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Bronchitis is a disease of the lungs commonly found in smokers and those who live in polluted areas. There are short term and chronic cases where the patient has an ongoing cough, often developing phlegm. Patients who have serious chronic bronchitis have an increased risk of death, often living only up to four years after diagnosis. There are ways to prevent the disease, though; and treatments are available.

Smoking is the leading cause of bronchitis so it is highly advisable to quit. Quitting smoking can reverse the effects of chronic bronchitis and allow patients to lead a more healthy life. Drinking plenty of fluids will also help acute sufferers. Though acute bronchitis is not nearly as serious as chronic, it can cause complications if left untreated.

Early diagnosis and treatment is critical in successfully reducing the symptoms associated with bronchitis. Antibiotics are often prescribed to help eliminate infection. Also, inhalers are generally used to help temporary flair-ups such as coughing and wheezing. This can help the patient breathe more comfortably.

In more severe cases, oxygen therapy may be necessary. The patient may use an oxygen tank to help breathing and respiratory functions. In extreme cases, a lung transplant may be necessary to replace one or both diseased lungs. Because lung transplants require a donor that is matched closely to the patient, these are sometimes difficult to accomplish. There are also risks involved such as rejection of the new lung and reactions to medication.

A healthy diet and exercise program are also recommended for easing symptoms of bronchitis. Regular aerobic exercise is helpful in expanding lung capacity and assisting in breathing. Walking is a great low impact exercise for those suffering from bronchitis. In addition, breathing exercises can be helpful. Learning how to take slow, deep breaths will help strengthen the muscles and relax the patient.

For acute bronchitis it is recommended to stay away from dairy foods as this will increase the amount of sputum generated, complicating symptoms. Instead, use cayenne pepper, garlic and chicken stock as they are all mucus clearing foods. Aromatherapy using eucalyptus will help soothe irritated lungs and help regulate clearer breathing. Warm compresses or hot showers can also clear mucus and help steady breathing.

Bronchitis can be a minor affliction cured within a few days or a chronic condition that requires more radical treatment. Use of antibiotics and natural remedies are helpful for acute bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis may require additional steps such as inhalers, oxygen therapy and even surgery. Bronchitis is, however, preventable. The most important preventative is to not smoke and to stay away from second hand smoke.

Prescription drug coverage is an important aspect of overall health care coverage. This article will briefly discuss the types of coverage that are available, as well as some things you should be aware of when choosing a plan.

Most people obtain their prescription drug coverage as a part of their overall medical insurance plan. Most medical plans include some form of prescription drug coverage, and some states actually require employers to include this coverage in the medical plans that they offer to employees. Whether purchased independently or in combination with other coverage, the available types of coverage are similar.

Traditional, or fee-for-service coverage is the most common form of prescription drug coverage. This type usually has an annual deductible amount in addition to the amount of the premiums. In general, the lower the premiums, the higher this deductible amount will be. This type of policy pays a percentage of your overall drug bill once the deductible has been met. This percentage is usually around 80%. This type of coverage usually requires you to pay for your prescriptions up front, and you are reimbursed by filing claims. Another aspect of this type of coverage is that you can choose whatever pharmacy you want to fill your prescriptions.

Another type of coverage that is available is provided by an HMO (or Health Maintenance Organization). This is a fairly tight-knit group of health care providers that furnish health care on a prepaid basis. The primary difference with this type of coverage is that you usually pay some form of co-pay amount for your prescriptions. You are not required to pay the full amount as with traditional coverage, only the co-pay. Your out-of-pocket expense may well be the same as with traditional coverage, but you do not have to pay the entire amount up-front and file for reimbursement. Another difference with this type of coverage is that you will be limited to pharmacies that participate in the HMO.

PPOs (or Preferred Provider Organizations) are similar to HMOs, but much more loosely associated. Prescription drug coverage with a PPO will be very similar to that of an HMO – you will likely pay some co-pay amount for each prescription that you receive. However, you will have a wider range of pharmacies to choose from with this type of coverage.

Another type of service that you may see advertised as prescription drug coverage is not actually an insurance plan. These are discount programs that, usually for a small monthly fee, issue a prescription drug card that qualifies you for discounts on your prescription purchases. This type of service does not usually cover all of your prescriptions. Depending on who issues the card, this discount may be limited to certain drug manufacturers, pharmacies or to certain types of drugs. While these programs can help if you are without prescription drug coverage, they should not be considered as a replacement for insurance coverage.

