If you take medication or supplements of any kind, then it is important to read the instructions on the bottle and follow them to the letter. Failure to manage your pills or failing to take them on time could lead to further medical complications. It is best to stay on track, and we are here to help.
Today, we will talk about why you may need medication, why medication management is so important, and the steps that you can try so that you always take your pills at the correct time every day.
Why You May Need Medication
If you are taking medication, then there is a reason. You went to a doctor or a specialist, they recommended or prescribed a certain solution, and you need to follow the instructions so you can reach your goals or maintain your health. People of all ages can take medication, but it is often seniors who take it on a consistent basis so they can fight off disease, maintain their cognitive functions, or avoid a medical issue in the future.
While some people take prescribed medications, others take vitamins to stay healthy and lose weight. If you are a senior, then it is important that you speak to your medical provider before trying a new pill, vitamin, or supplement. Along with medication, seniors must also make a conscious decision to consume a healthy diet to avoid the common ailments associated with aging, including gastrointestinal issues and the potential loss of taste and smell, among others.
Many of us are also wise to take supplements every day to help our bodies remain strong. For instance, having vitamin D every day can help to control infections, calcium can help produce healthy bones, and omega-3 fatty acids can boost mood and memory. Even young people should consider taking supplements to detox their bodies, improve immune health, and provide healthy energy.
Why The Timing Is Important
While there may be a bit more leniency when it comes to some supplements, if you are prescribed medication, then it is essential that you follow the instructions exactly as they are listed on the label. If you don’t, then there can be negative consequences depending on the type of medication.
For instance, some pain meds like those for arthritis need to be taken before the pain starts in order to have the best results. If you forget and take the pills after you start experiencing discomfort, the medication may not provide the same relief. That is on top of the fact that if you fail to take your pain medication at all, then you could increase your chances of a negative episode. So, if you take blood pressure pills and you forget, then you could have an increased chance of heart attack.
Forgetting to take your medication could also lead to feelings of withdrawal, especially prescriptions that are meant to quell anxiety, sleep problems, and mood changes. If you skip a dose, then you could feel much worse, and it may even be harder to remember to take your pill the next time.
Of course, the reason you are likely taking prescribed medication is that you are trying to quell the effects of a particular disease or put an end to the disease altogether. You are told to take your medication at certain times for a reason, and if you fail to do so, then your medical condition could deteriorate even faster, and your doctor may need to find a new course of action. All in all, taking your pills at the right time will make life much easier.
Strategies For Medication Management
Before we talk about methods that you can try to help keep your medication management on track, we need to say a few words about what you should not do. If you forget to take a pill, you should not take two the next time to make up for what you lost. Doing so could make your condition worse or lead to life-threatening side effects. If you miss a dose, call your doctor and ask for the best course of action.
When it comes to ensuring that you take your medication on time, there are many strategies that you can try. If you own a smartphone, then you can set a reminder that will go off at the same time every day and tell you which pill you need to take. If you want extra security, then consider looking online for a mobile app that can help, like Medisafe Pill Reminder, which not only tells you when to take your pills but also gives you instructions if you miss a dose.
Some seniors may not be as tech-savvy as their younger counterparts, so different techniques can be considered. A go-to that has worked for years is the plastic pill organizer that has a section for each day of the week, so you know what to take and when. Another idea is to set up all of your prescription bottles in a row as a reminder of what to take first, second, etc. Finally, consider adding the information onto a monthly calendar that you hang on the wall.
In the end, there is nothing more important than taking the medication that you need most at precisely the right time. Heed the advice and warnings here and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
