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Organize medicine bottles


11 Medicine Organization Ideas

By

Maria Sabella

Maria Sabella

Maria Sabella is a freelance writer at The Spruce and an E-Design consultant and decorator passionate about inspiring and empowering others to create their dream home. She has spent the last six years working in the interior design and staging industries, as well as writing digital content focused on home-related topics.

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Published on 09/07/22

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If you've noticed vitamins, Bandaid boxes and cough syrup bottles taking over cabinets, drawers and surfaces all around your home, it may be time to get your medicine and medical supplies organized. A good organizational system will mean that they're stored away safely, are easy to access and quick to find when needed. The first step to organizing everything is to gather it all in one spot. Next, go through all the assembled items and check their expiration dates — you may be surprised at how much room expired bottles and boxes have been taking up!

Once you have done so, divide the medicine and various supplies into categories that make sense to you. This could be vitamins, medicine that is used every day, children's medicine, first aid items, pain relief and so on. Depending on how many categories you have and how large each is, you'll be able to determine what storage system or containers will work best for your needs. Here are 11 of our best tips and ideas for medicine storage and organization.

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The Easiest way to Organize Medicine Bottles

Question:
Please help! I have two large shoes boxes overflowing with medicines. I’m sure a few of them have expired, but most are here to stay. The bottles are 85 different sizes. We’ve got supplements, vitamins, and OTC meds for every occasion. And, don’t get me started on the pet medicines. I know this problem is going to spiral out of control when we start having kids. Do you have a good way to sort & store these?

Answer:
This is an area that I have always struggled with organizing.   I seriously think that medicine companies should be required to all have the same size & shape bottles.  It is so hard to organize them when, like you said, they “are 85 different sizes”!
When we moved a year ago I bought this sliding storage container and organized all of our medicines.  Over the year though we have started purchasing different pain meds for Malea (now that she’s a toddler and no longer an infant), my husband broke his face last year so that required more meds, I’ve had like 6 sinus infections this year so I’ve bought stuff to try to help me with that, etc., the list goes on…  So basically this sliding storage container is no longer big enough for all of our stuff and, as you can see, it is FAR from organized!

While I was doing some shopping I came across these great storage boxes.  I bought 4 of them, one for each category of medicine: Malea’s Meds, Pain Meds, Cold & Sinus, Ice Packs & Wraps.  I store our vitamins in the kitchen so that we remember to take them everyday but if you have vitamins and pet meds that need to be stored, you will need to buy a few more containers.

Here’s my little helper.  This is her saying “cheese.”

Step 1: Categorize all of your medications.  Like I mentioned above categorize them into groups: Pain Meds, Cold & Sinus, Ice Packs & Wraps, etc.

Step 2: Make sure to check the expiration date on each item in the medicine box.  You don’t want to use anything that has expired.  I was SHOCKED to find that some of the meds I had just bought in the last year were already expired!

Here’s Malea helping me check dates. 🙂

This was by far the worst expiration date I found.  Can’t believe I didn’t catch it before now!  It only expired 9 years ago!!!

This is my stash of expired meds, WAY bigger then I thought it would be.

This pile also contains all of the bulky boxes that were in my medicine box before.  All boxes do is take up unnecessary space.  Take things out of the boxes and you’ll be surprised how much easier they fit!

 Step 3: Properly label each box.

Bust out the label maker, or if you don’t have one, a permanent marker.   When you’re not feeling well and you need some medicine you are not going to want to have to guess which box is the one you need, and you definitely don’t want to be taking any of your pets meds!  So take a couple of minutes and properly label each box.

Here’s what mine look like:

I also bought this small set of plastic drawers for all of our little random things.  I always have such a hard time getting band aids out of the box so–I know it doesn’t sound organized–but when I buy a box of band aids I dump it in the band aid drawer and it makes them much easier to access when I need one.  I also have a drawer for Neosporin, poison oak cream, etc.  Ointments are too small for a whole box so I gave them their own drawer instead.

The only things that wouldn’t fit in the boxes were the alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.  I have plenty of room in my linen closet (where I keep all of our meds) so I just placed them next to everything else.

I am very happy with the transformation and I think it will be SO MUCH easier to keep these boxes organized.

How do you organize your medicine bottle? I’d love to hear your ideas.

 

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ECO point Nizhny Novgorod | #greenlower

Report on collected recyclables at Ecopoints for
2020 (download), 2021 (download), 2022 until 30.09 (download).

