Ten Tips for Prescription Safety

According to the Institute of Medicine, at least 1.5 million preventable adverse-drug reactions occur in the United States each year," notes Virginia E. White, Pharm. D., FCSHP, senior vice president and chief clinical officer of Health Net Pharmaceutical Services, the pharmacy benefit management subsidiary of Health Net, Inc. She adds, "Seniors need to be particularly careful, as they take more medication than any other age group. In fact, a study reported in the July 2008 edition of the Annals of Pharmacotherapy found that one out of every 10 elderly individuals is admitted to the hospital due to an adverse-drug reaction."

Ten tips

"While medications are obviously designed to help rather than harm you," White explains, "serious complications -- even death -- can result if certain precautions aren't taken." To help avoid such complications, White suggests taking the following steps:

Make a list. Write down the names of all medications -- both prescription and OTC -- as well as vitamins, dietary supplements or herbal remedies, that you're currently taking. Be sure to additionally note dosage levels. Bring this list to all doctor appointments. In case of an emergency, keep a copy of the list in your wallet; one also should be given to a family member or friend.

Talk before taking. Add OTC products to your medication schedule only after talking to your physician or pharmacist. Many OTC medications -- including cold remedies, pain relievers, sleep aids, antacids, and even mineral supplements -- can cause adverse reactions or interact negatively with prescription medications.

Don't wait! Notify your doctor immediately of any adverse symptoms -- stomach upset, diarrhea, difficulty urinating, constipation, forgetfulness, skin irritation, dizziness -- that you experience, especially after starting any new medication.

Read carefully. Make sure you know each medication's purpose, dosage, recommended time to take, requirements relative to food, and preferred storage method. Also be aware of potential side effects and what to do if they occur.

Use reminder systems. If you're taking multiple medications, use of a reminder system -- such as a daily pillbox, calendar, or wall chart -- is recommended.

Take only as needed. Some medications are designed to address specific symptoms and are only for short-term use; consequently, if symptoms persist, notify your health care provider promptly.

Tell all. Make sure that your primary care physician is aware of all medications that have been prescribed by other providers, such as specialists; similarly, inform all providers regarding medications prescribed by your primary care doctor.

Limit pharmacies. Try to fill as many prescriptions as possible at the same pharmacy or chain; limiting the number of pharmacies reduces the potential for prescription mishaps.

Make sure they know. If you're admitted to a hospital or nursing facility, or if you're receiving treatment in an emergency room, make sure that attending health professionals know your medical history and medication schedule. Also, request a full explanation, preferably in writing, of any change made to your medications.

Beware of "drowsy" medications. Some medications cause drowsiness, and drowsiness can result in injury. Examples of such medications include: Atarax; Benadryl; Darvocet-N; Darvon; Doxepin; Fiorcet; Fiorinal; Flexeril; Robaxin; Soma and Valium. If you take any of these medications or their generic equivalent, ask your physician if there are safer alternatives.

Store safely, toss safely

"While proper consumption of prescription and other medications tops the safety-priority list, attention also should be paid to proper storage and disposal of medications," says White. Toward that end, she recommends:

Store medications in a cool, dry spot free of humidity; unless a bathroom is well ventilated, it should not serve as a storage space, and that includes medicine cabinets.

Place medications in a childproofed cabinet or drawer if youngsters live in the home.

Keep your medications on a separate shelf or in a separate drawer from those of other family members.

Secure bottle lids tightly and keep medications in their original containers.

Remove cotton from inside pill bottles; it can absorb moisture and adversely affect medication.

Mix unused, unneeded or expired medications with undesirable substances such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, then put in sealed bags and throw in trash.

Do not flush prescription medications down the toilet unless the label instructions indicate it is safe to do so.

Take advantage of community pharmaceutical disposal programs or community solid-waste programs.

Source: aarp.org

Explore http://www.SCPharmacist.net for Prescription Savings tips, links to Patient Assistance Programs, and valued health care information

Verlia Caldwell, Pres.

Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in the Charlotte, N.C..

I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
1(800) 383-0520

A Gathering Place for Readers

By The New York Times

The Times has launched an online meeting place, called Health Care Conversations, for readers who want to join the national discussion about health care. Three topic areas may be of particular interest to New Old Age regulars: nursing home and end-of-life care, Medicare and the elderly and drug costs. Jump into the fray and, as ever, be sure to let us know your thoughts.

Verlia Caldwell, Pres.

