Medicare Sign Up pack sample

www.pnsystem.com page 6 WHAT I HAVE TO KNOW ABOUT MEDICATION SAFETY What is the name of each medicine? * What is it for? * What time should I take it? * How much of it should I take each time? * How should I take it? * Should I take it with food? * How long should I take it? * What should I do if I miss a dose? * Are there any side effects? What should I do if I have any? * Is it safe to combine the medicines that I am taking, including over-the-counter medicine, vitamins or herbals? * What food, drink or activities should I avoid while taking it? WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR MEDICINES? A lot of people-including you! Doctors check all of your medicines to make sure they are OK to take together. Pharmacists will check your new medicines to see if there are other medicines, foods or drinks you should not take with your new medicines. Nurses and other caregivers may prepare medicines or give them to you. What if you forget the instructions for taking a medicine or are not sure about taking it? Call your doctor or pharmacist. Don't be afraid to ask questions about any of your medicines. OXYGEN SAFETY AT HOME Oxygen can be used safely at home. These are the rules for Oxygen Safety : Oxygen is a drug, too much or too little oxygen may be harmful, use the amount ordered by your Doctor. Do not change the amount of oxygen you are using without first checking with him. If you feel you are not getting enough oxygen, talk to your Doctor. Fire safety, Oxygen itself does not burn. Oxygen can feed a spark and cause it to become a large fire in seconds. Follow these rules to prevent a fire: NO Smoking, avoid open flames, do not use equipment with frayed cords or electrical shorts, avoid using electric razors and hair dryers while using oxygen, do not use an appliance with a control box such as a heating pad, Avoid static electricity, avoid nylon or woolen clothing, Proper storage and handling of oxygen , store liquid and cylinder oxygen away from heat and direct sunlight, place cylinders in a secure up right holder, never apply any oily substance s around oxygen . TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF / TAKE CARE OF YOUR DIABETES Diabetes mellitus: Diabetes mellitus affects up to 5% of the population in the US, almost 14 million people Definition: A disorder caused by decreased production of insulin, or by decreased ability to use insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that is necessary for cells to be able to use blood sugar. Causes, incidence, and risk factors: The cause of diabetes mellitus is unknown, but heredity and diet are believed to play a role in its development. People with diabetes have the same nutritional needs as anyone else. Along with exercise and medications (insulin or oral diabetes pills), nutrition is important for good diabetes control. By eating well-balanced meals in the correct amounts, you can keep your blood glucose level as close to normal (non-diabetes level) as possible. What foods are healthy? No single food will supply all the nutrients your body needs, so good nutrition means eating a variety of foods. You and your dietitian/doctor should work together to design a meal plan that's right for you and includes foods that you enjoy together with your medication plan. A diabetes meal plan is a guide that tells you how much and what kinds of food you can choose to eat at meals and snack times. A good meal plan should fit in with your schedule and eating habits. The right meal plan will also help keep your weight where it should be. Whether you need to lose weight, gain weight, or stay where you are, your meal plan can help. PAIN MANAGEMENT There are many different causes and kinds of pain. Questions To Ask Your Caregivers: * What pain medicine is being ordered or given to you? * Can you explain the doses and times that the medicine needs to be taken? * How often should you take the medicine? * How long will you need to take the pain medicine? * Can you take the pain medicine with food? * Can you take the pain medicine with your other medicines? * Should you avoid drinking alcohol while taking the pain medicine? * What are the side effects of the pain medicine? * What should you do if the medicine makes you sick to your stomach? * What can you do if the pain medicine is not working? * What else can you do to help treat your pain? PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT FALLS Many falls can be prevented. By making some changes, you can lower your chances of falling. Four things YOU can do to prevent falls: ➊ Begin a regular exercise program Exercise is one of the most important ways to lower your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. Ask your doctor or health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you. ➋ Have your health care provider review your medicines Have your doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall. ➌ Have your vision checked ➍ Make your home safer Remove things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk. Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping. Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool. Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower. Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors. Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hang light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare. Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases. Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers. sample