Summer is Here!

Summer is here and it is time for camps, picnics, family reunions and vacations - WooHoo!!! We think how great it would be to kick back on the deck and crack open a cold Beers List because medication safety is not specific to seasons or holidays.

However, age does play a factor in medication safety and we are grateful to the American Geriatric Society for keeping an updated criteria list on medications that are potentially  unsafe for older adults.

The Beers List can be a great party favor. If you are 60 years or older, in celebration of your birthday every year, crack open the Beers Listand compare your medications to what is listed.

• If any of your  medications are on the Beers List, discuss potential alternatives with your doctor.

• Ask about the pros and cons of each medication for you at your age.

• Talk to your pharmacist, or call us if your doctor seems unsure or you need help getting a 2nd opinion.

As we age and our outsides show signs of change, so do our insides. Our metabolism changes. We absorb and release medication differently through our bodies. Medications can affect our mobility.  Use the Beers List to help you understand the benefits and risks of your medication.

If you need help interpreting the Beers List criteria, I'm just a phone call away. If you find your medication listed and aren't sure how to broach the topic with your doctor, reach out and we can discuss a plan of action to open up a line of healthy communication.