Medication has been a predominate answer to many of the health problems facing our nation. Whether you have an ongoing illness or experience a one-time injury and require medication for the pain, you run the risk of a medication error if proper care is not followed.

A major concern is with medication interactions. Medication interactions refer to two or more drugs interacting with each other, either prescription or non prescription. It also refers to drugs interacting with what you eat or drink. Depending on the situation, the interactions could cause adverse or weakened effects of the medication or dangerous side effects to your body.

To give you an idea of how common medication interactions have become, let us consider some facts about prescription and over-the-counter drug use today. Studies show that “in any given week, 4 out of 5 US adults will use prescription medications, over the counter drugs, or dietary supplements of some sort.” Most adults take multiple medications and the number of drugs taken by elderly people has significantly increased. When taking into account how wide spread our prescribed medication and over-the-counter drug market has become it is important to know that “at least 1.5 million preventable adverse drug events occur each year.” And, many less serious medication interactions are not even reported so this fact is largely underestimated.

Learning about our society’s vast use of drugs can help us see how the medication interaction concept is a major concern and should be treated with seriousness. Take for example some of the most prescribed medications out there. Most of us have heard of Plavix, a blood thinner often advertised on TV. But did you know that mixing Plavix with aspirin, a common over-the-counter drug, can lead to excessive bleeding? Studies also show that grapefruit juice effects over 50 prescription drugs by hindering the enzymes that normally break down the drugs, in turn allowing more medication to get into the blood stream. These interactions should be avoided at all costs.

In order to reduce medication errors and medication interactions, it is beneficial for others to know what drugs you are prescribed or what vitamins and over-the-counter drugs you usually take. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and family or friends that help with your daily medication should all be aware of your medication records. One of the easiest ways to make them aware is to have a medication ID card or prescription card. These cards conveniently display your medications on a wallet sized card so that you and others have access to the card at all times. A CapsulCard is a great example of a medication ID card. The CapsulCard can be created online, updated as frequently as needed, and shipped to you in an easy to handle method. The card lists your healthcare providers’ names, medicine regimen, and pharmacy name all in one central spot. Having your personal medical record on you is great for doctor’s visits or in the unfortunate case of an emergency.

Taking action to reduce medication errors is a vital step for everyone. It will help doctors when it comes time to prescribe you medications, it will assist pharmacists when it comes time to fill medications, and it will help you or the individuals responsible for administering your medications. A medication card is a great way to reduce medication interactions so take the first step and create your own CapsulCard today!

In the U.S, Type 2 diabetes is becoming increasingly common, not only in adults but in kids and teens as well. This is most likely in those who are overweight.

Studies showed that between 8% and 45% of children who have been newly diagnosed with diabetes have the form known as type 2.

What is Type 2 diabetes and how can one control it?

Diabetes is condition that is known to be chronic and a condition that requires close attention, nevertheless with some practical knowledge, you can become your child’s most vital ally in learning to live with the disease.

Once people are diagnosed, the primary goals of type 2 diabetes treatments are to control glucose levels and to reduce other conditions that put patients at risk for major complications. Such complications include heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke, among many others. Treatments for type 2 diabetes are life-long – there is no pill to cure this chronic disease.

Controlling Glucose

Of type 2 diabetes treatments, controlling blood glucose is the most widely-utilized. Generally, the goal is to keep one’s blood sugar stable and doctors may set levels specific to each person. Controlling glucose requires careful monitoring. Doctors may have people check their blood sugar daily or several times a week; it varies by individual. Some people can manage their diabetes with changes to diet and exercise, while others require medication.

Diet and Exercise

Both diet and exercise have a significant impact on blood glucose levels. While there is no one diabetes diet, patients are encouraged to eat nutritious, low-calorie foods. They often have to reduce animal fats and sweets and count carbohydrates. Consistency is key. People must also make physical exercise a part of their daily routine. Exercise lowers blood sugar, so patients should make it a priority. Always consult a doctor before beginning an exercise regime, but for most people, 30 minutes of aerobic exercise combined with strength training, most days of the week, is ideal.

Medications

Some people find changes to diet and exercise sufficient treatments for type 2 diabetes, but many others require medication and insulin therapy. Medication regimes are individual, based on each person’s medical history, other diseases, and individual factors. Yet metformin (Glucophage) is often prescribed; this diabetes medication lowers glucose production in the liver. Other oral or injected medications increase insulin-production in the pancreas. Still others block the breakdown or absorption of carbohydrates.

Insulin Therapy

Insulin therapy is common among medication-based type 2 diabetes treatments. Patients may use insulin injections or an insulin pump; insulin cannot be taken orally. There are many different types of insulin and doctors may prescribe a mixture based on individual factors.

Reducing Complications

The second major goal of type 2 diabetes treatments is to reduce future complications. Patients must often make lifestyle changes. Doctors may recommend regular exercise, limiting alcohol, the cessation of smoking, among others. They may also prescribe certain medications like ACE inhibitors and diuretics to lower blood pressure, statins and fibrates to lower cholesterol, or aspirin and clopidogrel to control clotting. Regular check-ups will be required. If patients are conscientious, they can still enjoy active, healthy lives, even with the disease.

It won’t be long and the ball will drop in Times Square, kicking off a brand new year. Couples will kiss at midnight and new years resolutions will be quickly made.

One of the most popular resolutions made every year is to improve health. So, before your health resolution fades, faster than the confetti hits the ground, let’s review five blood tests that can ensure that you are on the path to good health.

Cholesterol Test

Not just any cholesterol test, but a VAP Test. In addition to the typical lipid panel you normally receive (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, ratios), the VAP Test provides a lot more information to determine a better picture of your “heart health”. It analyzes the smaller particles of cholesterol to give you much better detail on your risk factors.

Glucose Test

There are millions of Americans who have been diagnosed with diabetes and many more who have the disease without knowing it. A fasting glucose test determines the level of blood sugar you have. Since, abnormal blood sugar levels can become so problematic with a persons health, this test is an important one.

Chlamydia Test

Stop blushing. The Chlamydia infection is the leading sexually transmitted disease (STD) and infects approximately 2.8 million people every year. The problem is that, in many cases, there are no signs or symptoms. Complications are found most often in women, in some cases leading to infertility. So, stop blushing and get a chlamydia test.

Vitamin D Test

New research indicates the vital importance of Vitamin D and the fact that many of us (including children) are lacking it. Vitamin D is actually produced by the body when we are exposed to sunlight. Lack of Vitamin D has been shown to cause numerous health issues - everything from bone loss to increased cardiovascular disease.

Thyroid Panel

The thyroid gland produces hormones that help to manage metabolism. When the thyroid gland does not function properly, an individual may develop hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Proper control of thyroid hormones is important as they impact so many other systems. A simple thyroid test can assess your thyroid health

By taking good care of yourself now, you’ll hopefully be able to attend many New Years parties in the future.