Back Pain: An Accounts Officer in the Circle of Wrong Treatment

 Back Pain: An Accounts Officer in the Circle of Wrong Treatment

Accounts Officer Tilak Shrestha started treatment for back pain at the Physiotherapy Unit of Bir Hospital in 2082 Jestha.

Tilak spent more than two hundred thousand rupees on various clinics and treatments for 6 months, but it did not get better.

Physiotherapy at Bir Hospital reduced Tilak's pain by teaching him evidence-based treatment and exercises, and he returned to work.

Tilak Shrestha (name changed) by profession, an accounts officer by profession, arrived at the Physiotherapy Unit of Bir Hospital in 2082 Jestha.

His problem was back pain.

He came here after wandering around many places for treatment but the problem was not resolved.

He recounted the list of frustrations he faced during treatment.

This experience is not unique to him, many people with back pain experience the same. Many people fall into the trap of wrong treatment by following unnecessary suggestions from various people.

Suffering from pain

Tilak had been suffering from back pain for 6 months. The pain was worse when he woke up in the morning. It was worse when he sat or stood for a long time. At first, he ignored it, considering it normal. The pain gradually spread to his legs and made it difficult to walk. He even changed his office chair twice, wondering if it was because he was uncomfortable sitting while working.

Unable to concentrate on work, unable to sit in the office for a long time, and daily life became difficult, he started looking for treatment.

Initial efforts

Initially, he went to an Ayurvedic treatment center in Basundhara as suggested by his uncle. There, he was told that his back hurt due to heavy lifting and sitting in the wrong posture. Tilak did not do heavy lifting. He concluded that his back hurt because he sat in the same position for a long time in the office.

He was given acupuncture services, hot water baths, and massage once a week. He was also told to take some medicines. Although these treatments reduced some of the pain, the problem did not completely resolve. He was charged Rs. 2200 each time for these treatments. The cost of the medicine was separate.

After the fourth massage during the treatment, he started having problems with tingling in his legs and increasing pain.

And at the clinic

When the problem did not work, he went to a clinic near his house to consult a doctor. On the doctor's advice, he got blood tests and X-rays done. These tests did not show any major problems. He was informed that there was a normal bone loss.

It was suggested that further tests be done for further investigation. Accordingly, tests were done for CBC, ESR, vitamin D, calcium, uric acid levels, etc. Additional blood tests were also done for other parameters.

After finding that all the parameters were normal, an MRI was asked to find out the cause of the back pain.

In the same clinic, ‘needle therapy’, ‘traction’, ‘tension’ were given as physiotherapy. However, Tilak did not feel any improvement. Instead, he felt more pain. He was advised to rest for some time and stay at home, not go to the office and not do daily household chores.

Second clinic and expensive expenses

Then he was advised to go to a clinic in Tripureshwor. After examining his problem, it was suggested that he should burst the lump in the back. For this, methods such as ‘needling’, ‘manual’, ‘chiropractic’ massage gun were used.

He underwent the treatment as prescribed there for 15 days at a rate of 1000 per day. But the pain did not reduce much.

More expenses at the third clinic

Then he went to another clinic near the Civil Hospital in Baneshwor. There he spent 500 per day and took hot steam for 9-10 days. He also took massage therapy for the same number of days. He spent 600 per day on that. Here, he spent about 10 thousand.

Although these simple massages and steam treatments provided immediate relief from the pain, they did not provide a long-term solution.

Towards natural treatment

Finally, Tilak went to a center in Baneshwor to seek natural treatment. Where he underwent treatment for 10 days continuously. There, treatments like ‘acupuncture’, ‘cupping’ were given. There, he was given 10 minutes of physiotherapy daily. In which the therapist would stretch his hands and teach him some exercises to do on his own.

These treatments also could not completely cure Tilak’s back pain.

Consultation with a doctor at the National Trauma Center

After many types of treatment did not help, he went to the National Trauma Center to consult an orthopedic doctor. There, the doctor said that the condition was very complicated and that an MRI should be done.

The doctor suggested taking medicine and doing physiotherapy for some time. If that did not help, he was told to get injections.

Tilak informed the doctor that he had not gotten better despite undergoing physiotherapy at various places. After hearing all that, the doctor suggested injections and surgery if necessary, and ordered an MRI.

At the Pain Care Center

Tilak was scared when they said injections and surgery would be necessary. When he consulted his friends and relatives, some gave examples of people who had undergone surgery and recovered, while others advised against surgery. This confusion left him in a dilemma.

