Women at work and their tips, challenges, advice, complaints, and experiences

Despite what some folks think, a break in the wind and rain (or snow, as many of us have been getting the past few weeks!) doesn't necessarily mean you can let your guard down when it comes to the germfest that is cold and flu season.  If you've seen the commercials this winter, you know there's quite the campaign going this season.  (For reference, the website affiliated with those dancing penguins is fluFACTS.com, in case you were too busy blowing noses and washing hands to write it down!)

I spotted a neat little booklet in Working Mother sponsored by the fluFACTS folks and I really like their list of items to have in your medicine cabinet.  Keep these on hand and you're ready to battle the flu (and more!) if the handwashing-flu shot-Purell routine doesn't help.

• Acetaminophen (Children's and adult Tylenol, etc)
• Adhesive tape
• Antacids/antidiarrheal medication
• Antibiotic cream/ointment
• Antihistamine (like Benadryl, handy for bee stings, sinus problems, and more)
• Antiseptic wipes (cleaning cuts)
• Assorted sizes of adhesive bandages (remember, a character-covered Band-Aid can soothe many owies of various sizes!)
• Decongestant (such as Sudafed PE, which is also safe for pregnant women) 
• First aid instruction booklet (make sure your vehicle First Aid kit has one too!) 
• Gauze pads and roller bandages
• Hydrocortisone ointment (great for eczema)
• Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher
• Thermometers for all of the family (rectal for infants, oral digital for older kids/adults)

One other handy item to keep on hand and frequently updated would be a list of emergency phone numbers (your doctor, the local Poison Control Center, etc), your children's current weights, and any known allergies.  This can be handy for family members or visitors and babysitters who may need to step in if there's an emergency!