Let me ask you a question. What’s in your bag or backpack as of this moment?

Well, chances are aside from your keys, wallet, and phone, you've got some old receipts and a few dollars' worth of loose change, too. Did I get it right? 

Most of the time, we spend preparing things that we are going to use for our respective workplaces, appointments, and travels whether it’s for leisure or business purposes. Therefore, a bag is something everyone carries.

But what's inside your bag may reflect your health status. Our bags may be full of items to help us survive the day, but a lot of times, they do not include essential things for our health. The best mindset is to always be prepared when it comes to your health.

Health emergencies may also pop up at any time, so, regardless of your gender, make sure you have these 11 small—but essential—items stowed away in your bag in case of emergency.

 

 

 

 

1. Water

 Let's start with the basic necessity of the body, hydration. Water is one of the six essential nutrients (along with carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals). Water plays many vital roles in the body, including flushing waste, regulating body temperature, transportation of nutrients, and is necessary for digestion. No wonder it is considered "essential". Plain water is the best choice for hydrating the body. So the next time you go out, don't forget to grab a bottle or a tumbler, fill it up and put it inside your bag.

 

2. Sunscreen

Is it sunny outside? Or rainy? It doesn't matter actually. You need sunscreen at all times.

It is imperative that one should use sunscreen when it’s sunny outside. But even if it’s raining, there is still a risk of UV rays. Protect your skin by whacking on that SPF. Wearing sunscreen every day is a crucial part of your skincare routine, and without it, you are exposing the sensitive skin on your face to unnecessary damage from sun exposure.

 

3. Hand Cream

Regardless if we’re experiencing hotter or colder weather, we should protect our skin, and by skin, we also mean "hands".  Our hands may get drier from time to time, and we should reach for more intensive lotions and creams. Drier or more parched hands may mean a higher possibility of acquiring bacteria. Yikes.

While you may stock up on bottles of your favorite daily moisturizers at home, it’s good to keep hand creams in your bag for when you need added moisture throughout the day. Hand creams are usually creamier and richer than lotions and will smooth even the driest hands. Find ones with a fast-absorbing formula so your hands aren’t left feeling greasy.

 

4. Dental Floss

Whatever it is you happen to carry with you, whether it’s a purse, a backpack, a laptop bag, etc., this is a smart place to stash some dental floss. People who are on the go and who frequently have their bag with them or nearby will be able to consistently access floss when it’s necessary. Just toss a tiny container into a pocket, and you’re good to go.

Dentists recommend that we should floss once a day, ideally right before bed, for optimum oral health. You can’t go wrong with a mini dental kit in your bag. Include a toothbrush, paste, floss and some minty chewing gum.

 

5. Anti-Bacterial Hand Gel

Have you ever been to a public loo and been forced to skip washing your hands as there's no soap left in the dispenser? 

You know you need to keep your hands clean. As much as your hands serve you, they also put germs in contact with your mouth, eyes, nose, and many other parts of your body.  Carry a small anti-bacteria hand gel bottle in your bag to help eliminate bacteria no matter your situation or location.

 

6. Antacid

Chest pain after a meal is no fun, especially when you're dining in. If you're going to a restaurant where the food may flare up your heartburn, it's safe to have a chewable antacid on you in case. Antacids neutralize the acid made by your stomach. Take just one when you start to feel something. Otherwise, you can save it for another day. 

 

7. Aspirin and Pain Reliever

Aspirin helps thin your blood, which, in turn, may reduce the likelihood of blood clots forming. However, it's essential to talk to your provider first about whether you should take aspirin regularly and how it can be used. You also don’t know when that headache or those body aches, for whatever reason, will happen so don’t forget to include one in your bag for minor aches and pains. 

 

8. Tissues

We get it, tissues are everywhere, and you can get them from many places,  even at comfort rooms in your workplace just in case.

If you do yourself one favor, carry a set of tissues. You don't want to be blowing on your sleeve for sure. That's a surefire way to spread germs to your clothing and even infect others too. In addition to stocking up on tissues, you should practice proper handwashing as well. Many studies have revealed that reduced handwashing can lead to all sorts of germs spreading.

 

9. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a natural bactericidal treatment. Rubbing alcohol can also help in killing fungus and viruses. However, a person must use a rubbing alcohol concentration of no less than a 50% solution. Otherwise, the solution may not effectively kill bacteria.

You can use alcohol as a disinfectant for items that you're about to touch, too. So the next time you're dining in or before you touch anything outside your home, clean the surface with rubbing alcohol and tissue and you're all set.

 

10. Emergency Contacts

In an emergency, medics will want to know who to contact. Medical personnel may look for ICE (In Case of Emergency) under a phone's contact list but this is not always the case. In addition, you can list your medications, allergies, health conditions, and doctor's name in a notepad and keep this in your bag. 

 

11. Probiotic Supplement

All of the items mentioned may be very helpful when included inside your bag. However, to give your immunity an extra boost, there's another one that may be beneficial – a probiotic.

Probiotics help fight bacteria in your gut. Your gut health is directly linked to your immune system, so it means that this is one of the things you should prioritize for overall health.

Nature’s Branch 50 Billion Probiotic is designed to help boost the immune system and improve digestion*. We have scientifically researched the perfect blend to help promote the growth of healthy bacteria in your colon and support gut balance. Our probiotic contains 50 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) live cultures in each easy to swallow capsule for everyday usage - an advantage over many other leading brands of probiotics. It has a premium formula containing 15 strains and also comes with a prebiotic fiber to maximize absorption in the stomach. 

Let our Probiotic help support your immune system – click the image bottle below and start feeling the difference today*.