It's Back to School time. We parents know that this is the real beginning of the year -- January is just for practice.

We venture into the mall or the discount store armed with our credit cards and our school supply lists, gathering markers and dorm sheets and the brand of shoes that is cool this year.

It's time to restock the medicine cabinet, too.

Whether it's been an active summer and the first aid supplies have gotten depleted, or the family have been couch potatoes and school sports are beckoning, this is a great time of year to make sure you have everything you need for those bumps and bruises, little emergencies and everyday "owies."

Here's a list of the basics:

• aspirin or acetamenophen (such as Tylenol) for pain -- check with your pediatrician before using aspirin with children
• bruise treatment (such as BruiseMD) for minor contusions and bruises
• bandages (such as Band-Aids) for scrapes and cuts -- multiple sizes are a practical idea, and bright colors can distract kids from the scrape or cut
• calamine lotion for insect bites or rashes
• sunblock for everyday use -- get kids in the habit young
• witch hazel to clean cuts and abrasions
• decongestant (such as Sudafed) for colds and allergies
• aloe vera for burns or sunburn
• a thermometer -- a fever can suggest a need for a visit to the doctor

Having these things on hand will let you get through the busy Back to School season without any emergency trips to the drugstore. The last thing you need right now is extra stress!

BruiseMD is committed to excellent natural health care. Find us at http://www.BruiseMD.com

Get Your Medicine Cabinet Ready For Back to School
By Rebecca Haden