REMEMBER TO TAKE YOUR MEDICINE
"Hi there, I'm your friendly reminder to take your prescription today as directed. Oh - and I'm inside your TV screen because you don't want to see me in your medicine cabinet." - Greg Grunberg, Heroes
The Importance of Your Medicine Routine
"Remember to take your medicine" sounds obvious, but many people forget about their medical needs on a daily basis. Medicines can prevent, treat and cure many health problems, but must be taken properly to ensure that they keep you safe and work effectively. Forgetting to take your pills can be serious, but forgetting that you already took your pills and taking a second dose can cause problems. Many medications should be taken as prescribed to ensure effectiveness.Your Medication, Your Responsibility
Some medicines have powerful ingredients that interact with the human body in different ways, and diet and lifestyle can sometimes have a significant impact on a drug's ability to work in the body. Certain foods, beverages, alcohol, caffeine, and even cigarettes can interact with medicines. This may make them less effective or may cause dangerous side effects or other problems.When you take medicine, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully to obtain the maximum benefit with the least risk. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare professional today.
Easy Ways to Remember Your Doses
- If you have medicine that is to be taken on a daily basis, take it at the same time every day. Try to link the action with something else that you do regularly, like brushing your teeth.
- If your doctor told you to take your pills with food, try taking them at the same time as you have a certain meal.
- Set an alarm on a cell phone, alarm clock or your computer.
- Write it down. Put a reminder note on the refrigerator, by the phone, on the medicine cabinet, or even on the bathroom mirror. Try changing the message frequently, using different colors to catch your attention.
- Try keeping a chart or calendar to write down when you take a dose. Use colored pens to help you keep track of more than one type of medication.
- Ask friends or family for help. If you know someone who also takes medication, help remind each other.
- Remember to refill your prescription. Each time you pick up a refill, make a note on your calendar to order and pick up the next refill one week before the medicine is due to run out.
To Know More...
U.S. Department of Health and Human Serviceswww.healthfinder.gov