Experts

10 Essential Health Items to Pack in your Everyday Bag

By Cheri Cheng | Update Date: Oct 31, 2014 01:38 PM EDT

You never know what can happen to you throughout the day. Instead of becoming blindsided, you can prepare yourself by packing these 10 essential health items into your everyday bag.

1. Insurance Card

Having your insurance card readily available can make a huge difference if you ever need emergency health care. An insurance card can make filling out health forms easier and faster. It can also help medics identify you quickly in case you are not responsive.

2. Emergency Contacts

Carrying around a list of emergency contacts can be helpful. Since many of our devices are password protected, having a list can help speed up the process of contacting your family and loved ones. Since paper is not particularly heavy, adding a list of allergies and medications that you are currently on can be beneficial as well.

3. Water

The majority of our bodies consist of water, which is why we have to replenish it throughout the day. Having a water bottle with you at all times can prevent dehydration.

4. Pain reliever

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help treat muscle aches, cramps and migraines. Even though many health professionals would not recommend taking too many pain relievers every day, having them handy does not hurt.

5. Antacid

If you have a history of heartburn, you should consider carrying around antacid. Antacid can relieve chest pain linked to heartburn. Just remember to take the recommended dose. Too much antacid can lead to diarrhea.

6. Tummy Reliever

Another potential situation that can occur when eating out at a restaurant is diarrhea. Diarrhea is no joking business, which is why you should pack a tummy reliever with you at all times.

7. Bandages

You never know when you will need a bandage, whether it is for a minor cut or a blister. Even though bandages do not stop the bleeding, they shield the open wound from possible contaminants.

8. Tissues

Tissues can be used for so many reasons. You never know when you might need tissues to wipe your nose or your hands. Tissues can also be used to clean up unexpected messes.

9. Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen on everyday can help protect your skin from harmful sunrays. Despite knowing that sunscreen is an important step in skin care, many people still forget about it. By carrying it with you everyday and seeing it, you are more likely to use it throughout the day.

10. Floss

Flossing in public might not seem like a good idea. However, food can get lodged up in your teeth and allowing these pieces to stay there for several hours can lead to poor dental hygiene. Since bringing your toothbrush and toothpaste with you everywhere is far from ideal, opt for floss.

All of the items listed above are relatively light and will not weigh you down throughout the day.

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