There are a wide number of choices available to you when choosing prescription drug coverage. This is true whether you are purchasing coverage independently or as part of a more comprehensive medical plan. You can use some of the other resources available at this site to help you in choosing the prescription coverage that is right for you.

Five natural cures

Before continuing with this article, it must be stressed that the following is for general information only and is not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professionals if you have any concerns about your healthparticularly during the flue season. These natural cures may not be applicable to everyone and could be detrimental to your overall health if not discussed with your physician as to possible interaction with any prescribed medication you may be taking.

Some of the time-honored natural cures that have been used for centuries to prevent colds and flu, reduce symptoms, or shorten the duration of colds and flu are showing promising results in research studies. There are a variety of herbs, supplements, and food remedies. Listed below are five that have received favorable results.

1. Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Kefir, and Yogurt

Kimchi (pronounced kim’-chee) is a Korean spicy fermented side dish that has been getting a lot of press since the BBC published a report by scientists in Seoul, Korea who found that 11 of 13 chickens infected with the avian flu started to recover after they were fed an extract of kimchi. It is important to note that there have been no published reports of its effect on people affected with the new strain of avian flu. The key ingredient is thought to be a natural organic acid called lactic acid, that’s also found in sauerkraut, milk, yogurt, kefir (a yogurt-like effervescent beverage), meat, and beer. In
fact recent reports also show sauerkraut being used to treat chickens.

2. Elderberry

Another one of the natural cures that has attracted a lot of attention is the berry extract from elderberry (Sambucus nigra) which contains more than one compound that’s active against flu viruses. One of the many ways it works is by preventing the virus from attacking cells. A study found a 50% reduction in the severity and duration of symptoms in adults and children
after taking an elderberry extract.

Health food stores carry elderberry juice, syrup, and capsules suitable for adults and kids. Only commercially prepared elderberry products made from the berry extract should be used, because the fresh leaves, flowers, bark, young buds, unripe berries, and roots contain cyanide and can result in cyanide poisoning. This is definitely not a do it yourself natural cure that you can prepare!

3. Ginseng

The herb ginseng, used in Asia for over 2000 years, made headlines recently after a double-blind placebo-controlled study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that a ginseng extract reduced the number of upper respiratory infections by 25% during a four month period. The treatment group took two 200 mg capsules of a ginseng extract every day for
four months and reported reduced symptoms, duration of infections, and infection recurrence.

Ginseng can have hormonal effects. Some studies suggest that ginseng can boost estrogen levels, so it should not be on the list of natural cures for women with breast cancer. Ginseng should also be avoided by people taking blood sugar medication or antidepressants known as MAO inhibitors, by children, people with high blood pressure, or by pregnant or nursing women.

4. Astragalus

Astragalus doesn’t come with nearly as many warnings as ginseng. The dried root of astragalus is a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese herbal formulas. It’s now used in the United States to strengthen the immune system and prevent colds and flu. Herbalists recommend it as an immune tonic for people who tend to catch colds frequently.

Preliminary research has shown astragalus can stimulate immune function in humans. It can be found in capsule form at health food stores or as a dried root in Chinese herbal shops and some health food stores. Because of its mild taste, the dried root can be added to soups. The dried root is light yellow and the size and shape of a tongue depressor. A typical daily dose is 9 to 15 g of the dried root, which equals about 3 to 4 slices. Traditionally in Asia, people took astragalus soup once a week throughout the winter. The dose is individual, and people with increased exposure or compromised immune systems may require more. Note: Herbalists do not recommend taking astragalus if you’re already sick.

5. Ginger

Another on the list of popular natural cures: A cup of hot ginger tea is not only invigorating , it is also a great cold fighter. Ginger contains compounds that have been found to be active against rhinoviruses, the most common group of cold viruses. Ginger is a diaphoretic, meaning it fights colds by gently raising body temperature and promoting perspiration.

Note: Ginger is also a blood thinner. Talk to your doctor before taking it if you are taking blood thinners.

While not necessarily addictive, antidepressant drugs can cause serious side effects that lead to erratic behavior. Such side effects create a dangerous situation in the workplace, the home, while driving and in many other instances. Those antidepressant drugs of particular concern are tricyclic antidepressants.

