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Self-care tools

More of your health care takes place in your home than anywhere else. Having the right tools, medicines, supplies, and information on hand will improve the quality of your self-care.

Self-care tools that are useful to have at home include:

  • Blood pressure cuff.
  • Cold pack.
  • Dental mirror.
  • Eyedropper.
  • Heating pad.
  • Humidifier or vaporizer.
  • Medicine spoon.
  • Nail clippers.
  • Penlight.
  • Scissors.
  • Stethoscope.
  • Thermometer.
  • Tweezers.

If you have children younger than age 6, consider adding:

  • Bulb aspirator or syringe.
  • Rectal thermometer.
  • Otoscope, an instrument with a light that you can use to look into the ear canal.
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 1, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 01, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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