Managing Medicine Wisely

Why Managing your Medicine Matters--tips from

February 15, 2013

Older adults often face a double whammy when it comes to medicine. They’re more likely to use medications than younger people, but they’re also more likely to experience harmful side effects.

In fact, every year, one in three adults aged 65+ has one or more harmful reactions to a medication, according to the American Geriatrics Society.

Why? Older adults are more likely to take multiple medications for multiple conditions—all at the same time. This can be confusing and lead to harmful interactions. Also, many seniors who live on a fixed income have trouble paying for all of their medicines, making it difficult to stay on track.

If you take one or more medications, it’s important to manage them wisely to stay healthy and safe. Here are 6 tips to keep in mind:

1. Be informed about all the medications you’re taking.

All drugs are potentially harmful—whether they’re prescription medicines or over-the-counter products such as herbals, supplements, vitamins, minerals, antacids, sleep aids, and laxatives. Keep an up-to-date list of all of your medications. Share it with your doctor and pharmacist and have them review it for potential drug interactions. Try using this Drug and Supplement Diary from the American Geriatrics Society, and take time to review the society’s Ten Medications Older Adults Should Avoid or Use with Caution.

2. Use one pharmacy and talk to your pharmacist often.

Your pharmacist is a great resource. He or she can help you keep track of your medications and check for drug interactions among them. Ask your pharmacist questions about your medications. If your pharmacist is busy, schedule a time to come back when it’s less busy. Here are some Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Medicines from the Center for Medicines & Healthy Aging.

3. Understand and pay attention to possible side effects.

Some medications can cause troublesome side effects, especially in older adults. Examples include dizziness and drowsiness that could lead to a fall; stomach upset, diarrhea, or constipation; blurred vision; dry mouth; and fatigue/lack of energy. Know what to expect, how long the side effects may last, what to do when they occur, and when to contact your doctor. In some cases, your doctor may tell you to stop taking the medication, but never stop taking a medication without first speaking with you doctor.

4. Store your medicines safely.

Medications should be stored in a cool, dry, dark location. Humidity in the bathroom can alter a medication’s effectiveness. Keep medicines where you’re likely to see them every day, and link taking them with other daily activities like eating or brushing your teeth. Go through your medicine cabinet regularly and discard any expired medications. Get more Tips on Safe Storage and Disposal of Your Prescription Medicines from the National Council on Patient Information and Education.

5. Take your medication as prescribed.

Medication adherence, as prescribed by your doctor, is important for good health. Make sure you understand how to take each of your medications safely.

6. Find help paying for medicine.

Managing medications can be difficult when the cost of your drugs is high. If you’re having trouble paying for your prescriptions, check out 5 Ways to Save Money on Your Medications.

Medication Management Quiz

Test yourself! See if you know the facts about how to manage your medications safely.

1. True or False: If one medication does not work, take two or three.
2. True or False: Even if one dose makes me feel good, a larger dose might not make me feel even better.
3. True or False: If my doctor has not stopped the medication, I must still need it now.
4. True or False: It is important that you take only prescription medications that are specifically prescribed for you.
5. True or False: Generic drugs normally cost more than brand name drugs.
6. True or False: Generic drugs are tested and approved through the FDA.

See the answers >>

Volunteers needed--RSVP can connect you to volunteer opportunities that help older adults live independently, help them choose Medicare Part D plans--and more. Volunteers 55 and over receive special benefits. For more info: Call 952-945-4162 or Email 

Easy valentine--volunteer from home

Help put smiles on kids' faces!  What do frogs, kittens, and superheroes have in common? They make really cute valentines that could brighten the day of some boys and girls this Thursday. Send a valentine to children with disabilities who receive services from Easter Seals. It's really easy: Just pick out your valentine design and sign your card online.  Do it before Thursday so Easter Seals can send it along to a child with disabilities on Valentine's Day. Here's the link: http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageNavigator/ntl_2013_Valentines_Card.html?s_src=2013_valentines_taf Note: It is free to send a card. (After you do, a donation page comes up--but you can just close it).