Amitriptyline is an antidepressant drug that goes by the brand name Limbitrol. Nortriptyline is also a part of the tricyclic antidepressant family and is prescribed as Aventyl and Pamelor. Doxepin is used to treat both depression and anxiety and can be found under the names Adapin and Sinequan. Desipramine is sometimes also prescribed to treat eating disorders and withdrawal symptoms from cocaine addiction. It is sold under the name brands Norpramin and Pertofrane.

How Do Tricyclic Antidepressants Work?

Antidepressants work by helping to maintain certain levels of neurotransmitters, chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals help to regulate mood and modes of thinking. By elevating a person suffering from depressions mood, antidepressants alleviate the feelings of hopelessness, sadness and the general lack of interest in living associated with their condition. The medication is typically taken as an antidepressant pill, but is also available in syrup form.

Effects of Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressant drugs, especially tricyclic antidepressant drugs can cause a whole array of side effects. Side effects include, upset stomach, dry mouth, increase in skin sensitivity, insomnia, drowsiness, changes in sex drive, changes in appetite and confusion. Serious antidepressant side effects that require medical attention include constipation, difficulty in speaking, irregular heartbeat, trembling, stiffness of limbs and hallucinations. Tricyclic antidepressants also create an increased likelihood of thoughts of suicide and attempts in children and adolescents. Any sudden behavior changes, mood swings or extreme agitation should be relayed to your childs doctor.

Signs of Tricyclic Antidepressant Overdoses

Someone overdosing on tricyclic antidepressants exhibits many signs and should be taken to a medical facility immediately. Warning signs of a potential overdose include seizures, dilated pupils, pounding or irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, difficulty breathing, severe drowsiness, and vomiting.

How To Test For Antidepressant Drugs

While antidepressant drugs are a prescription medication with legitimate uses, they can be potentially dangerous to those who work in fields that require the operation of heavy machinery and other hazardous activities. There are many different kinds of drug testing kits that test for tricyclic antidepressants in ones system, such as urine drug tests, saliva drug tests and hair follicle drug tests.

Having an employee that is under the influence of antidepressant drugs such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline or doxepin can be potentially dangerous, not only to themselves, but to other employees and the health of your company. That is why performing drug tests at your workplace to detect antidepressant use can keep your workers safe, your reputation sound and your company producing to the best of its ability.

As a parent, the prescription drugs your child or teenager is taking is obviously of concern to you. But the potential side effects of some drugs like tricyclic antidepressants are astounding and should be carefully monitored. To test your teen for amitriptyline use, nortriptyline use, doxepin use, desirpramine use and other antidepressant drugs that have been shown to increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts in adolescents, a drug test kit can help to calm your mind and decide what is best for your child.

How To Select The Right Drug And Alcohol Rehab Center

A person suffering from an alcohol or drug addiction needs help immediately. Without it, it is highly likely he will continue down a never-ending path of self-destruction that could ultimately lead to death. Unfortunately, drug and alcohol addiction are both extremely difficult to overcome. Therefore, the only way most addicts are able to truly fight the battle against drugs and alcohol is to receive addiction treatment through a reputable drug rehab program. Furthermore, it is essential that the addict find the rehab center that is best suited for him and his personality because if care is not taken to find a program compatible with his needs, a relapse is highly probable.

* The Specialty

Not all drug rehab centers specialize in every type of addiction recovery. Therefore, the first step in selecting the right drug or alcohol rehab center is to identify those that specialize in the drug the person is addicted to. For example, an alcoholic will receive little help from a program specializing in addiction treatment for those who abuse heroin. While the basics of addiction recovery are the same regardless of the type of drug that is abused, there are special considerations to be made with different drugs. The withdrawal symptoms can vary from drug to drug. In addition, the exact approach used to help the person recover from addiction can be different depending on the drug. Addicts may find a higher level of comfort treating in an environment where other addicts have shared the same drug experience.

* The Location

The location of an alcohol or drug rehab center can have an impact on its success with the addict. For some, it is best to find a rehab center that is located near to family and friends. In this way, it is possible for them to maintain more consistent contact with the addict. For others, it is better to find a rehab center that is further away from home because the memories and the people there make it too difficult to refrain from abusing drugs or alcohol. The proximity to home may cause triggers leading to early relapse.

