Q: I’ve been hearing a lot lately about medication errors and am concerned about my dad and his prescriptions. What might I do to help avoid a problem?
A: I did some checking with those who work with prescriptions and was told that about half of patient safety issues are related to medications.
To ensure safety patients or caregivers must take an active role in educating themselves about their illnesses and associated medications.
There are basic questions to ask about each medication that is prescribed: What is the name of the medication prescribed and is it a brand or generic drug? What is the purpose of the medication? How and where should this medication be taken and for what period of time? What side effects can be expected and if they occur what action should be taken?
Is it safe to take this medication with other medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) or dietary supplements and what, if any, food, drink or activities should be avoided while taking the medication?
In addition keep a list that includes 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. Always discard old prescriptions so they won’t be confused with those currently being taken.
I hope this helps.
Q: I will be visiting in the city of Ventura during July and in the past when there have enjoyed The Salute To Our Veterans event held at Cypress Place. Do you know if that event will occur again this year?
A: I have just been informed that the event you are asking about is scheduled to take place on July 1 at 11 a.m.
The Salute To Our Veterans celebration will recognize all of those who have served their country. A military color Guard presentation will lead the tribute. It will be followed by a special Veteran Recognition along with recognition of widows and widowers of veterans.
The keynote speaker for this touching tribute will be Captain Chris Janke, Commanding Officer, Naval Base Ventura County. Also words of thanks to those who served will be made by Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya and a tribute to fallen heroes by Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean.
Following the ceremony there will be a free barbecue lunch and the opportunity to view “Touching History” a private war memorabilia collection.
Free shuttle parking will also be available at the Ventura Baptist Church located at 5415 Ralston Street (at the corner of Ralston Street and Saratoga Avenue)
This event is free and open to the public. The event will start promptly at 11 a.m. Cypress Place Senior Living is located at 1200/1220 Cypress Point Lane. For more information or to RSVP (by June 29 please) call 650-8000.
HAPPENINGS
SUNDAY: 2 p.m. Music Comes Alive — “Keeping the Memory of Elvis Alive” with a truly Rock & Roll Concert” at Goebel Adult Community Center, 1385 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. $5 admission. Tickets available at the Goebel front desk.
MONDAY: 4-6 p.m. Presentation — “Aging in Place — Village to Village” at Grant R. Brimhall Library, Marvin E. Smith Community Room, 1401 E. Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. No reservations are required. For more information call 381-7362.
