June 25, 2007

12:09… Roundup with Jay Jamie and Jim.

This segment is a repeat from April 26, 2007
12:20… The sex ed debate continues. A column on MSNBC says south of the border, Bush administration’s abstinence ideology is costing lives and leads to 250,000 abortions in the US per year.

Guest: Dr. Arthur Caplan, director of the Center for Bioethics at the University of Pennsylvania.

12:35… Education watchdog group People For Education has been doing some research on school fundraising. The results show that you’re pretty fed up with fundraising for core costs in education.

GUEST: Annie Kidder, People For Education.

12:45:DayNight Pharmacy Segment

Guest: Irene

Irene talked about Seniors and Safe Medication Usage on 900 CHML today!

A safe prescription for seniors. As we age the body undergoes many changes. One of the changes that occur is the way our bodies handle medications. Seniors are much more sensitive to the effects of medications. A drug that someone was able to handle easily as a young adult may cause more side effects in an older person. Seniors often take medications at the same time, this can lead to drug interactions. Drugs change the way the body works. This is positive when providing the needed therapeutic effects, but it may be harmful if medications are not used correctly. Drugs include not only prescriptions, but also over-the-counter products as well as natural and alternative remedies, Don't forget alcohol, tobacco and caffeine also have an impact on medications. About one out of every four admissions to hospitals for patients over the age of 50, it is because of a medication problem. This is why it is most important for seniors to understand how to use their medications safely. Most seniors are using 4 prescribed drugs, 2 over the counter drugs, not including supplements. Things seniors should know or anyone for that fact who is taking medications:

• The name of the drug (generic and brand name)
• The reason you are taking the medication ( write on the bottle if this helps, ie: blood pressure )
• the amount you are to take, and at the best time the drug should be taken
  
• How often the drug should be taken
• How long the medications should be taken
• Should it be taken with or without food.
• Any precautions for using the drug
• What side effects might be expected
• Is the drug interactive with any other medication you are taken.
• Keep a list of all your medications
  
• Do not carry all your medications in one container
• Do keep medications out of the reach of children
• Ask if they are to be kept in a refrigerator
• Do consult with your pharmacist whenever you are thinking of taking a non-prescription drug.
  

Your pharmacist can provide you with all of this information. DayNight can provide a Medcheck formulated for you. They can also provide you with a list of medications that you can show your Doctors(s), and check for possible drug interactions. If you are senior or know a senior that is on three current drugs, is a beneficiary of the Ontario Drug Benefit program and is not residing in a long-term facility, they are eligible on a annual basis for a free 30 minute consultation. Call your DayNight Pharmacist today for an appointment!