Sarah's Health Notes: Healthy handbag must-haves

This column came about because of my gratitude to a woman who always carries a large plaster in her handbag. To explain: my husband is tall and he often wears a baseball cap with a brim that prevents him seeing low lintels above doors; in this case a medieval arch at nearby (wonderful) Forde Abbey. The top of his head is a battle field, bearing scars of many encounters – but this time was dramatic.

Skulls bleed a lot so blood poured down his face and he stumbled woozily around while I rescued our dog and kind people suggested calling an ambulance. The most useful action was the aforesaid kind person who gave me a large plaster, which I whacked on after mopping up the mess. (Elastoplast Water Resistant Plasters come in an Assorted 40 Pack so you can pop a couple in your bag.)

It made me think what other small useful things I should routinely carry around…

Compeed Hydrocolloid Blister Plasters – these cushioned plasters, which stay on for days, are indispensable when shoes rub agonisingly and you’re hobbling. Widely available including Boots.

Zam-Buk Antiseptic Ointment – dear little tin of anti-inflammatory herbal remedy – with oils of eucalyptus, pine and thyme on a beeswax base – for cuts, grazes, burns and almost anything you can think of…

An old-fashioned fan! I bolted into Accessorise and bought two during the heatwave in London last week. There’d clearly been a rush as choice was limited. I suggest you go online asap and order from the wider selection, like this pretty Palm Print one (above) with a tassel.

Lanolips Tinted Balm SPF30 – please protect your lips from UV (think I’ve said that before a few times…); Jo’s and my long term favourite is this conditioning balm from an Aussie company – and they know a thing or three about sun protection over there. Several pretty shades to tint and gloss your lips: we love Rhubarb.

Sheald Recovery Balm 15g Pocket Size – I’ve lost count of the number of people who’ve thanked me for introducing them to this powerful balm, which was originally formulated to accelerate wound healing after surgery or aesthetic procedures. But it does much much more. Use on open wounds, itching, rosacea, sunburn (a naughty father who’d let his fair skinned son out on the ski slopes with no SPF said that by giving him Sheald to pack I’d saved him from his wife’s fury). Not cheap but you only need a titchy bit.

4711 Eau De Cologne Tissue Wipes – instantly cleansing and refreshing with that delicious scent of citrus, lavender and rosemary. I handed them round after a recent very hot walk up and down cliffs and the gratitude from strong men was palpable...

Rescue Remedy spray – from Dr Bach’s original range, this combination of flower essences promises to ‘comfort and reassure’; I carry it with me for fractious children and upset animals. Back in the day, when I had my horses, the farrier was so impressed when I sprayed it into the mouth of a difficult mare that he bought his own. (Spray is much easier and safer than a glass dropper bottle on these occasions.)