Make your home safer in 2012

It’s a new year! As you get an early start on spring cleaning around the house, now is a great time to also clean out your medicine cabinet. Follow these tips from the American Pharmacists Association to make sure you’re doing it right:

1. Medications should be stored in a secured area — out of sight and reach of children and teenagers — that has low humidity, a stable temperature and adequate lighting.

2. Check the date on everything in your medicine cabinet and dispose of anything that has passed the expiration date.

3. Dispose of anything you have not used n the past 12 months or that you no longer need. Do not share medications with others.

4. Dispose of medicines that are no longer in their original container, have changed color or odor, or that can no longer be identified.

5. Do not flush unused or expired medications, and do not pour them down a sink or drain. They should be disposed of properly in the household trash or through your community’s medication disposal program, when available.