Every year a resident of Russia produces 400 kilograms of waste . So, about 70 million tons of garbage is generated throughout the country, which is taken to overflowing landfills. But a waste disaster can be avoided by starting to engage in separate collection, which allows you to recycle up to 90% of all waste.

The main goal of the project Eco The point is to reduce the amount of garbage that accumulates in landfills, pollutes the air and water. By handing over secondary raw materials for processing, we literally give it a second life and do less harm to nature. For example, a ton of waste paper from which new products are made helps save 17 trees and almost 65 liters of water. And to make an aluminum thing from scratch, you need 95% more energy than to produce it from recycled metal. nine0003

Separate collection has a positive effect on people's lifestyle and makes them reconsider their attitude to consumption. A person becomes less prone to spontaneous spending, pays more attention to what he buys and in what packaging. It's also a good opportunity to save money on things you don't really need.

In general, recycling is an important part of the concept of conscious consumption. It suggests that you need to buy fewer things and choose products without packaging, refuse everything disposable and buy high-quality things that last, and also recycle all the garbage that can be recycled. nine0003

also We are ready to organize a separate waste collection in the office and in the business center - learn more about this

What can be handed over for processing in

ECO

9000 9000

What you can donate: newspapers, books, office paper, albums, notebooks and leaflets, as well as boxes and cardboard, including corrugated. Paper packaging marked 20, 21 and 22 (PAP).

Items not to be returned: paper cups and any disposable paper utensils that are film-coated, mixed packaging (Tetra Pak). Photographs, receipts and other thermal paper, wallpaper, toilet paper and napkins, egg cartons and cellulose cups, baking paper, as well as dirty - greasy or oily. Cardboard sleeves and bushings, cardboard with traces of oil stains and bitumen are also not accepted.

What can not be handed over: any metal and plastic elements must be pulled out of the paper, the sheets must be stacked, and the boxes must first be disassembled. It is better to fold the cardboard in a separate stack from the paper. nine0003

Where is recycled paper used? Manufactures: toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, cardboard, egg cartons, roofing materials, drywall, etc. It can be added that all this is processed in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

Plastics and films Stretch, LDPE

There are 7 types of plastic, each with its own marking. She usually looks like triangle with a number or abbreviation inside.

What you can take:

  • PET (indicated in the triangle by the number 1 or 01 or the abbreviation PET) - it is used to make bottles for drinks, detergents without sprays, cosmetics, sauces, etc. Colors: transparent, blue, green, brown. We do not accept: from under vegetable oils, white, black and bright green colors).
  • HDPE (indicated in a triangle by the number 2 or 02 or the abbreviation HDPE, PEHD) - usually used for cosmetics bottles and packaging of household chemicals, canisters. nine0073
  • LDPE and stretch transparent films (abbreviation LDPE) - shrink film, food wrapping film, greenhouse film, etc.

What can not be handed over:

  • Plastic with markings 3 (PVC) - window frames, blisters, packaging for pills, often cakes and cottage cheese, shrink wrap, toys.
  • 5 (polypropylene) - bottle caps, pails and pails, yogurt cups, lens packaging, rustling plastic packaging. nine0073
  • 7 (O, Other) - a mixture of various plastics or polymers. For example, packaging for cheese, coffee, pet food.
  • ABS - pickup trucks, bumpers, housings for power tools and household appliances, stationery, sporting goods, toys, garden tools, etc.
  • Any biodegradable plastic, as well as foil packaging, tubes and doy-packs (soft packaging for mayonnaise and other sauces).

How to donate: be sure to wash and dry everything, crush PET bottles. nine0003

Where is recycled film and plastic used? The scope of the use of recycled plastic waste is extensive: from the manufacture of clothes and shoes, furniture and so on to the construction of houses.

Glass

Items to donate: jars, bottles, vials and vials.

Items not to be handed in: glassware, ceramics and crystal glassware, car and optical glasses (such as glasses), medicine jars, broken glass and light bulbs. nine0003

How to donate: labels do not need to be peeled off, the main thing is that the glass is clean, unbroken and without covers.

Where is recycled glass used? Recycled glass is most often used to produce fiberglass, tiles, glass tiles, abrasives, glass containers, and so on.

Aluminum can

What can be returned: jars of lemonades and low-alcohol drinks, capacity from 0.33l. up to 1 l.

Items not to be returned: bottles of deodorants, paints and disinfectants.

