Cooperative Living June 2014 - 22

HEALTHY TAKE
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rrors are a part of everyday life, but when it comes
to medical care, we should do our best to make
sure they don't happen at all. To help protect
yourself from medical-care mistakes, become an
active member of your health-care team. Think
of yourself as the CEO of your body!
* Start by informing doctors about all the
medications you're taking. This includes
over-the-counter vitamins, supplements and
medicines that could interact with medications
your health-care provider may prescribe.
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* Tell your doctors about any allergies or allergic reactions
you've experienced.
* Ask questions about any medication, such as what specifically it's for
and what side effects it may cause, before you begin taking it.
* Make sure your doctors have access to all important health-history information.
It's a good idea to keep your own copies of health records in case you move or
travel and may need this information.
* Be sure you can read your doctor's handwriting on any prescription, or ask
your doctor to fax the prescription directly to your pharmacy.
* Take prescribed medications as directed. Contact your health-care
provider to find out what you should do if you forget to take a medication,
have a bad reaction or are unable to get prescriptions filled.
Educate yourself about your own health. Research any specific conditions you or your family members may have,
and don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions while at your doctor's office. 
COMMON CONTRAINDICATIONS
" Contraindication " is a term used to refer to physical,
mental or emotional conditions when a specific drug
should not be used to avoid the chance of harmful side
effects and complications from arising. Here are some
examples:
* Patients with gastrointestinal bleeding should not take
aspirin but check with their doctor about non-aspirin
pain relievers.
* Hormone-replacement drugs high in progesterone
should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular
disease.
* Mixing alcohol or a drug taken to help you sleep
(a sedative) with a drug you take for allergies (an
antihistamine) can slow your reactions and make
driving a car or operating machinery dangerous.
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* If you have high blood pressure, you could experience
an unwanted reaction if you take a nasal
decongestant.
* Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of
antibiotics, but adding fresh yogurt to your diet or
taking a probiotic supplement prior to beginning a
course of antibiotics can reduce the risk of adverse
side effects. Check with your doctor to find out if the
antibiotic you have been prescribed should be taken
with meals or between meals.
* Patients with kidney disease should check with their
doctor before taking antacids or laxatives.
Reducing the risk of adverse side effects will increase
your chances that the medication will work as
indicated. 
Source: HealthFinder.gov
Source: fda.gov
Cooperative Living/June 2014
HILCH/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK

http://www.HealthFinder.gov http://www.fda.gov

Cooperative Living June 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living June 2014