Globe Syndicate

 

For release Friday September 09, 2005

 

 

The Sandwich Generation . . . Helping Your Aging Parents

 

by Carol Abaya, M.A.

 

 

MISUSE OF DRUGS CAN BE DEADLY

 

Question:  My parents (mid 70s) seem to be taking an awful lot of pills.  When I ask them why, they say, “The doctor gave them to me.”  What should I do?

 

Answer:  In 1993, I wrote the following in my Publisher’s Message in the magazine, The Sandwich Generation.  These words and advice ring even truer today as more live well into their 90s and 100s.

            “Perhaps the most important element in aging gracefully is health.  An integral part of health is medicine -- both prescription drugs and over the counter (OTC) remedies.  “Wonder” drugs have enabled us all to enjoy a higher quality of life longer than ever before in the history of man.  At the same time medicines benefit man, there are tremendous opportunities for abuse.

            “Tens of millions of Americans misuse medicine every day.  Millions end up in hospital emergency rooms, and thousands die each year from adverse medicine reactions.

            “Misuse of drugs can also lead to painful illnesses.  So, it’s our responsibility to try to minimize this in relation to our loved ones.

            “In order to monitor and intervene appropriately, one must understand the “why” of abuse and the dangers of medicine.  Every medicine has a potential for positive effects AND a potential for harm.  Medicines are chemicals, which, when introduced in the body, will somehow affect its function, causing biological and chemical changes.”

            What should you do?  Start an open dialogue with your parents’ doctors.  I am emphasizing here plural doctors.  All too often, one doctor will prescribe a drug without knowing what another doctor has given the patient.  And all too often, a person was given a drug years ago for a specific problem and has continued taking it for no reason. Then have the doctor(s) discontinue the medicines that are now inappropriate.

            You should make a list of all the medicines (both prescription and OTC) and discuss all of these with the doctor(s).  Throw out both kinds of medicines that are outdated.

            Make sure your parents are avoiding alcohol (with certain drugs) and are drinking plenty of water. 

            And if mental confusion becomes apparent, take a closer look at everything they are taking, as all too often even OTC medicines combined with other OTC medicines or prescription pills can cause confusion and result in other physical problems.

 

            GENERAL ADVICE:  Whenever anyone, regardless of age, is given a drug by a doctor, the following questions should be asked -- and appropriately -- answered.

            (1)  What is this medicine for?  (Why should I take it?)

            (2)  What is it supposed to do?

            (3) How much should I take and how often?

            (4)  How long should I take it?

            (5)  What are potential negative reactions?  And what should I do if I react negatively?

            (6) What foods should I avoid eating while taking this medicine?

 

            For that issue of the magazine, I developed a “Medicine Game” with the warning that “Playing the Medicine Game Can Be Deadly.”  If you would like a copy of the game board, please email me and send me your complete name and snail mail address.

 

 

Are you juggling doing errands for your aging parents, your children, yourself and working at the same time?  Are you tired, stressed out and upset that your once vibrant parent is now frail and needy?

 

Do you feel alone?  Rest assured you are not alone!  The Sandwich Generation is dedicated to the 50 million Americans who may have elder/parent care concerns and/or responsibilities.

 

 

 

* * *

 

Do you have a question? Send it in. Although letters cannot be answered individually, appropriate letters will be answered in this column whenever possible. Letters may be edited. Send letters to Ms. Carol Abaya, mail direct to her at PO Box 132, Wickatunk, NJ 07765-0132 or contact her through her web site: thesandwichgeneration.com.

 

Carol Abaya is an international-award-winning journalist and creator of the unique magazine The Sandwich Generation: You & Your Aging Parents.

 

NOTES TO EDITORS: text = 584 words; other material = 160 words

 

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