Where is recycled aluminum can used? Secondary aluminum is used in the production of furniture, building materials, automotive, aircraft.

Batteries

What you can donate: all types of batteries used in everyday life (alkaline, lithium, silver).

What can not be returned: car batteries, damaged batteries and accumulators. nine0003

How to donate: Put batteries in a bag to prevent leakage, no more than 10 pieces per customer.

What happens after batteries are recycled? The following materials are obtained from recycled batteries: carbon, manganese, zinc, iron - a range of uses in metallurgy, in the manufacture of electrical appliances, in agriculture, etc.

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How to organize a toilet for a bedridden patient - Pro Palliative

A seriously ill person, especially one who has to stay in bed all the time, often cannot go to the toilet in the usual way. How to organize this process so that everything is convenient, ethical and meets the physiological needs of a seriously ill person, was told by Kristina Osotova , a care specialist at ANO "Care Workshop". nine0003

The article was prepared based on the materials of the webinar.

A bit about anatomy

Urination allows us to remove various "waste" from the body. In women and men, the urinary system is the same: there are kidneys, ureter, bladder and urethra.

To understand whether urination is normal, you need to control diuresis - the ratio of the total amount of urine excreted over a certain period of time to the total volume of fluid consumed. Liquids in this case include water, drinks, soups, vegetables and fruits, as well as berries, ice cream and drugs that are administered through droppers. nine0003

How to calculate diuresis correctly:

  • Measure the volume of dishes from which your ward eats and drinks.
  • Record how much liquid he has taken in different forms.
  • Collect the urine that the ward passes out in a separate container with a measuring scale. Calculate its volume.
  • After the allotted time (for example, a day), calculate the total amount of fluid consumed and multiply by 0. 8.

How to choose the right diaper for absorbency Why it is not always justified to simply buy a product with maximum absorbency and why it is wrong to focus on the number of drops drawn on the package

Normally, a person excretes about 80% of the entire liquid that he has consumed per day. If your ward excretes much less/more than normal, this is a reason to see a doctor.

If a person excretes more at night than during the day, this indicates a possible heart failure or impaired kidney function, this is also a reason to talk with a doctor. nine0003

The color, texture of urine and the nature of urination

The density, acidity, presence of bacteria in the urine can only be determined using laboratory tests. But there are a few clear signs of problems that you can simply see.

Normal urine in a healthy person is from straw yellow to dark yellow

color, it does not have a strong odor. The appearance of a more intense dark yellow color indicates that the person has edema or dehydration. Any impurities of a reddish color indicate bleeding. Dark brown color may appear with liver problems. In all of these cases, it makes sense to consult a doctor. nine0003

It is also important to monitor how often your ward urinates, whether he experiences pain and discomfort, and whether he is able to control urination.

Frequent urination can be caused by natural causes, such as drinking a lot of water or feeling cold, but sometimes indicates problems such as cystitis or tumors in the bladder, uterus, or rectum.

Difficulty urinating indicates inflammation or swelling of the bladder or urethra. Such problems are more typical for men. In addition, it happens that the bladder is full, and the person cannot go to the toilet because he cannot relax. If this happens at home (and your ward is not after surgery), consult a doctor immediately. nine0003

Think about comfort

It is extremely important to create a comfortable environment for your client so that he can safely go to the toilet. You and I can close the toilet door behind us, but a person on bed rest or someone who, in principle, does not have the opportunity to leave the bed, cannot do this. But this does not mean that privacy is not important to him at such a moment. Therefore, if possible, put a screen to fence off the bed, close the door to the room. If there is a view from the street, close windows and curtains. nine0003

Intimate hygiene for a seriously ill person How to properly wash the genitals, how to prevent infections, choose care products and avoid awkwardness and embarrassment

It is also important that the room has a comfortable temperature. Be sure to avoid direct drafts.

For normal urination or defecation, it is important to take a comfortable position. Find out from your ward in which position it would be more convenient for him, what assistive devices are acceptable for him. nine0003

Give a person the opportunity to show independence, do not strive to do everything for him. Draw attention to all the processes that happen to him.

Be as gentle as possible. Discuss intimate matters only in private with a person and only with his consent. Make sure that he can call you if necessary, discuss ways in advance: it can be a bell, a baby monitor, a toy with a squeaker. Then the person will not have to endure, waiting for you, and go under himself. nine0003

In no case should you scold a person for defecating and urinating at the wrong time, for dirtying clean linen. Do not discuss the intimate side of your ward's life with someone without his consent. Refrain from comments and jokes. Remember: urination and defecation are very intimate acts, and your ward is very worried at this moment because of the need for the presence and help of strangers.

