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General Safety Issues, Health Issues

ARTHRITIS SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Arthritis is one of the most common disabilities in the United States, affecting about 21 million adults, according to a National Health Interview Survey from 2007-2009. Arthritis is a term used to describe hundreds of rheumatic diseases and conditions, from fibromyalgia to rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions affect the joints, tissue around the joints, and other connective tissue.
 
Since this disability is so widespread in America, it is important that people with arthritis take the necessary precautions to ease their pain and joint stress. While arthritis is incurable, there are steps people can take to ensure their safety, health, and comfort. 
 
 
Be Conscious of Medications
Many anti-inflammatory medications taken by arthritis sufferers have dangerous interactions with over-the-counter medication. It is important to discuss every medication you take with your doctor. 
 
Prescription arthritis medication also has serious side effects. The most commonly used arthritis medications, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), are known to cause stomach problems, heart attacks, and strokes. These side effects can be combated by taking the prescription with food or antacids. 
 
DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) are more invasive than NSAIDs and can cause kidney and liver damage. It is important to take frequent blood tests when taking DMARDs.  
 
Protect Your Joints
The use of splints and braces can aid in joint protection. There are other assistive devices like jar openers, raised toilet seats, and “grabbers” that can be used to accomplish basic tasks. 
 
Good posture can also protect the back and joints, as well. Practicing proper body mechanics will make your body move more efficiently. If you work in an office, use wrist support while typing. When you’re sitting down, be sure to have both back and foot support.  
 
Exercise
Regular exercise can improve joint flexibility and make them stronger. Water exercises reduce the stress on joints. Look to the internet for exercise options http://arthritis.answers.com/management arthritis management. 
It has been proven that weight loss can significantly reduce the stress on weight-bearing joints. Losing weight can improve mobility and decrease the need for joint replacement in the future.  
 
Get Proper Sleep
The pain and difficulty that comes with walking can reduce the energy level of arthritis sufferers. In order for a person with arthritis to function at a higher level (both mentally and physically), they must get a proper amount of sleep. 
 
 
Stay Healthy
According to the http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/ Center for Disease Control  (CDC), people with arthritis are at a higher risk for respiratory infections and the flu. Also, adding Omega-3 fatty acids will greatly decrease stiffness. They naturally reduce inflammation in the body. 
 
Vitamin C is another helpful addition to a diet. It helps the body build collagen and connective tissue. Using olive oil when cooking, instead of butter or other oils. Oleocanthal, the compound found in olive oil, works to prevent inflammation and provides about as much relief as a dose of ibuprofen. 
 
By Liam Garcia
 
First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

PHARMACY SAFETY AND SERVICE

Most of us visit our pharmacies on a regular basis – if you don’t, you are very healthy,  and lucky!  We depend on our pharmacist to ensure that the medications we take are safe.  First, how on earth they are able to read the doctor’s prescription is amazing!  (I used to wonder if they taught doctors how to write in some unintelligible script while they were in medical school).   Pharmacists and their technicians must understand the doctor’s order, enter it accurately into the computer record, identify potential problems with the prescription that the physician may have missed, pick the correct drug and strength from their supply, and place the drug in a container that has been correctly labeled for the drug.  Most pharmacies use a system of checks and double checks designed to help optimize the safety of patients.  It is also the responsibility of the patient to double check that you are taking the right dose of the right drug at the right time, in the correct way.  It is your duty to read the instructions that your pharmacist gives you, along with your prescription.  Here are some other tips about medications and your safety: 

  • Make sure that your doctor has provided enough refills until your next visit.  Prescriptions and refills are valid for one year.
  • Call ahead for refills.  It should be ready within 24 hours or less.
  • Be sure your pharmacist knows all the other medications and over-the-counter drugs you take.  He /she can identify potential drug interactions.
  • Check your medications to be sure they are imprinted with some identifying marks.
  • If you take certain drugs over a long period of time, know what each one looks like.
  • Some generic pills are all white and look alike, so be sure you look closely to ensure you aren’t taking two of the same pill.
  • Confirm your child’s medication dose with your child’s doctor and/or pharmacist.  Most drugs’ dosages are based on weight and pediatric medications are at high risk for dosage errors.
  • Be sure you understand why your physician prescribed every medication you take.
  • Know the brand name (the name given to a medication by the manufacturer), and the generic name (the chemical name of the medication.)
  • Many times your pharmacist can confirm any side effects you may experience.  (This is usually on the printout he gives you, but call him/her to be on the safe side.)

