55% of Americans Neglect Medicine Cabinet ‘Safety’ Step

In All Health Watch, General Health

Did you know that the average person reaches into their medicine cabinet over 460 times each year?

That means you’re likely digging into your medicine cabinet every, single day.

Maybe it’s to reach for something as simple as shaving cream… or something more complex like a prescription medication…

But every time you dig into your medicine cabinet, there’s a good chance you’re forgetting something important.

In many cases, neglecting this step could compromise your safety.

And unfortunately, you’re not alone… with a whopping 55% Americans admitting they NEVER bother with it.

Most NEVER Check Medicine Expiration Dates

According to a national poll conducted by OnePoll, a jaw-dropping 55% of folks admit they never check the expiration dates on items in their medicine cabinet.

Now, for something as mundane as shaving cream or deodorant… those kinds of items have a long shelf life, and if they happen to sit in your medicine cabinet a little longer after their expiration date, it’s not a big deal.

But, this can be problematic for items like over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications or prescription drugs.

OTC and prescription drugs are very sensitive to heat and moisture, which can cause them to quickly break down and lose their effectiveness.

And the less effective a medication is, the benefit of taking that medication significantly decreases, offering no benefits to your health.

So, what does this all mean for you… especially if you have a cluttered medicine cabinet?

It goes without saying, you should make note of the expiration dates of any OTC or prescription drugs you have in your home.

If a bottle of Tylenol or Aspirin is expired (or close to expiring), toss and replenish it with a fresh supply.

And when it comes to any prescription drugs, be sure to work with your doctor on the proper dosage that will ensure it’s not sitting on a shelf for a long time.