Health Corner

As the weather gets cooler and fall turns into winter, many of us start preparing our homes, cars, and closets for the changing season. But there is another area that deserves a little attention: your medicine cabinet.

Fall and winter often mean stocking up on over-the-counter medicines for colds, coughs, congestion, allergies, and other common seasonal illnesses. Before heading to the store for new products, take a few minutes to look through what you already have. Check expiration dates and get rid of medications that are expired, damaged, or no longer needed. Keeping only current medications on hand can help prevent confusion and reduce the risk of accidentally taking something that is no longer appropriate to use.

This is also a good time to review your regular prescription medications. Make sure you have enough medication to get through the upcoming weeks and that prescriptions are refilled before you run out. Winter weather can sometimes make travel more difficult, so planning ahead can help prevent an unexpected trip to the pharmacy when roads are icy or conditions are poor.

While cleaning out your medicine cabinet, don't forget about the bottles and containers themselves. Remove old prescription labels or personal information before discarding empty bottles. If you are unsure how to dispose of a medication, especially prescription medication, look for a medication take-back or disposal option rather than simply putting it in the trash or flushing it down the toilet or drain.

Community members can utilize the medication disposal services offered by the Town of Denton Police Headquarters, located at 100 N. Third Street, Denton. These services provide a safe option for getting rid of unwanted or expired medications.

Medication safety doesn't stop with the medicine cabinet. Keep all medications, including over-the-counter products, vitamins, and prescriptions out of the reach and sight of children. Child-resistant packaging is helpful, but it should not replace safe storage. Remember that medications can look like candy to young children, and even medicines intended for children can be harmful if taken incorrectly.

If your household uses needles or other sharps, proper disposal is important as well. Used sharps can be placed in a sturdy, thick plastic container, such as an empty laundry detergent bottle. Make sure the container is not easily punctured, do not overfill it, and seal it securely with heavy-duty tape when it is ready for disposal. For household sharps, properly sealed containers can be placed in the regular trash. Never place loose needles or sharps directly into a trash bag or recycling bin.

A few minutes spent cleaning and organizing your medicine cabinet now can make a big difference later. As you prepare your home for cooler weather, make medication safety part of your seasonal checklist. Check it, clean it out, refill what you need, and store everything safe before winter arrives.