Focus of the Month - September 2013
Risks of Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drugs help millions of people live longer and healthier lives. But if you don’t take your medicines as directed or if you take someone else’s medications, the results can be deadly. Unfortunately, prescription drug abuse is all too common in the United States. Misuse of prescription medications affects people of all ages and races. A federal survey in 2008 found that about one in five people ages 12 and up said they’d taken a prescription drug for nonmedical purposes at least once in their lifetimes. People abuse prescription drugs for many reasons, including getting high, losing weight, or building muscle. This abuse carries a serious risk of addiction, and it can lead to other health problems, including irregular heartbeats, seizures, breathing problems and personality changes. Car accidents and physical injury are other concerns.
Take Exactly As Directed Ask Questions
If you have prescription medications, take them exactly as directed. And if you have prescriptions for the three categories of drugs most commonly abused- stimulants, depressants and pain killers, maintain control of them. It appears that most people who are abusing prescription drugs are not getting them directly from physicians. In many cases, the drugs are obtained from family or friends who have prescriptions. www.welcoa.org
When you are prescribed a new medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist the following questions:
- What is the name of the medicine? What is it supposed to do?
- Is it okay to substitute a less-expensive generic medicine for the name brand? Will it achieve the same effect?
- What is the dose of the medicine? Are there food, drinks, other medicines, or activities I should avoid while taking this medicine?
- What are the possible side effects of the medicine? What should I do if they occur?
- How many refills of this prescription can I get?
- What should I do if I miss a dose?
- What should I do if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose?
- Is there any written information I can take home with me? www.ahrq.gov
Mile Movers Walking Program -Double Up Challenge
Come join us and the Allegany County Commissioners for the Kick Off Event
Saturday, September 21st at 10am by the mule at the Cumberland Train Station
Participants will get a choice of a pedometer, lanyard, or drawstring bag. Plus, the first 100 people will get a free t-shirt. Simply track your steps between September 21st and November 16th & submit the tracking cards Win a prize that is twice as nice as what you put in…..150 miles will turn into $300 for the lucky challenge winner!
For more information, call 240-964-8424
