What Should You Communicate With Your Doctor?
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Create a list if vitamins, medicines, and any other medication you are currently taking. Make a copy of the list, and place it in a safe place in an available location for emergencies.
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Provide a list of all the medicines you are taking to your health care provider.
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Always check with your physician before taking any non-prescribed medications.
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Be aware of how many refills your doctor orders.
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Read the label each time you take your medication.
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Use a memory aide such as a calendar or pill box, to help remind you when to take your medication.
List Information to Discuss with Your Pharmacist:
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Ask for a large print label on your medication, and a language that you understand.
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Try to use the same pharmacy for all your medication.
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Review with the pharmacists: side effects, what to avoid when taking the medication and food and drug interactions as well.
What Are Measures to Promote Safe and Accurate Administration?
Read all labels carefully in a well lighted room.
Follow the 5 RIGHTS:
- Right medication
- Right dose
- Right person
- Right route
- Right time
- Check all expiration dates.
- Do not store medication near heat or humidity.
- Do not write over label prepared by pharmacists.
- Do not combine different medications in the same prescription bottle.
- Do not share prescribed medications with other people.
- Store medication out of reach of children.
- Report any side effects or problems to your physician.
- Plan ahead to reorder medication ahead of time.
- Take all medications as ordered.
What is Guided Imagery:
A technique that involves using the imagination and mental images to promote relaxation, changes in attitude or behavior, and encourages physical healing. Also known as visualization.You can use an instructor, tapes, or scripts to help you through this process.
Guided imagery is based on the concept that your body and mind are connected. Using all of your senses, your body seems to respond as though what you are imagining is real. An example often used is to imagine an orange or a lemon in great detail-the smell, the color, the texture of the peel. Continue to imagine the smell of the lemon, and then see yourself taking a bite of the lemon and feel the juice squirting into your mouth. Many people salivate when they do this. This exercise demonstrates how your body can respond to what you are imagining.You can achieve a relaxed state when you imagine all the details of a safe, comfortable place, such as a beach or a garden. This relaxed state may aid healing, learning, creativity, and performance. It may help you feel more in control of your emotions and thought processes, which may improve your attitude, health, and sense of well-being.
What is Guided Imagery Used For?
Guided imagery has many uses. You can use it to promote relaxation, which can lower blood pressure and reduce other problems related to stress. You can also use it to help reach goals (such as losing weight or quitting smoking), manage pain, and promote healing. Using guided imagery can even help you to prepare for an athletic event or for public speaking.
Is Guided Imagery Safe?
Guided imagery is safe. No known risks are associated with it. Guided imagery is most effective when the person teaching it has training in guided imagery techniques.