After being diagnosed, he again started looking for non-surgical treatment. In the same vein, he reached the Pain Care Center. There, he was prescribed medicine for 20 days. After undergoing various therapies and treatments, he took the service for a few days at the rate of 700 rupees per day.

6 months of suffering and unnecessary expenses

Tilak went to various places for about 6 months for treatment of his back pain. During this, he had to endure physical pain, mental stress, work interruptions, and expenses of more than two hundred thousand rupees. He could not give time to his family. And his lifestyle was greatly affected.

He took 18 days off from work repeatedly during this time. Even after all this treatment, problems such as difficulty doing household chores, sitting in the office for long periods of time, and pain increasing when riding a scooter in potholes persisted.

What is his real problem?

The problem of back pain and the experience of suffering for treatment are common problems for many back pain patients in Nepal. In most cases, back pain is common and complications are rare. But if there is a health problem, it seems that the problem becomes more complicated when various people give various suggestions and the patient follows them.

The use of non-physiotherapy in the name of physiotherapy or the failure to use evidence-based physiotherapy treatment methods are also causing unnecessary suffering to the patient.

Time and money are being spent for free on treatments that do not yield results. There is a tendency to confuse patients by promoting new and unproven methods.

A misconception and practice that when there is a pain problem, an ‘MRI should be done’ at the first appointment has increased in Nepal. On the one hand, there is the problem of healthcare workers who insist on getting an MRI, and in some cases, patients themselves are dissatisfied with the healthcare workers not suggesting an MRI. There are also patients who think that the doctor did not ask for an MRI, perhaps ignoring my problem.

In fact, most back pain is not unnecessary to get an MRI. When an MRI is performed for normal pain, it may show normal ‘disk bulging’ or ‘degenerative changes’, which are also seen in many healthy people with age. When patients are told about these things seen on an MRI, patients are unnecessarily scared. They consider it a big problem and worry.

Similarly, the practice of injecting ‘steroids’ to relieve pain is also increasing in Nepal. Although steroids relieve pain immediately, their long-term effects and repeated use can have negative effects on the body.

What is even more worrying is the increasing trend of recommending surgery for simple back pain. While only 1-2 percent of back pain sufferers have a complex problem that requires surgery.

This is why patients are going through unnecessary suffering, expense, and mental stress. We need to understand that back pain is not a serious illness, it is a normal reaction of the body and can be managed with proper understanding.

The most important thing for back pain is reassurance, patience, and accurate information. About 95 percent of back pain is of a normal nature. It resolves on its own within 6 weeks to 3 months or is completely cured with good self-management.

Evidence-based ‘conservative’ treatment should be the first priority for the first 3 to 6 months. It is necessary to receive individualized physiotherapy services from a certified physiotherapist.

Exercises and hands-on therapies such as mobilization, manipulation, and stretching are provided according to the person’s condition, pain level, and functional capacity. The main goal of physiotherapy is to prepare the patient for self-management by teaching them about their body and pain. The physiotherapist assesses the patient’s functional capacity and suggests ways to increase their functional capacity.

This includes the following:

1. Self-management and patient education

The patient should be explained why back pain occurs, what its normal course is, and that in most cases it can resolve on its own. It is important to develop the idea that ‘back pain is not always serious’. Giving the patient accurate information about their pain reduces unnecessary fear and anxiety.

Fear and anxiety can cause and worsen pain. The patient should be reassured that back pain is normal and is not a long-term problem. Instead of bed rest, they should be encouraged to be active in their usual activities.

2. Pain management and exercise

Exercises that strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, increase flexibility, and improve posture (such as cobra pose, cat-camel stretch, pull exercises) should be taught according to the patient's condition.

Activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming increase blood circulation and help reduce pain. Hot or cold packs can be used to relieve short-term pain.

If the pain is unbearable, painkillers or muscle relaxants can be used on the advice of a doctor. However, relying on such medications for long-term pain relief can have negative effects.

3. Physical exertion and continuation of daily activities

You should be encouraged to continue your normal daily activities despite the pain. Prolonged inactivity can worsen the pain. Teach the correct way to sit, stand, and walk. Correct technique should be adopted when working on a computer or lifting heavy objects. Do not stay in any one posture or position for more than 30 minutes. Take ‘microbreaks’ every 20-30 minutes, such as getting up, walking, or stretching.

