Tips

If you use a nebulizer to administer meds, you find these tips from Kamalei on using and cleaning a nebulizer very helpful. Stay safe Topeka!

A walker can be a helpful device for those who need assistance with walking. Randi, one of our nurses, has tips for setting a walker at the proper height to keep users safe. We carry a line of walkers to meet the needs of our community. Stop by for assistance.

There are many medications available to treat just about anything you can think of, and they are very complex. To prevent unwanted side effects and to get the most benefit from your medications, you need to become an active member on your healthcare team. 

How can you become a team player?  

1. Always keep an up to date medication list with you.

This list should include: 

• All physician names and phone numbers you see
• List all of your allergies including medication allergies and reactions to medications
• List all of your medications and make sure to include:
  • The name of the drug
  • Dose
  • How you take the medication
  • When you take the mediccation
  • How often you take the medication
  • What the medication is being used for

The medication list should not only include prescription medications but also include any over the counter medications (like pain medications or cough and cold medications) and herbals. Many people consider herbal medications as all natural but in fact some have side effects and drug interactions just like prescription drugs.  

Be sure to give this list to every healthcare professional you see including physicians, nurses and pharmacists. Also give a copy of your medication list to a family member or friend in case of an emergency. 

2. Write down questions you may have prior to seeing a healthcare team member, bring a friend or family member to help you remember the information and take notes. 

If you start a new medication and develop any unwantd side effects, report back to a healthcare team member immediately. 

3. Use the same pharmacy. 

Pharmacies have pretty sophisticated computer systems that screens out for any potential problems with your other medications you may be taking and alerts the pharmacist if a medication needs to be changed. If you do go to different pharmacies, be sure that the pharmacist has a most up to date medication list to make sure that there is not going to be any potential drug interaction problems with a new prescription. 

4. Keep drug information handouts provided by the pharmacy about your medications.