Hello Everyone!!
In today’s health lesson we watched a video on medication safety. It talked about taking it safely, how to store it safely, safety for children and what to do for expired medicine. This task required us to talk about the key points and ways teenagers can be safe with medicine.
Here is the list of key points:
Taking Medication – Carefully read the label and ensure the medicine isn’t expired. After reading the label (and making sure the medicine is fit for your purpose), swallow it with water or carefully measure out the needed liquid. Another method is to crush the pills into a powder and mix it into soft foods; this is a great way for children or those who aren’t able to swallow.
Storing Medicine – Do not remove any kind of label from a medication bottle or pill box. This allows patients to find the correct medicine needed. Carefully store it in the correct place by reading the label. Separate or colour code different medicines based on what they are. Throwing away expired medicines and keeping them from high temperatures/humid environments; bathrooms for example.
Safety for Children – Store the medication in a place where children cannot reach; a cupboard or pantry. Trying to avoid leaving any form of medicine on the floor or on a bench. Find the best way to properly feed medicine for the child; syringe or in soft foods to avoid choking. Teach them why it’s important not to consume medicine you don’t need.
Expired Medicine – You can simply throw away any expired medicine (mostly pills). For liquid medicines make sure you rinse the bottle and recycle or throw it into the bin. Pharmacy may also allow unwanted, unused or expired medication so you could follow this route. The last option could be throwing it away in a rubbish center.
Ways teenagers can be safe with medicine:
Following the directions shown on packaging helps protect you and stop any unwanted side effects. Setting alarms or reminders of the times to take medicine can make it much easier to remember. Listening to your parents instructions on taking medicine is always important. Always reading the writing/labels allows you to understand, even if you have read it numerous times. And taking the correct dose and not sharing it with anyone else is a must.
That’s all, thanks for reading!