4. Psychological support

This is a treatment method provided by a physiotherapist in general and a clinical psychologist in complex cases when the patient shows yellow signs. For example: The role of mental health is important in chronic pain. It helps to change negative thoughts and behaviors towards pain. Meditation and mindfulness practices teach you to reduce the feeling of pain and accept it.

In what cases is complex treatment necessary?

If back pain lasts for 6 months If the pain persists for more than a month, does not improve with treatment, or if other serious symptoms occur along with the pain, other types of treatment are necessary.

For example, if there are problems such as weakness in the legs, problems with urine or stool control, persistent fever, or pain at night, additional tests such as MRI are necessary.

In this case, steroid injections or surgery should be considered. These treatment methods should be recommended only after a thorough evaluation by a specialist doctor.

The change in Tilak

What Tilak suffered in the name of treatment, he became a victim of malpractice. Which tortures the patient financially, physically, and mentally and reduces the importance of physiotherapy.

As advised by the physiotherapy unit of Bir Hospital, Tilak started taking regular physiotherapy sessions. He was given correct information about back pain. He was taught exercises to do daily. He improved his sitting style. He started walking regularly.

He realized that back pain is not always serious and staying active is the best treatment for it. Within a few weeks, his pain significantly decreased and he was able to return to his work fully. He was spared unnecessary expense and suffering.

What to do to keep yourself and your family healthy during the current crisis? 8 ways

 What to do to keep yourself and your family healthy during the current crisis? 8 ways

In Nepal, the Gen-Z movement has burned down government structures and prisoners have escaped from prison.

Due to the shortage of medicine and limited hospital services, it has been suggested to treat common illnesses at home.

Contaminated water, pollution, and mental stress have increased health challenges due to the movement.

Nepal is currently at a very sensitive time. The Gen-Z movement has brought turmoil across the country. Government structures have been burned down, people's homes have been set on fire. Hospitals have become overcrowded. Prisoners have escaped from prison. The market system has become unstable, and the risk of medicine shortages and black marketing has increased. At such times, it is very important for individuals to be aware of public health.

The first thing to pay attention to during a crisis is the health security of themselves and their families. Problems such as lack of medicine, limited hospital services, polluted environment, contaminated water, and mental stress are current health challenges.

Amidst the challenges, it is important for the general public to take some precautions to avoid health complications.

1. Let's try to treat common diseases at home

In such a situation, there may be a shortage of medicines in the market. There may be a long wait for treatment at the hospital. In such a situation, if you experience symptoms such as a common cold, cough, or sore throat, do not go to the hospital unnecessarily. Let's adopt easy treatment measures at home.

- Gargling with salt water

- Drinking hot water, taking steam

- Resting, drinking plenty of water

- Home treatment using basil, ginger, and turmeric

Common fever and cough are self-healing in nature within two to three days, so let's be patient until it gets worse. However, if you experience severe symptoms, it is appropriate to seek advice from a health worker or go to a health facility.

2. Let's take special precautions to avoid contaminated water

Government structures, sewers, and water pipes have been damaged. These can lead to harmful chemicals, waste, or infectious elements mixing with water. There is a high possibility of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea spreading, and chemical substances can cause many problems, so let's be careful.

– Drink only water that has been boiled for at least 10 minutes

– Use filtered or bottled water as much as possible.

– Pay special attention to the quality of water while cooking.

3. Take precautions to avoid fire and pollution

When houses burn, gas tanks explode, and structures are destroyed, toxic gases and dust are released into the environment, causing air pollution to reach high levels.

– Make it a point to wear a mask when going out.

– Avoid places with excessive dust and smoke as much as possible.

– People with asthma, allergies, or lung problems should be extra careful.

– Take special care of our young children.

4. Provide first aid for burns and wounds

Incidents of burns or injuries due to fires are increasing. Minor wounds can become serious if not treated immediately.

– Apply cold water to the burned skin (but do not use ice).

– Use a cream called ‘Silver Sulfadiazine’ available at the nearest drugstore.

– Keep the wound clean, do not use dirty bandages.

5. Management of physical fatigue of those involved in the movement

Many young people involved in the movement may be in pain. In such a situation, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics or painkillers can be harmful.

