Help seniors to safely use over-the-counter medicines
There are more than 100,000 over-the-counter medicines on the market today, and those age 60 and over use more than one-third of all OTCs purchased.

In an effort to provide consumers with information on the safe use of OTC medicines, the Consumer Health Education Center launched a national education campaign to help mature Americans better manage their health, specifically regarding the medicines they rely on.

The center recommends the following seven steps to ensure safe and effective use of medicine.

+Always read and follow the medicine's drug facts label.

+Never take more than one medicine with the same active ingredient unless instructed by a doctor.

+Choose medicines that treat only the symptoms present.

+Talk to a doctor if taking an overthecounter medicine becomes more than a temporary practice or if symptoms do not go away.

+Create a list of all the medicines taken, and share the list with healthcare professionals.

+Tell a healthcare professionals about your full medical history and diet.

+Bring any questions to healthcare professionals, such as a doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner or pharmacist.

According to a recent survey sponsored by the center and the Alliance for Aging Research, two out of every three older Americans are confident that they understand the drug facts label on OTC medicines. While almost 80 percent say they are very likely to follow the recommended dose, some do not pay attention to the active ingredients in their medicines.

To learn more, visit www.CHECforbetterhealth.org.

This story is provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.