Medication Checkups At November Lunch & Learn

    In this age of specialization, senior citizens may take medications prescribed by several different doctors.  Add over-the-counter medications, and you may have a prescription for disaster.  Improper use of medicines is responsible for about ten percent of hospital admissions.

Playing the Medicine Game will be the focus of the next Lunch & Learn program sponsored by Ashlar of Newtown, on Tuesday, November 16.  “Reviewing the actual medicines is a big part of this program,” says Hilda DeLucia, community resources manager of Ashlar of Newtown.  “This is a hands-on workshop where participants must bring their medications in a paper bag to have them checked by a registered pharmacist.  Cathryn M. Dahlmeyer, health coordinator of The Drug Center pharmacy, will look over each person’s medications and discuss the importance of having a regular ‘Medication Checkup.’”

“About half of all medicines prescribed are taken incorrectly, sometimes because patients don’t have complete instructions or don’t understand why it is important to follow them exactly.  The pharmacist will look for problems that are easy to solve, but which can lead to severe consequences for a patient’s health,” explains Ms Dahlmeyer.  “For example, some medicines should not be taken together, but patients may receive prescriptions from different doctors who are unaware of the patients’ other medications.”

Participants can ask questions, review their medications, and get personalized tips on remembering their medicines, reducing or avoiding medicine side effects, and safe medicine storage.  The “medication checkup” will give older patients the assurance that their medications are safe and being used appropriately.

This program is part of the Lunch & Learn series of free seminars for mature adults about living and aging well.  It will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., with doors opening at noon, at Lockwood Lodge, located at Ashlar of Newtown.  Participants should bring their medications in a brown paper bag.   To register or learn more about upcoming programs, please contact Hilda DeLucia at 426-5847.