July-August 2005 - Tower - Page 3
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Notes From theBette C. Jones, RN |
SAFE MEDICATION PRACTICES
Taking Your Medication:
When taking your medication keep in mind these safety tips: Don't chew, crush or break any capsules or tablets unless the medicine label instructions or your healthcare provider tells you. Some long acting medications are absorbed too quickly when chewed and can make you sick. When taking liquid medication, use only the cup or other measuring tool that came with the medicine. Household teaspoons etc. are not accurate. Never take someone else's medication. Read the label every time you take a dose to make sure you have the right drug and that you are following the instructions. Turn on a light to make sure you have the right drug.
Safe Storage and Disposal:
Keep medications in the containers they came in. It will help you remember which drugs are which and how to take them. Store medications where children can't see or reach them. Keep medications for people separate from pet's medications or household chemicals. Don't keep tubes of ointments or creams next to your tube of toothpaste. Flush any old medications, including used patches, down the toilet. Children and pets might get into medications that are thrown into the wastebasket. Don't keep medications in the bathroom medicine cabinet (moisture) or in direct sunlight.
Make Lists:
Make a list of the medications, allergies and pharmacy information by doing the following: Make a list of medications you are taking now. Write down: dosage; how often you take them; the letters or numbers printed on each capsule and name and phone number of the pharmacy where you bought them.
In The Doctors Office or Hospital:
Take your medications and the list of you medications with you. Look at all medicines before you take them. If the medicine doesn't look like what you usually take, ask why. Do not let anyone give medications without checking your hospital ID bracelet. When you are ready to go home, have the healthcare practitioner, nurse or pharmacist go over each medication with you and a family member, and update your list. Ask what is the purpose of each medication.
May you have a safe and healthy summer. I will be available most of the summer months. The "frog's" are on the Shut-In bulletin board. Please remember to reach out and touch our special people.
God bless you.
Bette
Congratulations to Miriam and Jim Sandstrom on the new addition to their family. Twins were born the first of June in Nags Head, North Carolina. No names have been chosen yet. After an abundant amount of scratching noise these adorable racoons were discovered in the underside of the Sandstrom's home at the beach. They were removed and placed outside where the mother racoon quickly retrieved her puppies. All are doing well!
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If you have any comments on any of these pages, please email me: Robert W.(Bob) Mckitrick, thanks.
Last update:July-August 11, 2005
