Knowledge is the best medicine

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How much do you know about your medication?

When you need to take medication, whether it's a cold tablet or something you take everyday for your heart, it is very important to understand what you are taking and why, how to take it, and what the side-effects might be.

To find out more start by talking with your doctor or your pharmacist. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You have the right to ask. You have the right to know.

Some Helpful Hints

...With your doctor or pharmacist

• Don't expect a prescription every time you visit your doctor.
• Tell your doctor about all of the medication you are taking. Don't forget your non-prescription and even herbal remedies. Some interact with each other which can change the way they work.
• Talk to your doctor about any allergies or reactions to medication that you have experienced in the past.
• Make sure that you understand the instructions on how to take your medication.

...At Home

• Take your medication exactly as directed. Too much or too little of your medication could be harmful.
• If you forget to take your medication don't double the next dose. Call your doctor or pharmacist.
• Don't share your medication with others.
• Finish all of your medication unless your doctor tells you not to.
• Don't save a prescription for future use unless your doctor tells you to.
• When certain drugs are mixed with alcohol, the result can be harmful. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Check expiry dates. Return extra or outdated medication to your pharmacist.

Things to watch for:

Sometimes when taking medication, things we don't expect can happen. Side effects are things medications might do besides what they are supposed to do. Before you take any medication your doctor and pharmacist should tell you about possible side effects and how long they might last.

Your doctor may want to change your medication if the side effects are too bothersome. There may be another medication that would be better suited to you. Ask your doctor which side effects you should report.

Adverse reactions are more serious than side effects but happen less often. Adverse drug reactions are always unwanted and usually very harmful. Examples of adverse reactions include:

• A severe allergic reaction with difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching or swelling.
• Feeling faint and having a racing heart
• Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up, or severe diarrhea
• Depression to the point of considering suicide

If you think you are having an adverse drug reaction contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Keep it Safe

• Keep your medication in a dry place out of sunlight.
• Don't keep your medication in the bathroom. The heat and moisture could damage it.
• Store your medication in its original container.
• Some medications are stored in the refrigerator while others are kept at room temperature. Ask your pharmacist.
• Make sure you keep your medication in a secure spot, out of the reach of children.

Medication information: It's yours for the asking

Many of us are uncomfortable asking questions. Perhaps we feel our questions are embarrassing, unimportant or we think that our doctor or pharmacist is too busy and we shouldn't bother them.

Remember doctors and pharmacists are there to help you. They want to know if you have concerns about your medical treatment.

The more you know about your medication the more you become a team player in your own health care.

Here are some suggestions that you may want to try:

• Before visiting your doctor or pharmacist think about what you want to ask them.
• Make a list of your questions and take it with you. If you find it difficult to ask questions take a friend or family member with you.
• If the answer confuses you, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain it again. Tell them what you don't understand.
• If it will help you, have the answers written down. Ask for written material on the subject so you can read it later.
• You may feel more comfortable talking to your doctor's nurse who can answer many of your questions.

Helping ourselves to good health

An important part of our long-term health and happiness depends on how we live day by day. By eating well and staying physically and socially active we can help ourselves to good health.

An apple a day...

Lots of common problems don't require medication. Some problems go away on their own.

Here are some simple, easy ideas which you could try:

If you can't sleep:

• get fresh air and exercise during the day
• soak in a hot bath ­ this often relaxes you

For stress and anxiety:

• talk things over with a friend
• listen to relaxing music
• get some exercise

For a cold:

• rest and drink fluids
• use a vaporizer

If you are constipated:

• drink lots of water or juice
• eat food with lots of fibre ­ fresh vegetables, whole grain cereals and breads

Eat Well

We all know how important it is to eat right but that doesn't make it easy to do. What we eat and drink affects how we feel ­ especially as we grow older. Following Canada's Food Guide can help us get back on the right track to healthy eating. It is a common sense approach to eating properly. Talk to a health professional to learn more.

Stay Active

Regular exercise is a great habit at any age. It is one of the best ways to stay trim and it's good for the body and the mind. Limits are different for different people, but the benefits of regular exercise are very clear. And it's never too late to start.

If you exercise already, keep it up. If you are beginning, start slowly with 5 to 10 minutes twice a week and build up gradually. Be sure to tell your doctor before you start or change your exercise program. And whatever you do be careful. If it hurts - stop. Enjoy yourself!

What else can I do?

• Don't smoke.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation.
• Good health also comes from being socially and mentally active. Stay in touch with your family and friends, in person and by telephone.
• Stay informed. The more you know, the more you can be involved in the important decisions in your life.
• Take care of yourself. Remember prevention is the best cure.
• Be positive and enjoy yourself. Age is less a question of years than it is of attitude.