– Take a hot bath, immerse your hands and feet in cold water

– Apply salt water compresses

– Get plenty of rest

– Eat fruits, soft foods, and protein-rich foods

– Do light exercise

6. Be sensitive to mental health

During the peak of the movement, people make impulsive decisions due to the effects of adrenaline. In some cases, it leads to regret and deep mental stress. Losing a relative, getting injured, and the collapse of the country's infrastructure can all weaken morale.

– Reading an inspirational book. Accepting the current situation and trying to get used to it.

– Trying to reduce mental stress through yoga and meditation.

– Talking openly with relatives.

– Seeking entertainment (music, books, quiet movies) as much as possible.

7. Avoid misinformation and uncontrolled use of medicines

There are many cheap treatments or suggestions on the Internet. Not all of them are true and safe. If you need information about any medicine you use, you can call the Drug Information Center and get free advice.

Toll-free number: 1660-01-21500, Landline: 01-591311

Email: [email protected] WhatsApp/Viber: 9801236161

You can get information about the medicine you are using by contacting the above-mentioned means. To get basic information about medicines, you can read the contents of the book Medicine Knowledge Healthy Life here for free.

Therefore, do not search for medicines on Google or use AI. Consult an experienced person (pharmacist, health worker). Because taking medicines indiscriminately can cause more problems.

8. Stay in touch with family

Parents in the village may be very worried when they do not receive news of their children who have joined the movement. Rumors and fear may spread.

– Let us reassure our relatives by calling or sending messages from time to time.

– Let us also convey messages to worried families.

We must all move forward as citizens, consciously, with consensus, and with restraint. The crisis will pass, times will change, but in the meantime, every life we ​​save will be invaluable.

The government's policy and intention to close social media

 The government's policy and intention to close social media

Many of our ruling parties feel that they came to power forever

Why did the government initially consider the option of banning while regulating? This must be reviewed within the ruling coalition, the Congress-UML. Social media companies should also take the initiative to protect the personal rights of ordinary users while addressing the interests of Nepal.

The government's decision to register social media, or else regulate or close it, has basically taken two legal bases. One, the Directive 2080 on Regulating the Use of Social Media. Two, the latest order of the Supreme Court.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has already directed the Telecommunication Authority to close 26 social media networks, including Facebook, X, and Instagram, based on these two legal bases.

Internet service providers will probably implement the authority's letter by tomorrow, Friday evening. After that, most of the social media networks that are running like parts of our own bodies will no longer be active. Only a few networks, including Viber and TikTok, will be options.

While Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, who is also the Deputy General Secretary of UML, was giving the directive, his own party MP and former Minister for Communications Gokul Baskota was heard to sarcastically say, ‘The government has started preparing to make North Korea.’

Communists often like to exaggerate. We do not think that the country will become North Korea if the above-mentioned networks are shut down. This is the interesting and strange aspect of Nepal’s politics, that rivals form the government together. And then an opposition is born from within the party.

If we analyze former Minister Baskota’s comments outside the power struggle within UML, there is certainly a fear that civil liberties will be compromised under the pretext of binding networks within the legal system.

A common question that can be raised about network operators, including Facebook, is that they do not have to register and be regulated according to the laws prevailing there in various other countries, let alone register in Nepal, let alone even give a proper answer? Isn't it necessary for multinational companies that operate smoothly in Nepal to be registered in accordance with the rules? Or do these companies consider themselves above the country itself?

Many in power, including him, are not happy that social media users who once praised Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli day and night are now being criticized.

Companies such as Meta should enter into effective dialogue to be included in Nepal's legal system and registered. They should also take the initiative to protect the personal rights of ordinary users by addressing Nepal's concerns.

This is necessary because the style of network operators who deprive themselves of financial benefits by deriving income from the content of Nepali network users and even content creators is not logical. Since such social media platforms are not tied to the formal tax system, money is being smuggled through illegal channels. They should consider this aspect themselves.

But when considering these aspects, our question is not only aimed at network operators. The government of our country, which is faced with the responsibility of implementing the Directive 2080 on the systematic use of social media and the latest mandate of the Supreme Court, is not the only one. The more important responsibility is to protect and implement the nation's constitution, which must fully respect the freedom and privacy of citizens. And even the interpretations of the court cannot deviate from the original spirit of the constitution.

If we listen to the views of Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung, he seems to be as tolerant of the different opinions of citizens as he seems to be towards Meta and other network operators. Otherwise, instead of repeatedly issuing information, he would have adopted digital diplomacy through another effective channel by now.

Let us remember that many in power, including him, do not like the fact that social media users who once praised Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli day and night are now criticizing him.

