Florence Nightingale was born on this day in 1820. As a public health and safety activist, she contributed more to modern nursing than any other single person. If she were around today, she?d head straight for one of the most dangerous spots in your home -- your medicine chest. First she?d take out prescription medicines; moisture, warmth and humidity shorten their lifespan. Keep such medicines in a dark, dry place, instead -- like a drawer, or in a cabinet. It's safer, too. Ms. Nightingale would also check expiration dates on both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, flushing those that are out of date (because kids can get into waste cans). Then she?d sniff aspirin bottles. If they smelled vinegary, she'd flush them, too. Same goes for any mystery stuff in plain containers. As she would do, gear your medicine chest for home nursing with bandages, rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, burn ointment and standard cold and headache goodies. Keep things fresh and safe, and you won't be sorry. And that's the On The House tip for today.