(Photo above, courtesy of flickr user Thomas Hawk. Photo at right, courtesy of flickr user size8jeans.)

On Thursday, September 23 at 10:30 a.m., as part of our Health & Wellness series, we will be hosting a special program on Managing Your Medication. Presenting will be Elaine Abrams, MPH RN CHES Community Health Coordinator at Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County (formerly Nursing & Home Care).

According to the National Institute on Aging, adults over age 65 consume more prescription and over-the-counter medicines than any other age group. Older adults tend to have more long-term, chronic illnesses – such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, which can be successfully managed with a variety of pharmacological treatments. While these medications contribute to overall quality of life, taking multiple medications can also be dangerous.  About 7000 deaths each year and thousands of hospitalizations are the direct result of medication misuse, drug-drug interactions, or from adverse effects of medications.

“It’s often necessary to take drugs in combination; it just requires more care,” said Ms. Abrams. She also notes that at least one quarter of all medication-related problems are preventable through improved awareness and education.

In response to the growing concern of medication safety, Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County developed an educational program called “Medication Management.” “Medication Management” stresses a pro-active approach including steps to take before filling any new medication prescription, understanding how and when to take medications, interpreting the drug facts label, proper storage of meds, documenting and reporting of side effects, and potential drug-drug interactions. The program offers tips about medication reminder systems, travelling with medications, and planning for emergencies.

All participants will complete a medication safety self-assessment. Free medication organizer and a packet of valuable informational materials will be provided.

This program is part of our Health & Wellness Series, A Picture of Health, an extensive series of lectures, expert panels, computer workshops, and films. The schedule offers sessions on a variety of health issues, including nutrition, stress management, personal safety for children and teens, pain management, holistic medicine, sleep disorders, and medication management.

Click here for more information about our Health & Wellness Series.

For information about "Safe Disposal = Safe Returns," Darien's Free Medication Collection Day on Saturday, October 9, please click here.