Whether you are planning to go on a trip this winter or hosting a group of family and friends, prepping for an unexpected illness could be a game changer. With a little prep time to think about a few over‑the‑counter items you could pick up at Sterling Pharmacy, you could be your family and friends’ hero when they have a headache, upset stomach, minor cut, or allergies strike. Here are some items to consider:

• Pain Relievers: Too much fun can lead to headaches. Help your friends out by having acetaminophen and ibuprofen around for the pain.

• Antacids: Whether you are on vacation or hosting, you will likely be eating lots of yummy food! Make sure you can help everyone with heartburn and upset stomachs.

• Bandages: One thing we often don’t think about and never have enough of are bandages. Make sure you have a few shapes and sizes to ensure that you can help in several situations.

• Antihistamines: Helping people with their allergies can be tricky, as people will likely use a specific brand (e.g., Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, and Benadryl). Having one or two on hand could be a big help in a pinch.
  
• Sunscreen: If you are going somewhere sunny, don’t forget the sunscreen! There is nothing worse than getting burned on your first day of a trip and ruining the entire vacation.