* The Program

The first consideration a person must make when attempting to select the right drug and alcohol rehab center is the treatment program. Most drug rehab centers offer both inpatient and outpatient care programs, but careful consideration must be exercised when making the decision for the level of care. For some addicts, an inpatient care program may be the best option because they do not have the strength or ability to fight the addiction without receiving 24-hour care. For other addicts, outpatient treatment may be sufficient for overcoming the problem while still allowing the person to live a semi-normal life. A preliminary assessment by a physician or qualified counselor/therapist will help determine what level of care is most appropriate.

* The Approach

Nearly all alcohol and drug rehab centers provide physical and emotional care to help addicts overcome their disease. The exact approaches used by various rehab centers, however, can vary. For example, some centers place a greater emphasis on the physical aspect of the addiction while others focus more on the emotional impact. In addition, the way these rehab centers address both components of treatment may vary.

In some rehab centers, patients are provided with another drug in order to overcome the addiction. For some patients, however, there is a risk of becoming addicted to the replacement drug. Therefore, this type of approach may not be best for some addicts. Yet other rehab centers simply have patients go cold turkey, but this approach can be devastating for some patients and can even cause them to give up hope and want to quit.

In addition, the emotional approach used by rehab centers to assist with addiction recovery can differ. For example, some drug rehab programs may utilize less known approaches, such as music therapy and art therapy. Similarly, some centers may focus on hypnosis or acupuncture. Yet other programs may utilize only counseling and group therapy. For an addict, the approach used can make a huge impact on the overall success because if the addict does not believe in the type of therapy being utilized, they will likely be defeated before the recovery program even begins.

There are other questions that should be asked when making a decision about admission into an alcohol or drug rehab facility. Staff credentials, medical supervision, cost, typical length of stay, aftercare programs, 12 step philosophy, sobriety success rates, and family involvement are a few other important considerations to think about when making perhaps one of the most important decisions in the life of an addict.

Hepatitis C is an infection with the hepatitis C virus. It causes liver to swell which affects its functioning. Hepatitis C spreads by using infected, dirty needles or through blood transfusion. The virus remains dormant in the liver to cause chronic inflammation. Once infected with hepatitis C virus many may not show any sign of infection. Sometimes people get infected with hepatitis C and would not even know for years. There are two main kinds of hepatitis, acute and chronic hepatitis. When a persons liver gets inflamed suddenly it is called acute and when the inflammation doesn’t leave you, it is called chronic hepatitis.

Other than using IV drugs or getting stuck with dirty needles, hepatitis C virus can also spread by direct contact with blood of an infected person, by sharing toothbrushes, razors, tattoo needles and even from mother to the unborn child. It is also a sexually transmitted disease. One has to get oneself examined as this virus can lead to cirrhosis (a liver disease) and liver cancer. One of the important reasons for this infection to flourish is by sharing dirty or infected needles.

Common Myths about Hepatitis C

It cannot be transmitted by sneezing, coughing, shaking hands, hugging, kissing, sharing utensils, swimming in public swimming pool, using common toilets or touching doorknobs.

Possible Symptoms

Even though there aren’t any common symptoms we can include some possible symptoms which may pinpoint us towards hepatitis C problem. These possible symptoms are fatigue, losing weight, loss of hunger, joint pains, nausea, anxiety, pain in liver area, flu-symptoms like fever, headache and sweats.

Simple Preventive Measures

There are no home remedies available for this condition. But you can prevent this by following some simple instructions. Avoid sharing needles with any one. If donating blood ask for a fresh needle, opened right in front of you. Have a healthy way of living by including a good diet and exercise routine. Control your alcohol intake to prevent further damage of your liver. Practice safe sex by using condom. Get routine check-up to avoid any complications. By the much needed blood tests one can find out about hepatitis C in an early stage. Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B to prevent further problems.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

No Worries On Medicine Costs With Canadian Drug Stores

If they are not sweating it out over mortgage, many Americans have to deal with the costs of medicine. They land in the hospital or see a doctor and are then slapped with a prescription for medicine that they have to maintain for the long term.

Of course, any way that they can save money is always welcome. But drug stores based in the United States often have higher prices, regardless if they are found online or in an offline location. The cheaper alternative to medicines is just found in Canada, that is, at online Canadian drug stores.

