It’s time for National Check Your Meds Day

Every Oct. 21, individuals and organizations across the country observe National Check Your Meds Day.

Officially established in 2017 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Check Your Meds Day is a time for patients to gain a clearer understanding of exactly what their prescribed medication does, how it affects them, if they’re taking them correctly and if there’s a more cost-effective alternative to what they’re being prescribed.

This is a particularly important matter for older adults, as most seniors are likely to develop multiple chronic conditions that require different prescription medications to manage — making it easy for mix-ups to happen. Here are some questions that you may want to consider asking your pharmacist to help prevent medication-related health hazards:

Are my medications safe to take together?

Taking more than one prescribed medication at a time or taking medication with specific foods and beverages may have a risk of a drug interaction. It’s recommended that you consult your doctor or pharmacist when starting new medications.

What medication should I not mix with alcohol?

It is important that you consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication if you drink alcohol. There are many medications that should not be mixed with alcoholic beverages and being educated by a professional could potentially save your life.

How long should I wait between medications?

Always refer to the instructions on your medication or speak directly with your pharmacist about the length of time between medications.

Everyone should be curious about what they are being prescribed while trying to be as educated as possible about their medication, their intended effects, and what warning signs or side effects an individual should look for.

In addition to speaking with your pharmacist, there are other ways you can participate in National Check Your Meds Day. Don’t leave unused medication lying around, check your medication for expiration dates and speak with your pharmacist or local police department for information on how to properly dispose of unused and expired medication.

Communication with your family or friends is an important step to take, especially for those who have elderly loved ones who rely on medication. Prescriptions can be a source of anxiety, and it may not be easy for older adults to ask for help. Talking about medication with a loved one can provide them with a sense of comfort and understanding the steps to managing medications effectively can help keep them safe!

Observing National Check Your Meds Day by taking these steps ensures that you are safely taking the right doses and the right prescriptions.

At Griswold Home Care, we work with thousands of seniors who require daily medication, and our caregivers know the importance of ensuring the health and well-being of the people we serve every day. If you or an older loved one needs extra assistance in handling prescriptions, we can help with medication reminders so you never miss a dose and we can watch while you take your meds to help ensure you are using it safely, as prescribed.

ABOUT GRISWOLD HOME CARE >> With 168 locations in 29 states, Griswold Home Care is one of the country’s top home care companies, delivering compassionate care 24/7 to its clients. Its purpose is to give people the help they need to live in the place they love. Through this purpose, Griswold Home Care helps adults maintain quality of life despite advanced age or onset of illness through services including companion care, home services, personal care, and respite care. Founded by the late Jean Griswold in 1982, the company has maintained its founder’s profound sense of empathy for older and disabled adults and those living with chronic conditions. For more information, visit www.griswoldhomecare. com or call 215-402-0200.

ADOBESTOCK