Ida Alive
Contact us:
  • Home
  • About
    • Featured Partners
  • Challenges/Wellness
    • Wellness Calendar
    • Workplace Wellness Challenge Ideas
  • Health & Human Resources
  • News/Events
    • A Message from Ida Alive
    • News Articles
    • Photos
    • ICCA Newsletter
  • Contact

What's That Pill For?  by Patti Andrews

8/27/2015

0 Comments

 
Do you know what that little pink pill you take every morning is for?  Does your family doctor know what medications your heart doctor has prescribed for you?  Do you have medications filled at more than one pharmacy?  If you were in an accident and unable to speak for yourself, how would healthcare professionals know what medications you were taking?  Medication safety and effectiveness is a top health concern and it starts with you.  Being an informed and engaged patient reduces the possibility of medication errors and improves the safety of the care you receive.

“Often, the only thing that patients really know about their medication is the color of the pill,” says Micki Fischer, Public Health Nurse, “but there are 10 things people should ask each time they get a new medication.” 
1.  What is this medicine used for?
2.  What is the brand name?  Generic name?
3.  How should I take this medicine and for how long?
4.  When should I take it?
5.  What side effects may occur?  How do I recognize these side effects & what do I do if      they occur?
6.  What drugs, supplement, herbals, food, drink, activities should I avoid – and when?
7.  How long does it take for this medication to work and how will I know that it is working?
8.  What should I do when I miss a dose?
9.  Are there any precautions I should take when I am on this medication?
10.  How should I store this drug?


“Keeping a current and accurate list of medications is one of the most important things a person can do,” says Erin Dausel, Public Health Nurse. “The list should include every prescription, vitamin, herbal and nutritional supplement, and over-the-counters medication you take. Be sure to include the dosage, how often and when you take it. It’s important the list includes any allergies, your health history and emergency contact information.  Keep this list in your purse or wallet and be sure the list matches what is in your chart at the doctor’s office and the pharmacy.”

Additional helpful information includes:
1.  Have all your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy every time. This makes it possible for them to check for drug interactions. Transferring prescriptions between pharmacies can be dangerous and is not recommended.
2.  Make sure all your doctors (including dentist) and pharmacy have your medications and allergies on file.
3.  Bring all your medications to your doctor visit at least once per year. Include all medications you take (including prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbals).
4.  Understand the conditions you are being treated for. Having knowledge about your diseases and how they are treated will help you understand the importance of your medicines and any other lifestyle changes you can make to improve your health.
5.  Ask questions if you don’t understand.

0 Comments

Getting Regular Check Ups by Anne Johnson

8/25/2015

0 Comments

 
Everyone knows someone who NEVER goes to the doctor.  Their list of excuses is long:  doctor visits are a waste of time, cost money, appointment times are inconvenient, I can’t take off work, nurses don’t care, kids are always crying in the waiting room, and they always throw medicine at me I don’t need.  Right?  Wrong! 

Routine health exams and annual blood tests can help detect problems before they start. They can find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cures are better. By going to the doctor every year and getting screenings and treatments, you are taking steps live a longer and healthier life.

Your age, health, family history and lifestyle choices are very important to your doctor.  What you eat, how active you are, whether you drink and smoke, and other hereditary factors impact how often you need healthcare.  Doctors can screen for breast and cervical cancers, cholesterol, colorectal cancer, high blood pressure, prostate cancer, skin cancers and strokes.  They can make sure you are current on immunizations and more.  A few minutes of your time today can prevent a whole host of problems later.

Family history plays a significant role in your risk for some diseases. Waiting until "there's something wrong" can be costly in time, treatment and quality of life.  We are all great at playing the “denial game” like putting off getting rid of 20 extra pounds, eating too much junk food, drinking too much alcohol or ignoring wheezing or shortness of breath, subtle signs of heart disease. Avoiding these risks is just not worth it. Your future health is largely determined by what you do today.

If you don't have a physician or healthcare provider, think about getting one soon. Take control of your health care and find a doctor you can trust so you have a healthier future. It is the right thing to do for you, your spouse, kids and grandkids!

0 Comments

    Archives

    November 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.