Most people think that ordering medicine at a Canada-based location costs more as they would also have to pay for shipping aside from the cost of medicine. The fact is, you can actually save 25 to 50% on medicine costs just by ordering from an online Canadian drug store.

In general, there are five main reasons why drugs are deeply cheaper in Canada than in the United States:

Since government regulates them, there is a ceiling on how much Canadian pharmaceutical companies can charge for their medicine.

Since Canada has less strict patent laws, more generic drugs are being manufactured.

Since the US dollar is stronger than the Canadian dollar, Americans have more purchasing power.

Taxes are not charged on orders sent outside of Canada.

Shipping costs are charged at per package per order, not per bottle of drug. You may have several drugs in on order, but you only need to pay one shipping fee. Spouses who place their orders together, and have the same shipping address, are changed only a single shipping fee.

How It Works

To get started, you only need to fill an order with an online Canadian drug store Once this is done, you will need to send the prescription made by your doctor in the United States. A licensed Canadian doctor will then review your patient history and your prescription, and then approve the prescription under his or her Canadian professional license. If the Canadian doctor has any questions or concerns, he or she will get in touch with your or your doctor.

When the Canadian doctor approves your prescription, your order. Whenever possible, the Canadian drugstore substitutes the brand name with US-approved substitutes, unless you or your physician indicates you do not want substitutes.

Apart from popularity, brand name drugs differ very little from their generic counterparts. Their looks may differ, but brand name drugs and generic drugs have the same active ingredients and thus work in exactly the same way. The major difference is the price.

Brand name drugs refer to drugs that were first made by a pharmaceutical company. The company that made Prozac, for example, was the only one allowed to make the drug for years. After a time (around ten years in the United States and five to seven years in Canada) other companies were allowed to make generic versions of that drug.

Laryngitis is the aggravation of your vocal chords in the larynx. It also causes swelling around the voice box area, which brings out the changes in your voice. In any given day your vocal chords open and close without much hassle. But, when you are infected with laryngitis vocal chord gets inflamed and irritated. These changes in the vocal chord weaken your voice box causing it to sound hoarse. Laryngitis can get so severe that you may lose your voice completely. This is a temporary problem which can be treated within 7 to 14 days. This kind of a problem is very common when the temperature falls leading to irritation of your voice box.

Causes

Laryngitis problem is mainly caused by a bacteria or a virus. Once the infection leaves you it is not necessary that the throat problem would leave you too. Other very common causes is yelling, shouting, singing, talking too much and loudly, smoking, and allergies are some of the other reasons. Consuming too much alcohol also causes this problem.

Symptoms

You could notice some common signs and symptoms of the problem such as loss of voice, hoarse and weak voice, and irritation, soreness and dryness of the throat and dry cough. You may also suffer from bouts of fever due to bacterial or viral infection.

Self-care Measures

-Avoid smoking
-Avoid passive smoking
-Avoid alcohol
-Speak softly
-Do not whisper, as it causes more strain to your throat
-To bring down the fever and relieve you form any form of pain, use Aspirin, Ibuprofen or Tylenol
-Have warm liquids such as soups, tea etc,
-Take some rest

Home Remedies for Laryngitis

-You can make a solution by using 1/2 teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water. You can use this solution for gargling.

-Drinking slippery elm bark tea helps to clear your throat as it lubricates the vocal chords directly.

-Mix one teaspoon apple cider vinegar in half glass of water; take this solution every hour for seven hours. You will notice the changes instantly.

-A hot remedy – mix one fourth teaspoon of cayenne pepper with few drops of lemon in one cup of boiling water. Drink this solution sip by sip to get the best of this remedy.

-By using ginger and honey you can make the right solution to sooth the irritated throat. Peel off gingers skin, cut into small piece and later boil it till the water turns yellow. To sweeten the tea you can add honey. Sip this solution to provide you the necessary benefits.

-Gargling with sea salts, several times a day can provide relief to your throat.

-A concoction of fenugreek, eucalyptus, horehound and marsh mellow makes an excellent tea which can be used to gargle away your throat problem.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

While not necessarily addictive, antidepressant drugs can cause serious side effects that lead to erratic behavior. Such side effects create a dangerous situation in the workplace, the home, while driving and in many other instances. Those antidepressant drugs of particular concern are tricyclic antidepressants.

