Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver - (Page 45)

products. Write down each drug’s brand name and its generic counterpart, the strength in milligrams, formulation (e.g., capsules or tablets) and the directions/dosage. Keep copies at home, in your wallet and with a friend or family member for reference. 2. CREATE A CHART. On a dry erase or bulletin board, draw a chart that shows the weeks, days and medications. Add a checkmark every time you complete a dose. For people on the go, a medical journal works just as well. You can jot down any side effects you experience and show the journal to your doctor. Several websites let you print out free charts and calendars. 3. BUY A PILL CASE. Arroyo advises getting a big, seven-day pill holder and making time every week—perhaps Sunday nights—to sort your medicine. For the ultraorganized, you can purchase a daily pill case, too, and shift pills from the big case to the small one. “These are cheap, great products that are sometimes free at the pharmacy,” he says. Some pill cases even beep as a reminder. 4. ESTABLISH A REMINDER SYSTEM. Special medication watches can be programmed to sound an alarm every time you need a dose. Close to You Choose from three St. Anthony Senior Health Centers in the metro area: Denver — 1601 Lowell Blvd. 303-825-1234 Westminster — 8300 N. Alcott St. 303-430-2640 Thornton — 2501 E. 104th Ave. 303-430-2640 go Anyone with a cell phone can try this tactic, too. o. Good old-fashioned sticky notes strategically placed around the house also can help. If all else fails, many medicines today come in time-release formulas. Ask your doctor for a once-a-day prescription rather than one that requires multiple doses. And if you do miss a dose, never double up. “The rule of thumb is to take it as soon as you remember, especially if it’s in a three- to six-hour window,” Arroyo says. “With the exception of birth control pills, you never want to double up. You can never catch up on a drug.” Too many meds? Polypharmacy refers to problems that can arise when someone takes more medications than are actually needed. “It’s a particular concern for seniors,” explains Alan Lazaroff, M.D., medical director of St. Anthony Senior Health Centers, “because they’re often dealing with multiple diseases—osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular problems. So even if every drug has a good indication, putting 10 drugs into a person’s body is a concern. You really have to prioritize.” Lazaroff urges those concerned about multiple medications—either their own or those of an older friend or loved one—to talk with their doctor about reviewing all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and supplements. “See if any could be stopped safely. Find out if any might be causing a problem.” Medication and chronic disease management, routine medical visits, minor emergency care, emotional health and memory care are among the many services provided at St. Anthony Senior Health Centers. The physicians guiding care are geriatricians—specialists in the changing medical and wellness needs of older adults. Bilingual nurses, social workers, nutritionists and other specialists work together as a team to help patients and their families maintain independence and a higher level of health. PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILLY KIDD vim & vigor · fall 2008 45

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver Contents A Mission in Motion For Your Health Goal! Seeing Beyond Time Equals Muscle The Fiber Solution Prize Fighters On the Cover: Spreading the News I'm Glad I Had a... Tailor-Made Beyond the Bedside On Track Living the Good Life Little Kids, Big Decisions Zeroing In Right At Home Beating the Clock Community Connections Ask the Experts

Vim & Vigor - Fall 2008 - North Denver

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