What are the adaptations

If a person moves independently, holds his back and head, you can use a toilet chair. When choosing it, you should pay attention to the weight of your ward; if it is more than 120 kg, you need to take a reinforced chair with an extended seat. nine0003

When a person is only active within the bed, a urinal (so-called duck) may come in handy. They are male and female. Women's have a special nozzle. For a woman, a ship may also be suitable. And for defecation for both men and women, you need to use a vessel.

By the way, we have on our website a detailed review of toilet accessories for people who can walk on their own or with assistance, and for those who cannot get out of bed

Remember: peeing and pooping while lying down is very uncomfortable, almost impossible . Therefore, the ward should be helped to take the most sitting position. To make him more comfortable, choose a vessel made of plastic, not metal. nine0003

If a person is weak and cannot sit, we offer a urinal for men to urinate, and a vessel for women. In such cases, urinals are also used in the form of a condom with a bag in which urine is collected.

For an unconscious person or in case of incontinence, use a diaper or a urinary catheter. The model and size of the diaper or urological pads can be chosen independently, and the doctor puts the catheter.

Important

Urological pads should only be used by people who are able to walk. In bedridden patients, everything will flow under the back. Therefore, only diapers are used for them. nine0003

Urinary incontinence

Involuntary urination is when urine passes from the bladder in drops or portions involuntarily, without the urge. Causes can be diseases of the urinary tract, relaxation of the sphincter, birth defects, injuries of the spine and spinal cord, mental trauma.

Very often people with incontinence try to drink less, but this is not necessary. So if your ward has a similar problem, make sure that he still consumes one and a half to two liters of fluid per day. nine0003

Sometimes a person feels the need to go to the toilet, but cannot hold the urine, and it is immediately passed out. Think about how to make sure that your ward can get a ship as soon as possible. Offer to go to the toilet more often, while allowing enough time and not rushing.

Delicately find out what regimen is usual for him: someone must go to the toilet in the morning, someone must certainly go to bed before bed. And just invite the person to go to the toilet at this time. If everything works out, the person will feel better and more confident. nine0003

When involuntary urination, try not to show disapproval or disgust. It's not the man's fault that this is happening. Wet linen should be immediately changed to dry, no one wants to lie in the wet.

If you use diapers or urological pads, wash more often and prevent pressure ulcers, because in this case the person comes into contact with the urine-soaked material for some time and the skin becomes irritated. Urinary catheters should be inspected and cleaned daily. nine0003

Important

Remember that a person should not be in a "regular" diaper for more than 4 hours and more than 8 hours in a "night" diaper. Wash the person after every diaper change. This is necessary for the prevention of diaper rash and bedsores, because prolonged contact of the skin with urine / feces greatly irritates it.

How to organize a bowel movement

Defecation is the process of expelling feces through the rectum and anus. Normally, a person on average goes to the toilet “in a big way” once a day. nine0003

The amount and color of feces depends on the amount eaten and what the person eats. Dairy food gives a light brown and even yellow color, meat - dark brown. Many berries, beets, coffee and cocoa cause color changes. If bile does not enter the intestines, the stool becomes grayish-white, like clay - this is an alarming sign, as is the presence of blood. This should be paid attention to the doctor in the same way as a putrid smell. This may indicate a violation of the digestive processes in the intestines. nine0003

Prepare the vessel, absorbent pad and everything you need for washing. We put up a screen, close the door, wash our hands. Next, you need to rinse the vessel and leave some water in it - this will make it easier to wash it after.

Then you need to help your client bend his knees and lift his pelvis. We start the vessel under the buttocks so that the crotch is above the hole. The plastic vessel has a cutout and a spatula part. This shoulder blade should go under the lower back. When everything is ready, cover the person with a blanket and leave him alone for a while. Do not rush to defecate, but do not leave a person on the ship for a long time - this is unsafe and unpleasant. nine0003

When the process is complete, remove the vessel, helping to raise the pelvis if necessary, change gloves, and wash the patient over a clean vessel or absorbent pad.

If your client is able to help you, for example by leaning on the rails on the bed, be sure to ask them to do so.

The material was prepared using a grant from the President of the Russian Federation provided by the Presidential Grants Fund.

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