My favourite part about going back to school is stocking up on necessary (and unnecessary) supplies. What can I say? White out, pens, file folders, notepads, sticky notes and binders all lead to my uncontrollable excitement. Maybe this is why I always end up with office jobs—the post-its get me every time.

So today I went to Dollarama with the intention of purchasing a few birthday cards and—as is usually the case with Dollarama—ended up walking out with much more than I had planned, including some lovely additions to my school supply collection. I only purchased a few file folders because I don’t really need much this year, but I realized that my list of back to school supplies has extended to include some rather unusual items.

Additional back to school necessities for Sept. 2009:

One of the most important weapons for avoiding colds, the flu and nasty bacteria—either of which could easily be a one-way ticket to months of IVs, lengthy hospital stays or transplant status. I wash my hands like crazy, but because I don’t travel with a kitchen sink and soap (my purse is not big enough) antibacterial is the only way. I am glad to see more places are setting up purell pump stations and more people are actually using it. It makes my job—of staying healthy as long as possible—a lot easier.

• Clorox Wipes

For the times people don’t wash their hands properly (we’ve all seen them in the bathrooms and been grossed out—you know who you are!!) and the times people sneeze and cough all over shared computers, equipment, etc. Clorox wipes are essential for any computer lab, which I consider a boardroom for bacteria plotting to take over the world.

• Cold FX

When Clorox and antibacterial fails you, there is Cold FX, which is plan C. Apparently the extra strength works wonders when you have the first signs of a cold or flu (e.g. sore throat). I think this September I will take the milder everyday version for preventative reasons, my faith has yet to be restored in my immune system.

• Vitamin C

Yet another immune system booster that is no big deal to add to my pill regime. I’m not big on drinking OJ unless I have a ridiculous sugar crash (I’m not diabetic, but my body likes to surprise me with sugar lows for the heck of it) sooo I prefer the pill form.

• Flu Shot and H1N1 Shot

I did not get my flu shot last year because I kept getting sick… so I've got to get on that this year. Also, because of the Mex—er, swine pigs (sorry, I’m a terrible person) I must weasel my way into getting the H1N1 shot. I was told that people with respiratory problems are always high priority anyway, so I will most likely be getting it (and it might be two shots). The media is already hyping up the back to school pandemic, so I’m not feeling so hot about adding that concern to my agenda. I really don’t think H1N1 will fit into my schedule this semester—sorry swine flu!

Fun fact, if someone is “high-risk” for flu complications in your household/someone you are close with, you should also get your flu shot because you can be a “carrier” (have no symptoms, but pass it on). That is probably a housewarming gift you should skip.

Other possible additions to my back to school shopping list: oil of oregano, tea tree oil and other immune-system boosting valuables.