ILLNESS/SICKNESS

HELPFUL HINTS

MEDICATION

COLDS/FLU

Drink lots of fluids.

Acetaminophen for discomfort. 
Benadryl for congestion.
Robitussin(plain) or Triaminic expectorant for cough.

HEADACHE

Rest.
Massage neck and shoulder.

Acetaminophen (not more than 8 pills per day).          

CONSTIPATION

Drink lots of fluids (water and juices).

Metamucil, Colace, Senokot tabs,  Dulcolax, Glycerin suppositories

DIARRHEA

Avoid milk and milk products. 
Don’t eat for 4-6 hours, then drink clear liquids (broth, apple juice, Gatorade).

Kaopectate as directed.

INDIGESTION/ HEARTBURN/GAS

No spicy or fried foods.
Eat 6 small meals a day.           

Maalox, Riopan, Tums (not Rolaids), Mylicon, Mylanta as directed

NAUSEA/MORNING  SICKNESS

Eat frequent small meals. Eat plain crackers before getting out of bed.
Drink Sprite or 7-Up.

BACKACHE

Heat, massage, pelvic rock. Avoid back strain and heavy lifting.

Acetaminophen

HEMORRHOIDS

Good fiber intake.
Avoid  constipation and excess straining during bowel movements.

Tucks compresses

LEG CRAMPS

Increase potassium intake. Leg exercises.
Rest with legs up.

SHARP SIDE PAIN/ HIP PAIN

Rest.
Avoid standing or walking for long periods of  time.

Acetaminophen

SWOLLEN FEET  AND ANKLES

Rest with legs up.
Remove tight clothing.
Avoid excess salt.

VARICOSE VEINS

Support hose.
Rest with legs up several times during the day.