How to Be Sick, Part II - And the Award Goes To…

Topics: healthcare, illness, product recommendations

Welcome to the Oscars, wellness edition. Today we will be discussing all the random stuff that makes life just a little bit easier while on the merry-go-round. None of these are affiliate links, nobody pays me to promote these products. These are simply things I’ve grown to love over the past dozen or so years. I’ve tried the other versions. I’ve scoped out the competition. I’ve done the research. Now, without further ado, here are the winners…

Best Weekly Pill Case 

  • Big enough to hold all meds AND vitamins for each day

  • Pretty to look at

  • Easy to read labels

  • Round case is more manageable than the long box (IMO)

Downside - the latches are a little tough to open

Best Travel Pill Case

  • Magnetic closure

  • Multiple separate compartments

  • Offers one large compartment for oversized pills

Downside - same problem as other pill case. Plastic tabs ruin manicures.

Best On-the-go Pill Case

  • Small enough to go in a purse or pocket

  • Unlabeled so no MTWThF confusion

  • Multiple compartments

Downside - can’t think of any. Performs the function I need it to when I need it to.

Best Heating Pad

  • Multiple levels of heat

  • The cover doesn’t slide around

  • Auto off option

  • Holds up better than other brands

  • HSA eligible

Downside - heat levels can be inconsistent and it isn’t a Llama

Best Ice Pack

  • Malleable even when frozen

  • Stays cold a long time 

  • Nice weight to it

  • Takes up minimal freezer space

Downside - pricey (but you shouldn’t have to replace it for years)

Best Immunocompromised Must-have 

  • Wet wipes, but make it antiseptic

  • Neutral smell

  • Easy to pack

  • Infinitely useful

  • Skin safe

Downside - if you need BZK wipes in your life, that is the downside

Best CBD Product

  • Topical relief

  • Mild smell

  • No residue

Downside - don’t have one, does what I want it to do!

Best Water Bottle

  • Not a Stanley

  • Keeps things cold for 8+ hours

  • Dishwasher safe

  • Multiple drinking options (straw or sip)

  • Comes in cute colors

Downside - can be heavy if filled all the way up with ice and water

Best Anti-inflammatory Topical Cream

  • Unsung hero of the household

  • Works on everything from anesthesia rashes to poison ivy

  • Doesn’t cause breakouts (even on my face)

  • Widely available at most pharmacies and grocery stores

  • No weird warming sensation

  • Longer lasting relief than other brands

Downside - no notes. Perfect. 

Best Weirdest Thing for POTS

  • Nice size

  • Naturally antimicrobial

  • Easy to pack

  • There when you need it

Downside - it feels like licking a rock (because it is)

Best “But I have no appetite” Snack

  • The snack that smiles back

  • Mild flavor

  • Small size pieces

  • Fun to eat

Downside - not as salty as Cheez-Its

Honorable mentions

Up next, we will either be tackling the super fun medical bill paper shuffle (or something a little less frustrating like pajama recommendations).

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How to Be Sick, Part III - Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way

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How to Be Sick, Part I - Organization Proclamation