KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Pills can be a life-saver -- but only if you take them

 

Pills can be a life-saver -- but only if you take them

You may feel fine, but take the meds your doctor prescribes. (©iStockphoto.com) You may feel fine, but take the meds your doctor prescribes. (©iStockphoto.com)

  • Wendy Damonte's Health Watch Reports

  •     

  • Monday, May 21 2012 3:14 PM EDT2012-05-21 19:14:30 GMT
    From the University of Nevada School of Medicine: University of Nevada School of Medicine physicians have teamed up with local doctors to offer low-cost sports participation physicals for high school
    UNR School of Medicine physicians along with local doctors will offer low-cost sports physicals for high school athletes Tuesday.

  • Thursday, May 17 2012 7:23 PM EDT2012-05-17 23:23:56 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News The Pearson family was established 2006 when Keith and Amy sealed their love with a Genoa wedding. Their song, You Are My Sunshine, was how they saw each other. By 2009
    Esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer diagnosis in the country. As one family found out, symptoms often times don't show up until it's too late.

  • Wednesday, May 16 2012 7:37 PM EDT2012-05-16 23:37:01 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News Cooling off in a swimming pool is one of spring and summer's great joys. But sometimes, running around at the pool creates severe injuries. 13-year-old Joey Rubin found that
    Swimming season is upon us. While most of the safety precautions center around the risk of drowning, other pool injuries put people at serious risk, too.

  • Tuesday, May 15 2012 8:38 PM EDT2012-05-16 00:38:10 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News 22 month old Morgan Sherrill has a chipped tooth. Jackie Sherrill is her mom. "She reached for me and fell forward and hit her face on the ottoman in front of the couch
    Practically all young children use bottles, sippy cups or pacifiers, but they may not be as safe as parents think. And kids are ending up in the ER.

  • Friday, May 11 2012 7:20 PM EDT2012-05-11 23:20:44 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News Research shows the drug Truvada can prevent the spread of HIV in high risk people. A recent three year study found the pill cut the risk of infection over 90 percent in
    An FDA panel is recommending the agency approve the first drug to prevent HIV in healthy people.

  • Thursday, May 10 2012 7:38 PM EDT2012-05-10 23:38:22 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News Sandra Borras' life is about to change. She hoping after a 45 minute procedure she will finally be able to get a full night sleep and work in her yard. "I like to do yard
    Acid reflux can do serious damage, from causing ulcers to cancer. So getting it under control is critical. 

  • Wednesday, May 9 2012 7:35 PM EDT2012-05-09 23:35:10 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News If you want to help people battling cancer, this Mother's Day is the day to do it. Moms on the Run is this Sunday. Online registration closes today. After that, you can
    A fun run is taking place this Sunday. And it's not just fun but it also helps local cancer victims.

  • Tuesday, May 8 2012 7:08 PM EDT2012-05-08 23:08:46 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News In a dark room is a bright spot in the battle against breast cancer. Sono Cine is now available at the Renown Breast Health Center. And it's helping women who have dense
    If you have dense breasts, you're at greater risk for breast cancer. Now Renown is offering a new screening option in conjunction with a mammogram.  

  • Monday, May 7 2012 7:25 PM EDT2012-05-07 23:25:48 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News Arthur Chill is devoted to his new bedtime routine. "Place the device in your nostril, and just press down with the adhesive." In a matter of seconds, he tapes two tiny
    Sleep apnea not only leaves you feeling tired, it also increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Now there's another option for sufferers.

By Diane Griffith, Staff Writer, myOptumHealth
Content provided by

Those pills for your blood pressure or cholesterol may be a pain to remember. Besides, you feel fine. So why bother taking them?

Well, for a very good reason. According to the American Heart Association, tens of thousands of deaths, hospital admissions and slow recoveries from illness each year result from people not following their doctors' advice.

Just because high blood pressure and high cholesterol have no symptoms doesn't mean you don't need medication. Remember that high blood pressure does not have a cure. So if you're on medication for it, you'll probably need to stay on it for the rest of your life.

Medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol can help you avoid a heart attack or stroke by slowing down the progression of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and even reversing some of its harmful effects. The drugs may not change the way you feel right now, but they can save your life.

Tips for taking medication

You must take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. When your doctor gives you a new prescription, ask what the medication is for and how it acts in your body.

If you have a problem remembering to take your medicine, try these tips.

  • Keep a chart of the different types of medication you take for your various conditions. Note when you are supposed to take them and at what dosage. Check off when you take the medication. Take the chart with you when you see the doctor.
  • Take the medication with meals or during some other daily routine, like brushing your teeth. Get your doctor's OK first.
  • Try a pill box that separates the pills according to days and times. Your pharmacy usually carries these.
  • Tape reminders where you are likely to see them.

Call your doctor if you develop unpleasant side effects, but don't stop taking any medication on your own. Your doctor may adjust the dose or switch you to another medication. Don't be discouraged if you have side effects, such as tiredness. It may take a while for your body to adjust and for the side effects to go away. Also, it may take several tries to find the medication that is right for you.

If the cost of the medication is a problem, tell your doctor. The drug may be available in generic form, which means it is the same as the brand name, but may cost much less. If it is still out of your price range, ask your doctor if the drug company offers an assistance program. You may be able to get the medication at a reduced rate, or even for free.

And remember to exercise according to your doctor's advice, get to and maintain a healthy weight and eat right. You can help yourself lower blood pressure and cholesterol by maintaining good lifestyle habits.

SOURCES:

  • American Heart Association Accessed: 03/11/2010
  • The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health Accessed: 03/11/2010
Content provided by:
These Web sites are for your informational use only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. Also consult your healthcare provider before starting any medications or supplements or beginning or modifying any exercise program.

© 2012 OptumHealth, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of information on this page may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the written permission of OptumHealth, Inc.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. EEO Report Forms: A, C, H. Organizations can request to be notified of all KTVN job openings. Please click here.