Grade 3 Hygiene And Nutrition Health Practices – Proper use and storage of medicine at home Notes
Hygiene And Nutrition — Health Practices
Subtopic: Proper use and storage of medicine at home
Hello! This page tells you in a simple way how to use and keep medicines (dawa) safely at home in Kenya. Ask an adult (parent, teacher or mfamasia — pharmacist) if you are not sure.
What is medicine?
Medicine (dawa) is something that helps when you are sick. It can be a tablet, syrup, cream, or injection. Always use medicine only when an adult or doctor tells you to.
How to take medicine — easy steps
- Always take medicine with an adult. Never take by yourself.
- Read the label with an adult. Check the name, how much (dose), and when to take it (time).
- Use the measuring spoon, cup or syringe that comes with the medicine for syrups — not a kitchen spoon. 🥄
- Take medicine for the full number of days the doctor told you, even if you feel better.
- Do not share your medicine with friends or siblings. One medicine may be for only one person. 🚫
Where and how to store medicine
- Keep medicine in its original box or bottle with the label (label = lebo). The label shows the expiry date (tarehe ya mwisho) and instructions.
- Store medicines in a cool, dry place away from direct sun (sio karibu jiko au dirisha lenye jua).
- Keep medicines out of children’s reach and sight — use a high cupboard or a locked box (sanduku la dawa) 🔒.
- Do not keep medicine in the kitchen or near hot pans or sinks where it can get wet.
- If a medicine needs to be kept in the fridge, an adult should decide and mark it clearly.
Check the medicine
Before using, ask an adult to check:
- If the medicine has changed color or smells strange — do not use it. ❗
- If the expiry date (tarehe ya mwisho) is past — do not use it. Throw away safely or return it to the chemist (mfamasia).
Do’s and Don’ts — quick list
Do
- Ask an adult if unsure.
- Use the right amount at the right time. ⏰
- Keep in original container with lebo.
- Finish the full course if the doctor says so.
Don't
- Don't share medicines with friends.
- Don't take adult medicine meant for grown-ups.
- Don't mix medicines with food or sweets without asking a grown-up.
- Don't play with medicine bottles. 🚫
If something goes wrong
- If a child swallows medicine by mistake: tell an adult quickly. The adult can call the nearest hospital or call emergency numbers (999 or 112 in Kenya) for help. ☎️
- If you have a bad reaction (rash, trouble breathing, severe tummy pain), tell an adult and go to the clinic or hospital fast.
How to throw away old medicine
Ask a parent or pharmacist (mfamasia) what to do. You can:
- Return medicines to the pharmacy or health centre (kituo cha afya) — they know how to dispose safely.
- If throwing away at home, an adult should put them in a sealed bag or box so children and animals cannot find them — then put them in the bin away from the house.
Short practice — True or False?
- It is okay to take a friend’s tablet if you have the same symptoms. (False)
- You must use the measuring cup for syrup. (True)
- Keep medicine in a hot place near the stove. (False)
Check your answers with an adult!
Useful Kiswahili words: Dawa = medicine, Daktari = doctor, Mfamasia = pharmacist, Tarehe ya mwisho = expiry date.
Remember: Always tell an adult, keep medicines safe, and follow instructions. Stay safe and get well soon! ✅