4 The Courier sun • health • december 3, 2015 for breaking news visit www.qns.com ▶health Concept E Salon Gives Back to Cancer Patients at Queens Medical Associates ADVERTORIAL 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 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 first 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 office. 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 fit 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. Concept E Salon has partnered with Queens Medical Associates to create the “Concept E Health and Wellness Initiative”. Each week Ryan Dempsey, assistant to owner John Elenterio, coordinates with Queens Medical Associates’ Patient Navigators, and builds a client list of patients fighting Cancer that wish to visit the salon for a complimentary hair appointment. Upon arrival they receive a consultation; we then come up with a personalized treatment plan specific to their needs. This plan often involves scalp massages and treatments, hair cutting, wig styling and maintenance. At the end of their visit, each client is given literature and resources personalized for their needs until their next visit with us. “We are a Davines exclusive salon. Davines is a hair care company based out of Italy that produces a product line free of parabens and sulfates. The reason we chose to carry Davines in our salon is due to their NaturalTech line which is rich in vitamins and nutrients that allow the hair and scalp to be replenished, soothed, & stimulate hair growth” said founder and owner John Elenterio. These treatments specifically tie into the needs of patients that are going through chemotherapy & radiation. As these procedures tend to leave the scalp feeling extremely dehydrated and tight. “We have been extremely fortunate,” said John the owner. “To have had the opportunity to grow along side our clientele. Holidays, Weddings, Sweet 16s, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, whatever it may be, we’ve been there for all of their styling needs necessary to ensure a special day. Being a part of all these positive memories is something my staff and I cherish, however, there have been times our clients face trials and tribulations that often left us feeling helpless.” “We’ve been involved in multiple charitable functions before, but this is something we are extremely proud to call our own, I would not have been able to achieve this without the passion and commitment of my extraordinary staff and the help of Queens Medical Associates’ Patient Navigators,” says John. “As the Concept E Initiative grows, we plan to build upon its success. We feel the need to do so much more. We understand the toll that disease takes on the body, both physically and mentally. Through the “Concept E Health and Wellness Initiative” we hope to overcome both.” • Concept E Salon is a full service hair salon that was founded 17 years ago with the mission to make each client look and feel their very best. This mission has served as an essential factor in their day to day operations. Not only does the salon hold a strong presence in the Union Turnpike community of Queens, but it holds a special place in each of their client’s lives. To make an appointment, please call 718 591-7939
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