Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church

                            July 2012

Being Safe With Medications

Whenever you go to a health care appointment, the urgent care clinic, emergency room, or hospital, either bring your medications in a bag or bring your current medication list. By providing an updated list of all medications that you take (prescribed drugs, over the counter medicines, herbal supplements, home remedies, and medical foods), you are protecting your health and safety.

To make sure you use medicines safely and effectively, it is recommended that you:

• Check with your provider or pharmacist about interactions, if you are taking more than one drug, even if it is an over-the-counter drug, herb, or supplement.
• Tell your health care provider how you actually take your medication, especially if different from the directions.
• Notify your health care provider if you have stopped taking a medication and why.
• Question anything you don't understand or that doesn't seem right.
• DO NOT flush old medicines down the toilet unless specific instructions tell you to do so. Instead take them out of the original container, mix them with other substances such as cat litter or coffee grinds, place them in a sealable bag and throw them into the garbage.
• Watch for drug take-back containers coming soon to our area.

Western Maryland Health System is offering to do presentations or displays about medication safety and to distribute medication lists or bags. For more information, call 240-964-8422.

Source: Patient Education Reference Center, EBSCO Publishing. December 2011

        July 11- October 10          Outer edge of Parking Garage

Berry Selection Tips from the CDC

In general, berries should be dry, firm, well shaped, and eaten within a week after purchase. If you can't eat them that soon, remember that berries freeze well! It's best to buy berries that are 'in-season' as they'll cost less and are more ripe and flavorful than 'out-of-season' berries.

Stay away from containers of berries with juice stains which may be a sign that the berries are crushed and possibly moldy; soft, watery fruit that means the berries are overripe; dehydrated, wrinkled fruit that means the berries have been stored too long.

Select blueberries that are firm, dry, plump, and smooth-skinned. Berries should be deep-purple blue to blue-black; reddish berries aren't ripe but can be used in cooking.

Select raspberries and blackberries that are unblemished dry, in an unstained container. Raspberries should be medium to bright red, depending on the variety. Blackberries should be shiny and black — avoid those that are dull or reddish. Shelf life for raspberries and blackberries is short, and they should be consumed within 2–3 days of purchase. Eat at room temperature for fullest flavor.