Visit us at http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care in the Charlotte, N.C..

I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.
1(800) 383-0520

Democrats Trying to Sell Health Plan to Seniors

By ALAN FRAM
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House and Democrats are laboring to attract skeptical seniors to their drive to reshape the nation's health care system, leading some to press the behemoth but reluctant AARP to be more aggressive about backing them.

Polls show people age 65 and up - the only age group that preferred Republican presidential candidate John McCain last November - have also had the most negative views about President Barack Obama's attempt to overhaul health care. Among that age group, six in 10 disapprove of the job Obama is doing on health care and about the same number oppose the plans being considered in Congress, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll earlier this month. Continue reading at http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_HEALTH_CARE_SENIORS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Verlia Caldwell, Pres.

I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.

(800) 383-0520

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Grandparent's Day

Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services Family Caregiver Support Program Celebrates the 3rd Annual “Celebration of Grandparents’ Day”

Saturday, September 12, 2009
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
(Registration starts at 10:30 am)
Event hosted by: Shamrock Senior Center
Location:
Shamrock Senior Center
3925 Willard Farrow Drive
Charlotte, NC 28215
The center is located at the corner of Shamrock Drive and Willard Farrow Drive near the Asbury Nursing Home

Continue reading at http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Just1Call/ENG/CareGiver+Support/Grandparents+Day.htm

Visit us at www.icareforyouhomecare.com if you need home care services in the Charlotte, N.C. area.

Verlia Caldwell, Pres.

I Care For You Home Care, L.L.C.

(800) 383-0520

Importance of Keeping a Personal Medical Record

Everyone should maintain their own personal medical record. You should gather the information yourself. It helps you to be more pro-active, and more engaged in your health. Your information maybe the only information, or there maybe serious medical conditions, or allergies. There should be a record of what prescriptions you are taking. It is not true that medical records are true, or readily available.

People move, change jobs, insurance, and have been treated by many doctors. You should have lab results, names and phone numbers of doctors who have treated you, and information about other family members.

Have your information in one place, and accessible. It could be in a notebook, folder, computer. The future holds better automatic systems for information.


Verlia Caldwell, Pres.
www.icareforyouhomecare.com
(800)383-0520

Healthy Aging

HEALTHY AGING: “The Psychology of Confidence” by Thomas J. Schumacher, Psy.D., R-CSW

Let’s face it -- most people wish to speak to their partner, spouse, family, friends, colleagues and accounts with an air of confidence. They believe that if they project confidence, they will project credibility and the people in their life will heed their recommendations and advice … both at home and in the market place. Similarly, they believe that if they speak without an air of confidence, then people will be suspicious of them and will withdraw. They believe that not appearing confident is tantamount to inviting attack and criticism. Who would want to be in a relationship with someone, or do business with someone who does not comport himself or herself with a posture of ultimate confidence in what they say?

As a result, many people work hard to craft an image of confidence. They develop their speech patterns, appearance, clothing and manner to suggest that they know what they are doing. Any doubts or uncertainty must be banished if the person is to succeed. Key: Unfortunately, many people are far better at projecting confidence than in being confident. They suppress their private doubts out of fear and embarrassment. Most cannot admit their doubts to their loved ones and/or business associates. Many cannot admit their doubts to themselves.

Read Dr. Schumacher’s complete article at http://www.ec-online.net/Knowledge/Articles/confidence.html

Verlia Caldwell, President
http://www.icareforyouhomecare.com
(800)383-0520

Social Activity Keeps Elders Young, Agile

MONDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- Older people who don't socialize much might be increasing their risk for declining motor function and hastening their death, researchers from Rush University Medical Center report.

On the positive side, sociable seniors who keep active physically and mentally tend to stave off the decline in physical ability often associated with aging, the scientists added.

"A broader range of activities in elders, including physical, social and cognitive activities, may slow the rate of age-related decline," said lead researcher Dr. Aron S. Buchman, an associate professor in the department of neurological sciences.

"Less frequent participation in social activity was associated with a more rapid rate of motor decline," he added.MONDAY, June 22 (HealthDay News) -- Older people who don't socialize much might be increasing their risk for declining motor function and hastening their death, researchers from Rush University Medical Center report.

On the positive side, sociable seniors who keep active physically and mentally tend to stave off the decline in physical ability often associated with aging, the scientists added. Continue readinghttp://businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/628297.html

Verlia Caldwell, Pres.
www.icareforyouhomecare.com
(800)383-0520
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