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While face masks and social distancing may be the new normal (at least for now), panic buying doesn't have to be. Just ask ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Jen Ashton, who literally wrote the book on the subject. Dr. Jen's new book, The New Normal: A Roadmap to Resilience in the Pandemic Era, includes advice for navigating life amid the pandemic, taking into account the rapidly changing landscape.
"In the book, I really go through how people can kind of 'pandemic-proof' their life and their home and develop this resilience toolkit," she says. And what we really need are things that help us take care of our health at home, according to the doc.
Here are the top three things Dr. Jen recommends stocking up on now.
1. Mini Medical Kit
"Everyone should have a little medical kit," Dr. Jen says. In hers, she stores prescription medications on one side and bandages and over-the-counter medications on the other side. "Now is a good time to stock up. You don't want to wait until two in the morning," the doc adds. She recommends having OTC meds on hand that treat pain, nausea, constipation, gas, allergic reaction, allergies, itching, skin infection, acid reflux, nasal congestion and diarrhea — just in case.
EDITOR PICKS:
We took Jen's advice and rounded up some cute + practical options for storing your first aid essentials in style.
Zippered First Aid Bag with Pockets ($13)
Amazon
SWISSGEAR Heather Gray Toiletry Bag ($20)
Target
SWISSGEAR Travel Dopp Kit - Black ($20)
Target
Portable Mini First Aid Pouch ($9)
Amazon
First Aid & Things Bag ($16)
Etsy
Insulated Emergency Bag ($25)
Etsy
Large Silver Micro Mesh Pouch ($7)
The Container Store
reisenthel Grey Cosmetic Case ($13)
The Container Store
Sonia Kashuk Loaf Bag ($12)
Target
American Red Cross Family First Aid Kit ($40)
This 120-piece kit from the American Red Cross contains essential first-aid supplies.
Walmart
2. Two Thermometers
"You never know when you're going to lose one, or one's not going to work well," Dr. Jen says.
EDITOR PICKS:
Here are some top-rated thermometers for at-home use chosen by Health.com, Forbes, Business Insider, Wirecutter and NBC News.
Non-Contact Infrared Thermometers
iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer ($20)
Amazon
ThermoWorks WAND No-Touch Forehead Thermometer ($69)
ThermoWorks
Budget Thermometers
iProven DTR-1221A ($8)
Amazon
Vicks ComfortFlex Digital Thermometer ($10)
Amazon
Forehead + Ear Thermometers
iProven DMT-489 ($25)
Walmart
Chooseen Digital Forehead and Ear Thermometer ($20)
Amazon
3. Pulse Oximeter/Heart Rate Monitor
Dr. Jen uses an Apple Watch Series 6 to monitor her heart rate and check her pulse oximeter and blood oxygen levels.
"Taking these steps gives you a sense of control over a situation that oftentimes seems out of control," Dr. Jen says, and "hopefully makes this new normal a little bit more palatable."
Best Buy
MORE FROM THE DOCTORS: What You Need In Your Emergency Supply Kit