Food Shelf Help Needed

Beat Cabin Fever by Lending a Hand

Each February, volunteer participation drops by 20%. Meanwhile, demand in some areas is up by 25%. Your help is necessary now more than ever to get food to the people who need it most this winter.  RSVP partners have a variety of locations and opportunities.

Volunteers needed--RSVP can connect you to volunteer opportunities that support hunger relief. Volunteers 55 and over receive special benefits. For more info: Call 952-945-4162 or Email 

Whatever it takes-- Patricia Lull, Saint Paul Area Council of Churches                          

The January food delivery from Second Harvest came on a day we were short staffed in the Department of Indian Work [Food Shelf]. Sick days and jury duty had called several away. The truck arrived late in the day, minutes after other volunteers had to leave. We were a remnant crew – five women, one man. 

The man and I unloaded the pallets at the door and carried frozen meat, canned goods, and lots of fresh produce into the building. The others sorted and shelved the food, which is so precious to the American Indian participants at our food shelf.

Each trip my co-worker carried two or three boxes for each one I hoisted. As the second of five pallets was unloaded, he said – Whatever it takes! I realized that he was telling me to just keep plugging along.

As the driver unloaded the third pallet, a car with more volunteers arrived. A long afternoon’s task was made much lighter. When all the food was stored away and the cardboard boxes carried to the recycling bin, I thanked the man who had worked tirelessly for two hours. With a broad grin he replied, “I do this for the community.”

RSVP Partners Explore Caregiver Support

Exploring the Role of Faith Communities in Caregivers' Networks of Support

Friday, February 15, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM      FREE

Join Saint Paul Area Council of Churches for a conversation to explore the role that faith communities play in caregivers' networks of support.

In a recent Wilder study of Saint Paul caregivers—family, friends and neighbors providing care for an older adult—faith communities were cited as a preferred source of support. Caregivers see their faith communities as a natural place to look for support in taking on this meaningful and challenging work. What role is your faith community playing? What role could you play?

Come together with others interested in supporting caregivers, where we will:

• Hear the results of the Caregiving in Context study: http://bit.ly/caregiving-context
• Share our experiences
• Think freshly about the possibilities of faith community support for those caring for our elders.

When: Friday, February 15th, 10am–2pm

Where: Saint Paul Area Council of Churches, 1671 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105

What: Co-creation of new ideas for faith community support of caregivers.

Lunch will be served.

RSVP by 2/11/13: The event is free, but an RSVP is required to plan for space and food. Please go to: http://faithcommunitysupportofcaregivers.eventbrite.com to register.

Conversation Co-sponsors:
Saint Paul Area Council of Churches
Wilder Foundation
Faith Community Nurse Network
Lutheran Parish Nurse Association
Lyngblomsten

FaithCommunitiesCaregiversConversation_2.15.13.pdf  

Volunteers needed--RSVP can connect you to volunteer opportunities that support caregivers. Volunteers 55 and over receive special benefits. For more info: Call 952-945-4162 or Email 

Free Repairs for Homeowners in Need

Rebuilding Together is currently looking for homeowners in need of repair services 
in Falcon Heights and in St. Paul's Como, Hamline-Midway or Frogtown neighborhoods.

The mission of Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is to bring volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of low-income homeowners. They provide no-cost home repairs for homeowners in need, particularly older adults, individuals living with disabilities and families with children.  This service ensures that these homeowners live independently in homes that are safe, warm and dry.

                                                

-Qualified applicants must own or be current with mortgage payments; be up-to-date with tax payments; reside in the home for which they are applying; and have homeowners insurance. 

-The household income must be at or below 50% of area median income.  For a family of four, 50% of the area median income is currently $41,350. And, at least one resident in the home must be a senior, an individual living with a disability, a child under the age of 18, or an active or retired member of the armed services.

-Interested homeowners can:
-download an application online at  www.rebuildingtogether-twincities.org
-request an application by email  homeowners@rebuildingtogether-twincities.org
-call 651-776-4273.

Volunteers needed--RSVP can connect you to volunteer opportunities at Rebuilding Together. Volunteers 55 and over receive special benefits. 
For more info: Call 952-945-4162 or Email 

Tax Volunteers Needed

 Sign up now to train for Tax Season Volunteering:

 Use your skills to support free tax help for those in need.

