The holiday season can be a joyful yet chaotic time, making it essential to prioritize safety, especially regarding medications. Here are some key tips to help you stay safe with your medications during this busy period:
1. Keep Medications Accessible but Secure
When traveling or hosting gatherings, ensure that your medications are easily accessible. It’s advisable to keep them in a carry-on bag or a designated spot that you can reach quickly. However, also consider securing them to prevent accidental access by children or guests. For instance, medications should be stored in a locked cabinet or a place that is not easily found.
2. Maintain Your Medication Routine
Traveling can disrupt your usual medication schedule. To avoid missing doses, set reminders on your phone or use a pill organizer. If you’re traveling, make sure to pack enough medication for your trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.
3. Consult Your Healthcare Provider
If you’re considering any changes to your medication routine during the holidays, such as taking a break from certain prescriptions, consult your healthcare provider first. It’s crucial to follow their guidance to ensure your health and safety.
4. Be Aware of Potential Interactions
During holiday gatherings, you might encounter various foods and drinks that could interact with your medications. Be mindful of what you consume and consult your pharmacist or doctor if you’re unsure about any interactions.
5. Emergency Preparedness
Add the Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222) to your phone for quick access in case of an emergency related to medications. This can provide peace of mind during the busy holiday season.
6. Stay Informed About Health Risks
With the ongoing concerns about illnesses like flu and COVID-19, staying up-to-date on vaccinations is also a good practice. This can help prevent illness and ensure that you can continue to manage your medications effectively.
7. Share Your MyCabinet for Peace of Mind
When traveling, and especially during the holiday season, sharing your MyCabinet with a loved one(s) is a crucial step in ensuring your health and safety.
Here’s how simple it is to do:
- Log on to MyCabinet app
- Tap on the PLUS button on the lower right hand
- Tap on SHARE
- Add their email and their relationship to you
- Click to accept the authorization to share your cabinet
- Click SHARE to send
Then ask your loved one to accept and you’ll now know that in case of emergencies someone other than you can answer that very important question “what medications do they take”, without this information your life is at risk, so don’t delay.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season!