Is your home's first-aid box stocked with the essentials? Here's a vital checklist
A well-stocked first-aid kit should adequately cover treatment for minor accidents in the home. Keep the kit somewhere easily accessible to adults but not within the children's reach. A list of emergency telephone numbers should be taped to the lid (the poisons bureau, local hospital accident and emergency department). Also, keep a record of the allergies of each family member and any medication family members are taking.
Temperature check
Thermometer: The easiest way to check a child's temperature is via the rectum; it is also the most reliable. Apply Vaseline to the area before inserting the thermometer. For adults, electronic thermometers are easy to use.
Keep it cool
Paracetamol: Useful for lowering a raised temperature and for pain relief (tablet form Panadol, $16.90, Watson's). A syrup format (Panadol syrup, $39.90, Watson's) is good for children but should be kept in the refrigerator (in which case, the refrigerator door should be child-proof). Cough syrup should also be kept in the refrigerator.