 Be especially careful when dispensing medicine to small children.  Pay attention to any recalls of pediatric medications, as it does happen.  Keep medicines out of the reach of children, and pets.  A curious kitty or pup can get into things that can be harmful to them.  Our grandpug, Truman, knocked over a bottle of dog pills one time, and all five dogs had to be taken to the vet; three had to have their stomachs pumped!  Truman isn’t too trustworthy, he’s sweet, but he gets into things that are not his business. 

Keep a list of your medications and the times of day you take each medication.  This drug list and schedule for doses is critical in keeping your medications organized.  The use of a pill holder really helps for a daily schedule.  

Lastly, every place of business should have first aid kits available, and over-the-counter medicines stocked for headaches, and other minor aches and pains, as well as bandages, etc.  Texas America Safety Company (www.tasco-safety.com) has the very supplies that can complete your first aid needs for your employees.  Mention you read this blog article, and receive 5% off your purchase! 

Source: (NPSF) The National Patient Safety Foundation has been pursuing one mission since its founding in 1997 – to improve the safety of care provided to patients and is a central voice for safety.

General Safety Issues, Health Issues, Uncategorized

MEDICATION SAFETY WEEK, APRIL 1 – 7

The Women’s Heart Foundation sponsors this April observance to promote awareness about the importance of keeping accurate records and understanding about the medicines that we take.  The U.S.F.D.A. estimates that $77 billion is spent annually on preventable medication-related illnesses.  Listed below are suggestions from the Women’s Heart Foundation for us to do on each of the seven focus days:

  • April 1: Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet
    Start with a clean slate. Discard outdated medicines and old prescriptions. Many drugs lose their potency over time. Store medicines in their original containers and in a cool, dry place. Locate medicines away from children and pets and from those who do not understand.
  • April 2: Know Your Medicines
    Know both the generic and trade names of your medicines. Know how to identify pills and what they are for. Make a list of all the medicines you are taking. Write down both the generic and brand names of medicines to prevent inadvertently double-dosing. Be able to identify pills by name. List prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, birth control pills, patches and supplements. Keep the list updated and keep it with you at all times.
  • April 3: Read Medicine Labels Carefully
    Are you taking what your doctor ordered and the way he ordered it? Note precautionary stickers on the label. Note the route, dose and frequency of your medicines. Keep medicines in their original containers. Pay attention to warnings. Note that some medicines can react with foods; others have to be taken on an empty stomach. Some lose potency quickly and must be kept in an air-tight container. The effectiveness of many medicines is dependent upon taking them at the correct times. How the medicine is to be taken ––the route–– is also important (i.e. by mouth, through the skin, under the tongue, inhaling. etc.)
  • April 4: Dietary Supplements Awareness
    Before you start taking a dietary supplement,  discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.  Herbal medicines and other dietary supplements can react with medicines and have an unknown synergistic effect. All herbal preparations are contraindicated while pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • April 5: Organize Your Medicines
    Keep an updated record listing all medicines and supplements you are taking. Use of a medicine organizer box may be helpful, especially for those taking more than one pill several times a day, however, a medicine organizer box requires close monitoring, especially when there is a change in medicines. Also, be aware that use of an organizer box violates the rule of keeping medicines in their original containers. Managing pills with a medicine organizer box, while convenient, is not without risk. Take medicines as prescribed. New drugs with time-released action can offer some help with organizing with only once-a-day medicating. Ask your doctor about these newer medicines. Keep your medicine record up-to-date.
  • April 6: Transitional Care Awareness
    A change in medical regimen can be confusing and can place you at increased risk. Be diligent about communication with all healthcare professionals. Make sure you understand your medicines and how you are to take them before leaving the hospital or doctor’s office. Ask for written instructions. Be extra cautious whenever there is a change in your medical regimen. Double-check your medicines when picking up a new or refilled prescription. If in a hospital or nursing home, make sure the nurse checks your I.D. bracelet before giving you your pills. If a pill doesn’t look familiar, ask why. It may be a generic of the same drug you were taking however, if you don’t ask, you won’t know! Make sure you receive written instructions upon discharge from any medical facility and insist that both the generic and brand names of each drug you are to take is included.
  • April 7: Better Communication With Health Professionals
    Actively seek information from your pharmacist about the pills and the supplements that you are taking. Ask for print-out sheets on drugs and read them!  Discuss all risks and benefits with your prescribing practitioner. Share information about the medicines and supplements you are taking with all your prescribing practitioners and with your pharmacist. Discuss expected effects and possible side effects.  Report adverse drug effects promptly and never hesitate to ask questions when it comes your health and the use of medicines. Your doctor, healthcare practitioner and pharmacist are there to help…just ask!

We cannot be too careful when taking medications.   Communication is the key to the prevention of medication errors.  This excellent information is useful for individuals and sharing with co-workers.

Source: Women’s Heart Foundation