Saturday, January 7, 2017

Keep track of your Medications and Supplements.

Everyone should keep track of the medications,and supplements they take.I don't just mean having a general idea what you're taking either.Knowing precisely what you're taking is important to your well being.
Many people who have health problems and are taking multiple medications will keep a card in their wallet/billfold listing their drugs and dosages.That's a very important resource if something happens and they can't speak for themselves.
If you're taking any medications that treat any serious condition you should do this.And do make sure your parents,and grandparents do it too.What would happen if an elderly relative couldn't speak for themselves? Would you know what drugs they were taking,and the dosages? What happens if someone forgets to bring their prescriptions with them on a trip?
Better safe than sorry when it comes to knowing what drugs someone needs.

Keep a card in your wallet,or billfold listing the precise name of the drug,and the dosage.
List prescriptions,over the counter medications,and supplements.
Something like this;

Furosemide 20mgs ( daily )
Diazepam 5mgs ( occasionally )
Ibuprofin 200mgs ( when needed for pain )
Loratadine 10mgs ( daily )
Melatonin 3mgs ( nightly )

Let your doctor review it to see that it's correct.Keep it up to date.
You can also note any medical problems,or allergies.
If you have any severe allergies those should be on a medic alert bracelet.


We see stories in the media about drugs,and supplements and possible interactions.This would be another reason to have a list of everything you're taking,and show it to your doctor.
I know some doctors aren't very well informed about supplements.You may be concerned they'll have an alarmist viewpoint.That's possible.But they may also catch something that could be harmful.
It would be better to be honest in any case.

When it comes to strength athletes in particular,some people may be taking drugs that are illegal,or in a gray area.This could be a difficult issue with health care providers.
I can only say I hope you can find someone who will treat you with respect,and have your best interests in mind.You should never be treated with contempt,and hostility.But you do need to be honest,and knowledgeable about your health.You need to monitor the effects of what you chose to do.You shouldn't be hiding this vital information from health care providers.
The fact is they may have to show you test results that reveal you are at risk of harm.I encourage you to take that seriously.You can't afford a cavalier attitude toward your health.

I think everyone would benefit from keeping track of their day-to-day drugs,and supplements as well.
They have a number of sites that offer calorie,and exercise trackers.You can enter foods to see the nutrient information,and calories.It surprises me they don't have a section for medications,and supplements.They do usually have a diary feature.You could easily use that to note what you're taking.If you're using a service like My Fitness Pal,you can note what you take when you enter your foods.Make a note of the time of day,the supplement,and amount.It can be very useful in reviewing how things have been effecting you.Did a supplement cause you a problem?
But I would encourage you to make sure you have the entries set to private.

Of course you can also write things down in a notebook.Nothing simpler than paper,and pen.


Here's a gratuitous image of brightly colored pills.




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