Stock Up For Illnesses

In light of the various different flus, noroviruses, and the occasional bouts of eating something that doesn't agree with us, I thought this tip from the Make A List newsletter was worth passing along:

STOCK UP FOR ILLNESSES
We're taking time out from a regular recipe this week, to make some suggestions for things you should have around the house at all times, in case of illness. Because, let's face it, if you're at home alone, there may not be anyone to run to the store for you if you get sick, and you may not feel like doing it. Or if you are caring for someone who is ill, you may not want to leave them to run to the store. So make sure someone has a key to your home in case of emergencies, but also keep those favorites on hand that you like to have when you are sick. Here are some possible ideas to get you started...soup (esp. chicken soups and preferably in the ready to heat/eat cans), pudding (esp. fat free), crackers (or if you are watching your calories try fat free pretzels), bread for toast (can be stored in the freezer for longer storage), applesauce, raisins, prunes, heat & eat rice, ginger ale (canned), your favorite immune system boosting herbs (some people like to take extra C, Echinacea, or Elderberry), hard candies or better yet the vitamin C lozenges, Cold Eeze lozenges, Cough-Gels, Tylenol, tissues, popsicles, jello (ready to eat), pineapple juice (for sore throats), salt for salt water throat gargle.

Many illnesses strike without warning, and you may not have time to go later. If you start feeling sick and can get to the store before it hits you full force, you might want to get bananas, grapes, and lettuce too. POST IT...on your shopping list, and on the inside of your medicine cabinet.