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Health Supplement of The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, July 27,1983 5 Seniors Urged to Avoid Mixing Drugs Most drugs prescribed prescribed for the elderly are beneficial in themselves. themselves. But sometimes seniors take drugs unnecessarily unnecessarily or they take two or more drugs that can form a dangerous combination. combination. What often happens is that prescription drugs may interact with each other, with an over-the-counter preparation or with alcohol. One type of drug interaction results results in mental confusion, confusion, loss of judgment about abilities, drow- It's never too late to lose that unwanted weight. LOSE UP TO 25 LBS. IN JUST ONE MONTH AND KEEP IT OFF With supervision by professionals you can follow a healthy weight loss program that's safe, quick, nutritious, individualized and easy. WEIGHT COUNSELLING CENTRE 360 King W., Oshawa (CKAR Building) FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CALL 728-7656 Open 8 a,m. - 7 p.m. siness or dizziness, or impaired coordination. coordination. Many other drugs interact to cause unexpected and undesirable side effects effects and in some cases the desired effect of one drug is counteracted by another. another. Here are a few common common mixes that may be dangerous: • alcohol and tranquillizers tranquillizers or sleeping sleeping pills; • alcohol and cold remedies or allergy medicines; • alcohol and pain relievers which contain codeine; • certain blood pressure pressure pills and antidepressants antidepressants combined combined with cough and cold remedies; • oral anti-coagulants anti-coagulants and certain anti-arthritis drugs combined with pain relievers containing containing ASA; • antacids with certain certain antibiotics such as tetracycline; tetracycline; • digitalis or digoxin heart medicines and diuretics (used to prevent water buildup in the body). Some drugs shouldn't be combined with some foods. For example, example, certain antibiotics antibiotics such as tetracycline tetracycline lose their effectiveness when taken with dairy products. products. Iron pills, taken with dairy products, won't do their job. Some antidepressant drugs combined with old cheese, herring, chicken livers or red wine may lead to severe severe high blood pressure. pressure. Health authorities have positive guidelines guidelines for seniors -- to prevent problems with drug interaction: • Drugs may not always always be the answer to your #$*> Opp ,ty} cervical collars supports for wrist, knee, ankle, thigh, thorax, abdomen, elbow, athlete - tennis elbow band - splint - sterile pads - disposable underpads - tensor bandages - basal thermometers - ice bags - blood pressure cuff - stethoscope - bath scale - foldable scale - bedpan - urinal - invalid ring - dust and pollen masks - Obus Forme back rest - canes - scissors - cuticle nipper - nail clipper - pill reminders and medication aids - arch supports - support hose for men, women, maternity, white and knee highs. Woollen body belt, back warmer, knee, ankle, elbow warmers by Dr. Gibaud - health books - backeaser heat wrap, flexible Off J Uly heating pad - diabetic cookbook. \3h ItonUncMv 26 King St. E. Bowmanville, Ont. 623-3361 '30 107. OFF TH® WEEK July 27-3° difficulties. Ask your doctor to help you explore other alternatives such as diet and exercise. exercise. Realize that aging slows down the body's ability to use drugs. More of the drug stays in the body for longer periods of time. Take prescription drugs exactly as prescribed. If you have any problems, problems, let your doctor know. Try to fill your prescriptions at the same pharmacy. Many pharmacists now keep computerized computerized records of what drugs their customers are taking. taking. The pharmacist pharmacist can tell you about a possible drug interaction and can also advise you on the expiry date of your drug. If you're in doubt, ask. Health Matters Want to be More Informed? Free publications are available from the Health Protection Branch, Health and Welfare Canada, on topics such as food safety, food technology, safe use of drugs, cosmetics, medical and radiation-emitting devices. Check the publication^) you would like and fill in the request form below: L-* 1. Food Additive Pocket Dictionary (booklet) lists all food additives permitted in Canada and describes their functions. 2. Food Hang-Ups (set of 5 tearsheets) provides basic information on "wonder" foods, animal versus vegetable protein, fad diets, food additives, and refinement and enrichment of foods. 3. Food Safety -- It's All in Your Hands (booklet) explains through illustrative case histories, some of the ways in which food poisoning occurs and how it can be prevented; includes insert with safe food handling tips. 4. Canned Food: Keeping the Lid on Contamination (tearsheet) describes signs of spoilage in canned foods. 5. Fact Sheet on Monosodium Glutamate (tearsheet) explains why this flavour enhancer is added to foods and how to avoid excessive use. 6. Mould -- More than Meets the Eye (tearsheet) describes risks associated with moulds and how to reduce or avoid their presence. 7. Non-Prescription Drug Series (4 leaflets) provides information on the wise use of these products: (1) The Laxative Habit; (2) Cough Remedies; (3) Antacids and (4) Vitamin Preparations. 8. Seeing Through the Mist of Vapourizers & Humidifiers (leaflet) explains how to use these devices safely. 9. Sounding Out on Diagnostic Ultrasound (leaflet) discusses the uses of ultra- sound in obstetrics and gynecology, the benefits and possible risks. LJ 10. Protection is Our Middle Name (folder) gives brief overview of Health Protection Protection Branch activities. □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ Order form for free publication^): Educational Services, Health Protection Branch, Health and Welfare Canada, Ottawa, K1A 1B7. I I I | Please send me one copy of the publications) circled below: | 1 2 3 4 5 I I NAME I Clip 10 (please print) ADDRESS City Prov. Postal Code légalement disponible en français LOOK Here for Total Eye-Wear! Sunglasses -- Glasses for the Sportsman Eyeglass Prescriptions Filled Appointments for Eye Examinations Arranged 30 King St. W. Telephone 623-4477 Bowmanville shorney 1 ' opticians