Many of our rulers feel that they have come to power forever. The momentary lust for power makes them addicted to the level of blindness. What needs to be kept in mind is that at the moment, the Maoist Center is in opposition and is opposing the government's move. Whereas earlier, when the government took a similar step to ban TikTok, Pushpa Kamal Dahal was the Prime Minister, and Rekha Sharma was the Minister of Communications.

Be it the press or social media - the voice of the citizen is dominant there. The mobile phones in the pockets are each person's mouthpiece. Not everyone's voice reaches the media. Some entrepreneurs here need Facebook, Twitter (X) not only to run the media, but also to promote the activities of the Prime Minister himself.

We press workers edit the content, and then publish it. On social media, sometimes it reaches a level of indiscriminateness. Some of the fake ID holders do not only express themselves freely, they also do character assassination. Even though organizations such as Meta have created community guidelines, it is not uncommon to worry about where the flood of unedited content will lead society. That concern is not only of the state, but also of the citizens.

But the content should be moderated within 24 hours of the letter being sent to the police showing this. Why promote the authoritarian trend of "take it or leave it"? Why make the government unnaturally stronger than the citizens by showing Meta or another company? What bravery is there in silencing the voices of the citizens who elect the government!

There is no reason for social media platforms to be forced to meet certain standards of the state. Their method of taking everything they can from the state and giving nothing to the state is not right.

Gurung's speech and behavior in the process of regulating social media, starting from the Media Council Bill, advocates for freedom of expression directed by the government. What Prime Minister Oli himself should consider is that the question here is not only about Meta and other big technology companies, but about those common people, some of whom cannot read or write.

They have not been able to connect with the government's goal of declaring a fully literate nation. They connect with their children and grandchildren abroad through video calls just by seeing pictures on Facebook or WhatsApp. They run small retail businesses.

We do not have our own social media. There are internationally established platforms, which are run by common people. Some of the government's mechanisms, their emails, etc. are connected. Why did the government initially consider the option of banning them while regulating? This must be reviewed within the ruling coalition, the Congress-UML.

There is no reason for social media platforms to be forced to meet certain standards set by the state. Their method of taking everything they can from the state and giving nothing to the state is not right. It is the government's responsibility to bring them into dialogue through technology diplomacy and regulate those who do not. This responsibility cannot be fulfilled by simply posting information on the wall. There are many technology enthusiasts in this country. It is better to ask elected representatives among them to communicate with the relevant companies!

Facebook is starting to shut down

 Facebook is starting to shut down

Ncell, World Link and Nepal Telecom shut down Facebook

World Link CEO Keshav Nepal informed that Facebook has been shut down as per the government's directive.

The social networking platform Facebook has started to shut down in Nepal. Internet service provider company World Link has shut down Facebook a while ago.

Now, Facebook has stopped working from World Link's IP address. World Link CEO Keshav Nepal informed that Facebook has been shut down as per the government's directive.

Internet Service Providers Association President Sudhir Parajuli said that the process has started and it will take some time for all internet providers to shut down.

'The process of shutting down social networks has moved forward as per the directive from the government. The extensions are being shut down,' he said.

In accordance with the same government directive, Nepal Telecom has also shut down social networking platforms that are operating without registration. Telecom issued a notice on Thursday, stating that it has closed the unregistered platforms as per the directives of the Nepal Telecommunications Authority.

‘The Nepal Telecommunications Authority has written to this company to deactivate the unlisted social media platforms operating in Nepal in accordance with the order of the Honorable Supreme Court, the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Government of Nepal, the decision of the ministerial meeting of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Directive to regulate the use of social media, 2080, through its letter dated 2082/05/19, Ch. No. 597, and accordingly, we request you to provide information on the details of the closure of such social media platforms for the time being,’ Telecom said.

The matter of re-opening the closed platforms will be as per the directives received from the authority in the coming days.

Similarly, Ncell had stated that it has closed the social media platforms including Facebook that were operating without registration.

Earlier, the Nepal Telecommunication Authority had directed the Internet Service Providers Association to close 26 social media platforms based on the Supreme Court order, the decision of the Cabinet of the Government of Nepal on Bhadra 5, the ministerial decision of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology held today (Thursday), and the Directive on Managing the Use of Social Media, 2080.

The government had also decided to close the social media platforms Facebook, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Snapchat, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, Signal, Threads, WeChat, Quora, Tumblr, Clubhouse, Mastodon, Rumble, Meebee, VK, Line, Emo, Jalo, Soul and Hamro Patro.

