Tips for Managing Medications, Activities & Lifestyles

Maintaining your health and staying safe is essential if you want a happy tomorrow.  There are many things you can do, regardless of your age, to plan for a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Talk to Your Health Care Provider:

• Discuss which physical activities are most appropriate for you. Regular exercise helps to improve endurance, strength, balance and coordination.
• Have your vision checked regularly. Your eyesight plays an important role in preventing injuries at home and in the community.

Manage Your Medications:

• Clean out your medicine cabinet. Are there prescriptions in it that you no longer take or no longer recognize?  Get rid of anything you don’t take.
• Be aware of the interactions between your medications and with food.
• When starting a new medication, heed the warnings. Monitor to see if they cause dizziness, nausea or other conditions. They may make you unsteady on your feet or impact your ability to drive an automobile.
• Create a medication schedule. Use a pill box or a reminder service so you don’t forget to take the needed medications each day.
• Ask your pharmacist to provide you with easy to open containers and large print labels.

Prevent Falls:

• Install grab bars and hand rails in places like the bathroom and near stairs.
• Use a cane of walker if needed to improve balance and stability.
• Install proper lighting outdoors near walkways.
• Ensure there is adequate lighting inside the home including night lights along the pathway to and in the bathroom.
• Wear shoes with non-slip soles.
• Remove rugs and other hazards from the floor including cords, magazines and other trip hazards.

Prevent Fires and Burns

• Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees.
• Install and test fire and smoke detectors regularly.
• Do not smoke in the home, especially if oxygen therapy is in use.

Drive Wisely

• Plan your route before you go and choose well lit, familiar routes.
• Drive mostly in the day time in good weather conditions.
• Wear your seat belt – even on short trips.
• Eliminate distractions when driving.
• Know when it’s time to give up driving for your safety as well as others.

Take control of your safety today so you can live a longer and healthier life.