LCP Boot Camp Challenge Day 14

Today's LCP Boot Camp Challenge is to give consideration to your medications. As today is a Medication Monday I thought it fitting today's challenge would be about medications.

Your choice to take prescription medications is a personal one. I do encourage you however to make sure you are educated about what medications you are using. Give the following some thought....

• What is the medication supposed to do for you?
  
• Is the medication aiding the /condition/issue/problem for which it was prescribed? 
• Take the time to write down what side effects you are currently experiencing if any. Include any side effect you have experienced from any medication you have tried - it's always good to keep a list of medications you have tried and the side effects you have experienced (a diary of your drug history) - you may find over time that you will experience similar effects with drugs within the same family but not with others
  
• Does the use of the medication require monitoring and/or follow-up for blood tests or additional consultations? if so...do you have an open line of communication with your doctor and/or pharmacists so that you can discuss your questions with support and you have attended the follow-up appointments?

• If you have questions about your condition and/or your medications, does your doctor also include information regarding alternative treatments?...if so...have you explored them?
• Was a test ordered to confirm a suspected diagnosis before the medication was prescribed?
• Are you using more than the prescribed amount or in ways than otherwise intended? If so...please give thought to why
• Are there steps you can take within your life to minimize your use of prescription medications?

There is also information regarding medication storage and labels in the Heath & Wellness category if you would like to read further.

Medications are a personal choice...please make it with education and awareness and please be safe with what you chose. Some medications can also be abused and require careful monitoring. Some can also cause other issues within our lives i.e., abnormal behaviour, increased depression, suicidal tendencies and otherwise intrusive thoughts. Make sure you read and keep the information pamphlet that comes with your medications while you are using it. Some side effects may take time before you notice them and some may become "live-able" but the choice is yours. Make it wisely.