The government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda had brought social media regulatory guidelines on 23 Kartik 2080, including making arrangements for social media to be registered and have a contact point in Nepal.

Immediately on 27 Kartik, the Cabinet meeting decided to ban TikTok, saying that it was spreading social hatred and violating social dignity.

In which countries is Facebook registered?

The Supreme Court has mentioned in its decision that 105 laws have been formulated in 78 countries to regulate social media. Although the models for regulating social media are different, we find that many countries have implemented the system of legally registering and establishing an office or appointing a resident representative, as in Nepal.

Talking about South Asia, social media including Facebook are already registered and operating in India. Contact persons have been appointed to hear local complaints and address them. There is no mandatory provision for the contact person to be within India. He or she must hear the complaints of users within India, regardless of where he or she lives.

Pakistan's rules also require social media companies like Facebook and Twitter to set up local offices. Similarly, Facebook has opened its liaison office in Tel Aviv, Israel.

In India, Facebook has opened its liaison offices in Gurgaon and three other states.

Are there elderly people who take regular medicines at home? 5 things to pay attention to

 Are there elderly people who take regular medicines at home? 5 things to pay attention to

Diabetes, cataracts, high blood pressure, arthritis and mental problems can appear in old age and advice from a psychiatrist should be sought.

Keep medicines in a safe place, make a list of medicines, double check to avoid taking the wrong medicines and follow the doctor's instructions.

With increasing age, various diseases take hold in the body. The body becomes weak. Problems such as diabetes, cataracts, high blood pressure, hearing loss, heart disease, joint pain and arthritis can appear. Similarly, mental problems such as depression, dementia, sleep problems, etc. can appear.

Old age is a stage of life. There is a possibility of getting diseases in this state. Many things have been neglected due to urbanization. In such a situation, people do not respond properly to the elderly and try to stay away from them.

Due to this, the elderly also fall into depression. In old age, advice from a psychiatrist should be sought so that these diseases do not harm the body. Then the long list of medications begins. Sometimes some medications have to be taken for life. However, with advancing age, caution should be exercised when taking medications, otherwise they may cause harm instead of benefit. According to many studies, many people over the age of 65 are dependent on medications. Therefore, medication management is very important.

How to pay attention to the elderly's medications?

1. Keep all medications and vitamins in one place

If the medications are kept in different places, it is much easier for the elderly in the house to keep them in one place. Sometimes there may be no other members in the house, in which case the elderly can take the medication themselves. However, if the medications are kept in different places, the elderly may forget to take some medications.

For example, some people keep some pills in the kitchen, while others keep them by the bed or in other places. But many medications have to be taken at the same time. In such a situation, they may be missed due to the medications being kept in different places. Which may reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Therefore, it is important to understand well with the doctor which medicine to take and when. Negligence in time or dosage can put you at greater risk. If the elderly take their own medication, set a reminder on their mobile phone.

2. Keep the medication in a safe place

In general, medications should be stored in a cool and dry place. This means that they should be stored carefully. Otherwise, cold and sunlight can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Medications should be stored out of reach of children or pets. Follow the doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for medications that need to be stored in a special place.

3. Create and maintain a medication list

To avoid negative drug interactions, it is important for the elderly to know what regular medications they are taking. Therefore, an up-to-date list of their medications, vitamins, and supplements should be kept.

The name of the medication should be kept, and the condition it is used for. It is helpful to note how many times a day they take the medication or use it. It is important to keep track of whether the elderly are taking each medication prescribed by the doctor correctly.

It is important to know whether the medication is for short-term or long-term use. You should also pay attention to the expiration date of the medication and to ensure that the elderly do not take any medication repeatedly.

4. Double-check to avoid taking the wrong medication

Some elderly people are taking multiple medications, vitamins, or supplements. In such cases, you should be careful not to take any other wrong medication. Use an online drug interaction checker to avoid any interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

5. Make sure the medication instructions are clear

It is important to follow the doctor's instructions with the medication. If this is not followed, the medication may not work properly. Therefore, it is important to follow what the doctor says. This reduces the risk of negative drug interactions and side effects.

Elderly people should understand which medications are safe to take at the same time. Some medications need to be taken with food before taking them, while others need to be taken on an empty stomach. If there is any uncertainty, you should seek clarification and detailed instructions from your doctor.