Keep a med list

Gordon Wright

Gordon Wright, Viva Vitality

Quick: Name all prescription medications you take each week. Now, name over-the-counter pills you take, including vitamins, herbs and “natural remedies.”  Now spell each name. No peeking and no, you can’t just call them the “pink and grey” ones.  At this moment you have likely discovered a problem most people face. It’s not easy identifying every medication you ingest.

More questions: What is each dosage? When should you take each drug? Who prescribed it?  The solution to this confusing problem is to find and fill out a medication record. There are many options with easy-to-follow directions.

November is Seniors Falls Prevention Month and this is the time we remind older folks to Keep Active, Watch Your Step, Report Dizziness and, of course, Review Medications.

We urge you to be informed when talking with a health professional annually about things like:

• What am I taking and why? 
• Is it still doing the job? 
• Can it be used safely with other medicines and treatments? 
• Are there side effects? 

If you have a complete, up-to-date medication record handy – a chart, booklet, or even a cell phone application -- you and your health provider will have an informed conversation.

We live in a world full of complex medications. Names often sound similar, people can react to pills differently and drug interactions can affect us very quickly. Over time, we change, circumstances change and so do effects of medications. Over time memories fade too.

Do you consume drugs that can cause dizziness or drowsiness? Coupled with other risks in your life, will these potentially lead to falls and painful and costly injuries?

A medication record can help you keep yourself healthy and injury free. In an emergency a handy portable record can speak when you can’t, allowing healthcare providers to make timely, informed decisions.

Remember, these are easy to obtain on the Internet, in pharmacies or in health facilities.

Try a web search for: Medication List plus Alberta Health Services or visit albertahealthservices.ca/medlist.

Another popular booklet is Knowledge is the best medicine which contains a pullout, pocket-fitting Medication Record Book. It’s often available at seniors falls prevention events.

It’s easy to find the form you need. It’s up to you to fill it out and keep it handy. Remember to note when you update it too, and let your loved ones know where you keep it.

Take a few moments to do this and then rest relaxed and happy and, we trust, injury-free.

For more information about falls prevention visit www.FindingBalanceAlberta.ca or call Health Link Alberta 1-866-408-5465 (LINK).

You can reach Gordon Wright, Health Promotion Facilitator, at 403-502-8238 or gordon.wright2@albertahealthservices.ca.