Amitriptyline is an antidepressant drug that goes by the brand name Limbitrol. Nortriptyline is also a part of the tricyclic antidepressant family and is prescribed as Aventyl and Pamelor. Doxepin is used to treat both depression and anxiety and can be found under the names Adapin and Sinequan. Desipramine is sometimes also prescribed to treat eating disorders and withdrawal symptoms from cocaine addiction. It is sold under the name brands Norpramin and Pertofrane.

How Do Tricyclic Antidepressants Work?

Antidepressants work by helping to maintain certain levels of neurotransmitters, chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals help to regulate mood and modes of thinking. By elevating a person suffering from depressions mood, antidepressants alleviate the feelings of hopelessness, sadness and the general lack of interest in living associated with their condition. The medication is typically taken as an antidepressant pill, but is also available in syrup form.

Effects of Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressant drugs, especially tricyclic antidepressant drugs can cause a whole array of side effects. Side effects include, upset stomach, dry mouth, increase in skin sensitivity, insomnia, drowsiness, changes in sex drive, changes in appetite and confusion. Serious antidepressant side effects that require medical attention include constipation, difficulty in speaking, irregular heartbeat, trembling, stiffness of limbs and hallucinations. Tricyclic antidepressants also create an increased likelihood of thoughts of suicide and attempts in children and adolescents. Any sudden behavior changes, mood swings or extreme agitation should be relayed to your childs doctor.

Signs of Tricyclic Antidepressant Overdoses

Someone overdosing on tricyclic antidepressants exhibits many signs and should be taken to a medical facility immediately. Warning signs of a potential overdose include seizures, dilated pupils, pounding or irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, difficulty breathing, severe drowsiness, and vomiting.

How To Test For Antidepressant Drugs

While antidepressant drugs are a prescription medication with legitimate uses, they can be potentially dangerous to those who work in fields that require the operation of heavy machinery and other hazardous activities. There are many different kinds of drug testing kits that test for tricyclic antidepressants in ones system, such as urine drug tests, saliva drug tests and hair follicle drug tests.

Having an employee that is under the influence of antidepressant drugs such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline or doxepin can be potentially dangerous, not only to themselves, but to other employees and the health of your company. That is why performing drug tests at your workplace to detect antidepressant use can keep your workers safe, your reputation sound and your company producing to the best of its ability.

As a parent, the prescription drugs your child or teenager is taking is obviously of concern to you. But the potential side effects of some drugs like tricyclic antidepressants are astounding and should be carefully monitored. To test your teen for amitriptyline use, nortriptyline use, doxepin use, desirpramine use and other antidepressant drugs that have been shown to increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts in adolescents, a drug test kit can help to calm your mind and decide what is best for your child.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are over 33 million people in the U.S. who care for an aging relative or friend. Caregivers need to be aware that drug errors can happen and may be serious, but often are preventable.

The problem stems largely from the multiple drugs seniors are prescribed and the complex network of physicians and pharmacists caring for them. According to Medco Health Solutions, Inc., the average senior takes nine prescription medications a year. One in four seniors sees four or more different physicians and uses three or more different pharmacies.

To help prevent errors:

• Make and take a medication list including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, any vitamins or herbal supplements and present it to the doctor and pharmacist.

• Understand how medications should be administered, possible side effects and how to recognize if they occur. Changes such as poor eyesight, hearing trouble or decreased endurance may indicate an adverse reaction to a medication.

• Ask any specialist the patient sees to send a full medical report, including drugs prescribed, to the patient’s primary care doctor.

Seniors now also have to decide about the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. It provides much-needed relief for many seniors with little or no drug coverage but may require research to determine which plan is best.

Consider the following:

• Weighing Medication Costs: Seniors currently on medications should determine if the plan covers their drugs and at what cost. They should also consider the cost of generics since they may be substantially lower. In addition, under some plans the deductible is waived for generic drugs.

• Access to Pharmacies: Each plan has its own pharmacy network. If several months of the year are spent in another state, a national plan may be best. Some plans include a mail-order prescription service.

• Patient Safety: A plan that includes a drug utilization review (DUR) program that identifies potential errors provides an important safety net.