useless little band-aids left.  I don't know why they insist on putting so many of those in each box!  I found two or three in the right size, and that was it.  Slathering on a generous portion of antibacterial cream, we made the best of it.  Then when I got home, I knew it was time to dump the whole thing and start over.

I keep first-aid supplies in my kitchen and bathroom as well as the car.  The in-house first-aid kits are easier:  a box of band-aids with a tube of antibacterial cream tucked inside.  Of course, there is a full range of other supplies in the linen closet, but for the most part, these mini-kits get the job done.

But the first-aid kit that we keep in the car has to be more extensive.  We need to have enough supplies for situations when we're not close enough to home to deal with the problem there.  So I include:

•    Adhesive bandages of varying sizes
•    Tube of antibiotic cream
•    Bug spray
•    Alcohol prep pads
•    Instant ice packs
•    Ace bandage
•    Several disposable latex gloves (in a sandwich bag)
•    Small bottle of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, both adult and children’s formulas
•    Antidiarrheal medication
•    Antacid tablets
•    Antihistamine medication (Benadryl)
•    Gauze pads
•    Self-adhering roll gauze
•    Adhesive tape
•    Matches
•    Needles
•    Cotton balls (keep in a sandwich bag to keep them clean)
•    Large bandanna to use as a sling or to hold on a large dressing (“triangular bandage”)
•    A few old washcloths and hand towels for quick cleanups or to act as splints (keep individually bagged)
•    Scissors
•    Oral thermometer
•    Bar of soap
•    Tweezers
•    Safety pins
•    Small blanket
•    Waterless hand cleaner
•    Flashlight and extra batteries

It's easy enough to keep all of these in a small backpack or duffel bag that can be completely closed and tucked under the seat or in the trunk until you need it.  It's a good idea to periodically check your kit and make sure that it's full and that nothing is expired.  And if you use something out of your car kit, keep the wrappers in your pocket so you know what to replace when you get home.

COUPON TIME

Stay healthy and safe this summer!

NEW CUSTOMERS:
$5 off and Free Shipping with a $30+ order
OR
$10 off and Free Shipping with a $50+ order at Drugstore.com
Non-prescription orders only. Can be used once per household.
Use this link to activate the offer.
Valid through: December 31, 2009

Free Bayer Contour or Breeze 2 Diabetes Monitors at drugstore.com
with rebate
Use this link for more details.
Valid through: May 31, 2009

$5 off orders of $60 or more at Puritan's Pride
Works with the Buy 1 Get 2/Buy 2 Get 3 Free offers
Use coupon code TACC560 during checkout.
Valid through: June 30, 2009, 11:59pm ET
Valid online only. Cannot be combined with other coupon codes.

25% off all Online Diets at eDiets.com
Use coupon code SAVE25.
Valid through: May 31, 2009

$10 off orders of $50 or more at Dr. Leonard's Healthcare
Valid on the Snuggie!
Use coupon code DLMOMS during checkout.
Valid through: June 2, 2009

20% off 1 item at GNC.com
Applies to the most expensive eligible item in your order!
Use this link to activate the discount.
Discount will appear in your shopping cart.
Valid through: May 31, 2009
Some exclusions apply. Offer not valid on Hot Buy, Super Saver, Strivectin, or Alli Products. Offer not valid on select fitness equipment.