By Kathy Sinkin, RN, CDE
How many times have you scratched your head and wondered, “Did I take my medicine today?” It can happen frequently, especially if you need to take multiple medicines at different times of the day. Here are some tips to help you remember:
- Use a pill box. You can find pillboxes of all shapes and sizes at your local pharmacy or dollar store. The easiest are the weekly pillboxes that have separate compartments for each day. It’s not only a visible reminder, but also prevents you from double dosing.
- Place your medicines in an area that is easily seen while doing your daily activities, like on the bathroom sink where you brush your teeth, or near the coffee pot if you make coffee every morning.
- Set an alarm. If you have a smart phone, you can set alarms and reminders, especially if you have to take medications at specific times of the day. If you don’t have a phone that can do this, you can make a calendar. Mark your daily doses for each day, but don’t forget to check them off as you go, so you don’t run the risk of taking them again.
- Ask a loved one to help you remember.
Keep an up-to-date list of your medications. Make sure you know the names of your medications and why you are taking them. This is necessary in healthcare settings when someone asks you what medicines you’re taking, so know your dosages and how often you take them. Keep the list in your wallet or purse. If you have a phone that takes photos, line up all your medicine bottles and take a photo. Try to get a clear photo of the label, including dosage and frequency.
Lastly, check to see if you have refills, and don’t wait until your last pill to call your pharmacist or doctor. Remember, your pharmacist is an important part of your health care team, so be sure to ask any questions you might have. Also, add the pharmacy’s phone number to your medication list.
Kathy Sinkin is a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. She can be reached at kas239@cornell.edu