Poison prevention tips for seniors

Medication is the cause of nearly half of all poisonings in seniors. Take these precautions:

• Make sure you understand how to use and store your medications. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist.
• Make a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take. Include the dosages. Share this with all of your doctors.
• Always use the same pharmacy to fill your prescriptions.
• Each time you get a prescription filled, double-check it to make sure you received the correct medication and dose.
• Keep your medications in their original containers.
• Don't take medications in the dark.
• Try to follow a regular schedule for taking medications.
• Read labels carefully.
• Never take someone else’s medication.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking vitamins or herbal products.