6 THE QUEENS COURIER • HEALTH • DECEMBER 3, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com PRESCRIPTION DRUG SAFETY BY CRAIG W. ARMSTRONG As we get older most of us need the help of prescription drugs. Whether it’s for high blood pressure, high cholesterol health or even diabetes, with age come health issues and prescription drugs become a way of life. While these drugs help us, they also need to be taken with care. Many seniors take several different medications, several times a day. This would be confusing for anyone. The fi rst and probably the most complicated part is understanding the guidelines for each drug. When the drugs are prescribed, make sure you go over the instructions thoroughly with your doctor. If your doctor is not available, get your answers from a nurse or physician’s assistant. The bottom line is to make sure you understand everything before you leave the offi ce. It’s okay to take notes or have instructions written down for you. Your pharmacist is also a great resource in case you forgot something or have additional questions. Some drugs should not be taken with others and this is factored in when they are prescribed. But what if you want to start taking herbal supplements, vitamins, or over-thecounter medicine? Don’t do so without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. The last thing you want is an adverse effect which can jeopardize your health. Make that call and make sure it is OK to add anything to your regimen of drugs. Taking your medication every day and in some cases at the same time everyday can be crucial. You need to create a system. Try scheduling your doses around something you do every day like brushing your teeth or eating breakfast. Using a “pill minder” can make things easier. These plastic wonders will provide a section for each day and mark the day of the week. Pill minders come in many forms, some even have alarms, and there should be one to fi t your needs. Speaking of breakfast, some medications need to be taken with or without food. Make sure you know which meds require a full stomach or an empty stomach and work it into your regime. Furthermore, some medication can make you drowsy. Know which meds will have this effect and plan accordingly. Once you have done your homework, make your schedule or regimen. At this point, its a good idea to have someone check your work. Have a friend or family member look over your plan and make sure it is sound. Better yet, have your doctor of pharmacist look over it. This is your health you are dealing with and it’s important to take the time to make sure you are safe. It’s also a good idea to give some extra medication to a family member or close friend to hold for you in case of emergencies. This will be valuable if you are unable to tell a doctor in an emergency situation. Getting older is no picnic and many things we took for granted can become a challenge. Taking your medication doesn’t have to be one of those challenges. Do your homework, make a plan and ask for help, it’s worth it. Hear for the Holidays Get CaptionCall® absolutely FREE! Contact our office to schedule a hearing evaluation, and see if you qualify to receive a CaptionCall phone at no cost! 516.708.4844 PLLC Great Neck 107 Northern Blvd, Suite 309 www.gbaudiology.com Healthy Feet for a Healthy Life FAMILY PODIATRY SERVICES You Deserve Beautiful Feet! 3 FDA Cleared Featured on CBS “ The Doctor’s” 3 Single Treatment Procedure 3 Takes less than 10 minutes per foot PER FOOT Barry J. Rosen, D.P.M., D.A.P.M.S.B. Diplomate, American Podiatric Medical Specialties Board Board Certi ed in Primary Care in Podiatric Medicine 58-47 Francis Lewis Blvd., Bayside 718-225-2424 • www.rosendpm.com UNION PLANS AND MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED • Sprains • Warts • Bunions • Fungal Nails • Ingrown Nails • Heel Pain • Spurs • Hammertoes • Diabetic Foot Care • Corn/Callouses • Painful Feet • Fractures $295 LASER FUNGAL NAIL TREATMENT With This Advertisement. Exp 12/31/15 Not to be combined with any other offers Cure Your Nail Fungus Today 3 None of the risks of oral medications 3 Outperforms topical creams
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