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Join us on a Walk for Fall Prevention, Sept. 25 9 am Medication Review
Did you know that falling down is the leading cause of injury death for Americans age 65 and older?According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year 35 to 40 percent of older adult Americans fall at least once.
Falling down is not just the result of getting older. Falling can be caused by a variety of circumstances, and many falling mishaps can be prevented.
Prevent Falling: Watch Out for Medication Side Effects
Age can affect the way some medications work in your body, so if you have been taking any over-the-counter medications for awhile, it’s important to tell your health care provider. He or she will be able to tell you if the over-the-counter medications are still safe for you to take.
Look out for drugs–or combinations of drugs–that have side effects including drowsiness or disorientation. These side effects can increase your risk of falling. This is especially important with over-the-counter cold and flu medications, which can often increase drowsiness.
And don’t forget herbal remedies. Some remedies increase sleepiness and many react with other types of medication, which could increase your risk of falling down. Be sure to check with your health care provider before trying new medication, especially if you are already taking prescription drugs. And ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of side effects you might expect when taking them.
Consider using The Vial of LIFE (Lifesaving Information For Emergencies), a tool developed by American Medical Response (AMR) to keep track of the medications you take, and to easily share your medication information with health care providers, doctors, pharmacists, and emergency response personnel. For more information on The Vial of LIFE, open this link: AMR Vial of LIFE.
Watch this video for more information on the Vial of Life Program