Facilitator Notes: According to the SMOG test, the following text is written at about a Grade 9 reading level, or literacy level 2 and may be read using assisted or choral reading techniques. In assisted reading, facilitator and learners take turns reading parts of the text, whereas choral reading involves reading together. These techniques are described further in Section 2 of the manual of the Nova Scotia Tutor & Instructor Training and Certification Program.
Learner Activity:
Making the Most of Medications
Your doctor may prescribe a drug for your condition. Make sure you know the name of the drug and understand why it has been prescribed for you. Ask the doctor to write down how often and how long you should take it. Make notes about any other special instructions such as foods or drinks you should avoid. If you are taking other medications, make sure your doctor knows, so he or she can prevent harmful interactions.
Sometimes medicines affect older people differently than younger people. Let the doctor know if your medicine doesn’t seem to be working or if it is causing problems. It is best not to stop taking the medicine on your own. If you do stop taking your medicine, let your doctor’s office know as soon as possible. If another doctor (e.g. a specialist) prescribes a medication for you, call your primary doctor’s office and leave a message letting him or her know. Also call to check with your doctor’s office before taking any over-the-counter medications. You may find it helpful to keep a chart of all the medicines you take and when you take them.