As temperatures warm and desert blooms begin to flourish here in Gilbert, Arizona, many of us feel the familiar urge to spring clean—organizing closets, dusting off forgotten corners, and clearing out clutter. But spring cleaning shouldn’t stop at your home. This season is also a perfect time to “spring clean” your health.
At Mercy Grace Private Practice, we believe that health maintenance is about more than just annual checkups—it’s also about the small habits and decisions that keep you organized, informed, and ready for the unexpected. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to toss, refill, and review as part of your health-focused spring cleaning routine, from expired medications to outdated records.
Why Spring Is the Perfect Time for a Health Reset
Spring represents a fresh start—a chance to reset your habits and routines. And because it’s just ahead of the high-travel, outdoor-heavy summer months in Arizona, it’s also the ideal time to make sure your health essentials are up to date.
Tackling these tasks now ensures you’re not caught off guard in the middle of allergy season, heat waves, or summer trips. Plus, it’s easier to stick to health goals when you’re organized and fully stocked with what your body needs.
Let’s break it down: What should you toss, refill, or review this spring?
1. TOSS: Expired Medications and Supplements
We all have that one cabinet or drawer—the one filled with half-used prescriptions, old vitamin bottles, and cough syrup from three flu seasons ago. Unfortunately, expired medications can be ineffective or even harmful, especially if they’ve degraded over time or weren’t stored properly.
How to Check What’s Expired:
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Look for the expiration date on prescription bottles, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.
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Check liquid medications for changes in color or consistency, even if the expiration date hasn’t passed.
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Toss medications with missing or unreadable labels—if you can’t identify it, don’t risk it.
What to Do with Expired Medications:
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Don’t flush medications unless the label specifically says it’s safe.
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Instead, bring them to a local medication take-back program or follow FDA-recommended disposal methods (mixing them with coffee grounds or kitty litter in a sealed bag before discarding in the trash).
Pro Tip: Keep a running list of medications in your cabinet with their expiration dates. Set calendar reminders for when they need to be replaced.
2. REFILL: Essential Prescriptions and Daily Use Items
Once you’ve cleared out expired medications, make sure you’re not running low on the prescriptions or daily health products you use regularly.
Refill Checklist:
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Daily prescription medications for chronic conditions (e.g., blood pressure, diabetes, asthma)
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Allergy medications, especially if spring allergies are a concern
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Inhalers or EpiPens, making sure they are unexpired and easily accessible
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OTC essentials like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines, and antacids
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Skincare items like sunscreen (yes, it expires!)—especially important in Arizona’s sunny climate
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Hydration support like electrolyte tablets or oral rehydration solutions
Now is also a great time to talk with your doctor at Mercy Grace if you’re considering starting or changing any supplements, especially vitamin D, iron, or probiotics.
3. REVIEW: Your First Aid Kit
First aid kits often get neglected—tucked in a linen closet, glove compartment, or backpack until we really need them. Spring is a great time to pull yours out and make sure it’s fully stocked and organized.
What to Include:
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Adhesive bandages in various sizes
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Antiseptic wipes and ointments
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Gauze pads and medical tape
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Tweezers and scissors
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Digital thermometer
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Cold compress pack
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Gloves (non-latex)
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Pain relievers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
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Allergy relief (antihistamines)
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Burn cream or aloe vera
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Any personal or family-specific items (like an extra inhaler or spare glasses)
Once it’s restocked, consider making a second kit for your car, especially with summer road trips around the corner.
4. REVIEW: Your Supplements and Daily Health Routine
Spring cleaning isn’t just about tossing—it’s also about reevaluating what’s working for you and what’s not. If you’re taking daily vitamins or supplements, now is the time to ask:
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Am I still taking these consistently?
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Do I feel a difference?
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Are they still recommended based on my current health status?
If you’ve had recent changes in energy levels, mood, digestion, or sleep, it may be worth scheduling a visit to your provider to review whether your current supplement routine is still supporting your needs.
5. REVIEW: Your Medical Records and Appointments
Spring is also a great time to get your paperwork in order and make sure you’re on track with routine healthcare.
Ask Yourself:
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Have I scheduled my annual wellness visit or physical for the year?
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Are my lab results or screenings up to date?
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Do I have referrals or follow-up visits I’ve been putting off?
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Is my primary care information current in any patient portals or apps?
If you’ve recently changed jobs, insurance plans, or contact information, update your records with your primary care office. And don’t forget to review your child’s vaccination records and wellness visits, especially if they’ll need documentation for camps or school programs this summer.
6. TOSS OR UPDATE: Old Health Tech and Trackers
Health gadgets like thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, fitness trackers, or glucose monitors need to be reviewed regularly.
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Replace batteries
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Calibrate or test for accuracy
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Toss devices that are broken, outdated, or unused
While you’re at it, review your apps. If you’re using health tracking tools on your phone or smartwatch, make sure they’re still aligned with your current goals. Spring is a great time to reset your progress and start fresh.
7. BONUS: Set Health Goals for the Next Season
Now that you’re organized, what health goals can you set for the next three months?
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Drinking more water as temps rise in Gilbert
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Adding a serving of vegetables to every meal
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Walking 30 minutes a day
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Reducing screen time in the evening to improve sleep
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Scheduling overdue checkups for yourself or your family
Make your goals SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. And remember, small changes add up!
Final Thoughts
Spring cleaning doesn’t just leave your home feeling refreshed—it can also renew your commitment to personal wellness. By tossing expired medications, refilling daily essentials, and reviewing your health habits, you’re setting yourself up for a stronger, healthier season ahead.
If you need help reviewing medications, updating your wellness plan, or simply checking in on your health, the team at Mercy Grace Private Practice in Gilbert, AZ is here for you. Schedule an appointment today, and let us help you step into spring feeling confident, prepared, and supported.