Short-term volunteer opportunities at multiple metro locations during tax season:

--Individual Tax Preparers--Prepare simple state and federal returns using tax software. Free training now through January.

—Tax Site Greeters--welcome customers, no previous tax experience is necessary.

--Tech Support--Help set up, maintain, and troubleshoot computer systems at tax sites. Tech experience required.

Contact the RSVP Volunteer Program at 952-945-4162 or jkoschak@voamn.org

Volunteers 55 and over receive free supplemental insurance & other benefits.

Cold, Snow, Darkness Got You Down? You may have SAD

Amid the splendor of Fall--though I try to enjoy the beauty--I  get a growing feeling of dread. I dread the coming cold, snow, and darkness that Fall heralds, and it turns out I'm not alone.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 

If you notice periods of depression that seem to accompany seasonal changes during the year, you may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression – usually in late fall and winter – alternating with periods of normal or high mood the rest of the year. Most people with SAD are women whose illness typically begins in their twenties, although men also report SAD of similar severity and have increasingly sought treatment. SAD can also occur in children and adolescents.

What are the patterns of SAD? 

Symptoms of winter SAD usually begin in October or November and subside in March or April. Some patients begin to slump as early as August, while others remain well until January. Regardless of the time of onset, most patients don’t feel fully back to normal until early May. Depressions are usually mild to moderate, but they can be severe. Very few patients with SAD have required hospitalization.

The usual characteristics of recurrent winter depression include oversleeping, daytime fatigue, carbohydrate craving and weight gain, although a patient does not necessarily show these symptoms. Additionally, there are the usual features of depression, especially decreased sexual interest, lethargy, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, lack of interest in normal activities, and social withdrawal. 

Light therapy, described below, is now considered the first-line treatment intervention, and if properly dosed can produce relief within days. Antidepressants may also help, and if necessary can be used in conjunction with light. 

The most common characteristic of people with winter SAD is their reaction to changes in environmental light. Patients living at different latitudes note that their winter depressions are longer and more profound the farther north they live. Patients with SAD also report that their depression worsens or reappears whenever the weather is overcast at any time of the year, or if their indoor lighting is decreased. SAD is often misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, infectious mononucleosis, and other viral infections. 

How is winter SAD treated with light? 

Bright white fluorescent light has been shown to reverse the winter depressive symptoms of SAD. Early studies used expensive "full-spectrum" bulbs, but these are not especially advantageous. Bulbs with color temperatures between 3000 and 6500 degrees Kelvin all have been shown to be effective. The lower color temperatures produce "softer" white light with less visual glare, while the higher color temperatures produce a "colder" skylight hue. The lamps are encased in a box with a diffusing lens, which also filters out ultraviolet radiation. The box sits on a tabletop, preferably on a stand that raises it to eye level and above. Studies show between 50% and 80% of users showing essentially complete remission of symptoms, although the treatment needs to continue throughout the difficult season in order to maintain this benefit.  Side effects of light therapy are uncommon. Some patients complain of irritability, eyestrain, headaches, or nausea. 

What should I do if I think I have SAD? 

If your symptoms are mild – that is, if they don't interfere too much with your daily living, you may want to try light therapy as described above or experiment with adjusting the light in your surroundings with bright lamps and scheduling more time outdoors in winter.

 

If your depressive symptoms are severe enough to significantly affect your daily living, consult a mental health professional qualified to treat SAD. He or she can help you find the most appropriate treatment for you. To help you decide whether a clinical consultation is necessary, you can use the feedback on the Personalized Inventory for Depression and SAD at www.cet.org. 

This article was excerpted from a fact sheet distributed by NAMI Minnesota. Read the entire article at:

http://www.namihelps.org/assets/PDFs/fact-sheets/Illnesses/Seasonal-Affective-Disorder.pdf

To find local resources on mental health and more, visit NORC St. Paul's Local Resource Directory

at http://www.norcstpaul.com/index.php?option=com_sobi2&Itemid=164