Q: I live in Thousand Oaks and am planning to give up my driver’s license. Some time ago there was a seminar on how to use public transportation. Will the seminar be repeated? A: Yes. The Senior Adult Master Plan Transit Committee will offer the free workshop from 12:30-1:30 p.m. July 24 at the Goebel Senior Adult Center. Participants will learn how to get around town and the county without a car. To reserve a spot, call Mobility Management Partners at 888-667-7001. Q: I’ve been hearing a lot about medication errors and am concerned about my dad and his prescriptions. How might I help avoid a problem? A: To ensure safety, patients or caregivers must take an active role in educating themselves about the illnesses and associated medications. There are basic questions to answer about each medication prescribed. What is its name? Is it brand name or generic? What is the purpose of the medication? How and when should the medication be taken and for how long? What side effects can be expected? If they occur what action should be taken? Is it safe to take this particular medication with other medications or dietary supplements? What if any food, drink or activities should be avoided? In addition, keep a list with the name, strength and frequency of each medication taken and update the list every time medicines change. Ask the pharmacist to print the name and purpose of the drug on the container label. Discard old prescriptions so they won’t be confused with those being taken. HAPPENINGS Wednesday: “Where Does Your Money Really Go?” seminar. 1:30-3 p.m.; Westlake Village Civic Center, 31200 E. Oak Crest Drive in Westlake Village. July 19: “How Well Do You Know Your Partner?” game night. 6 p.m.; Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. For information and reservations, call 381-2744. MEDICARE SEMINARS Thursday: 9-10:30 a.m., Ojai Little House, 621 Santa Ana Road in Ojai. For information, call 646-5122. Thursday: 10 a.m. to noon, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Offices, 646 County Square Drive in Ventura. For information, call 477-7310. July 16: 1-2 p.m., Moorpark Active Adult Center, 799 Moorpark Ave. in Moorpark. For information, call 517-6261. July 18: 1-3 p.m., Camarillo Health Care District, 3639 E. Las Posas Road, Suite 117 in Camarillo. For information call 388-1952. More …
