Hints From Heloise: Charting medications

By Heloise, Published: July 28  

Dear Readers:

Here are some Heloise Hints to help remember when taking medications:

 

* For a new medication or a change in one, make a chart that includes the name of the drug, the times to be taken (a.m. and/or p.m.) and for how many days it was prescribed. Tape the chart so it is visible, and you will see it every day. Attach a marker or highlighting pen to mark as pills are taken.

* Because some medications are very expensive, a reader suggested asking the pharmacist for just a few pills (with the doctor’s permission) to try first to make sure you don’t have any reactions. If you are unable to take the meds, you won’t be stuck with unusable, expensive pills.

* Use permanent marker to write the first letter of the medication on the bottle and lid. If you get a refill, use the lid with the letter so you don’t have to write out a new one. Also, write the medication name in large print on the bottle itself. Paint around the rim of a medicine bottle to tell your meds from your spouse’s. Use nail polish to put a colored dot on the lid and the bottom of container so they match up.

* Open pills over a soft surface so if they are dropped, you won’t be on your hands and knees searching.

* Write on top of a medication bottle whether it should be taken in the a.m. or p.m. to avoid any confusion.

* Once meds have been taken for the day, turn the bottle over.

* Set a reminder on your cellphone for the time you need to take your medicine.

* If you have a hard time opening the childproof lids, ask the pharmacist for regular lids.

* Keep medicines together so that a family member can find them easily in case of an emergency, along with one of your doctor’s business cards.

* When going to the doctor, put peel-off medication labels on a sheet of paper so the doctor has all of your medicine history.

* Compile a list of your medications on your computer, and print one off every time you go to the doctor.

Here’s to your good health! -- Heloise

INSIDE OUT

Dear Heloise: I read somewhere that when you’re hanging something in the closet that can be worn again before laundering, to put the hanger on backward as a reminder.

My reminder is to hang the garment inside out. Now it is easy to spot, and I know immediately that I can wear it again. -- Kerrie Ann in Oregon

TOOL STORAGE

Dear Heloise: Every time I would look for my hammer, screwdriver and pliers, they would be missing. I would eventually find them in the garage, courtesy of my son or husband. So, I got tricky. I bought a larger box and stenciled on it “Scrapbooking.” Guess what? My tools are always available now, and no one has caught on! -- Virginia, via e-mail

Cute, and we love it in Heloise Central. -- Heloise