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For Immediate Release
October 16, 2007
For Further Information
Erin Weller
(212) 308-1414
Older adults are more likely than younger people to have long-term health problems such as arthritis and heart disease and to take multiple medications on a regular basis.
As a result, older adults run a higher risk of overmedication and potentially dangerous drug reactions, including adverse drug interactions. Every year, more than a third of older Americans have at least one harmful drug reaction. Sometimes, these reactions are life-threatening.
"It's vital that older adults and those who care for them take steps to prevent overmedication and harmful drug reactions," says Todd P. Semla, MS, PharmD, President of the American Geriatrics Society, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Associate Professor at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University.
To help older people stay safe when taking medications, the American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA) has released a comprehensive and easy-to-understand tip sheet, "Avoiding Overmedication and Harmful Drug Reactions."
The tip sheet, at http://www.healthinaging.org/public_education/avoiding_overmedication.pdf, explains what older adults and the people who care for them should do to protect themselves and their loved ones. Among other things, the tip sheet suggests that you: ask your healthcare providers why new medications are needed and whether they might interact with other drugs you're already taking; keeping, updating and regularly reviewing a comprehensive medication list with your providers; reading the labels on all drugs; and using the same pharmacy for all prescriptions (if possible). It also includes advice on recognizing and responding to dangerous medication reactions.
ABOUT THE FHA
In 1999, the American Geriatrics Society reached beyond its traditional role as a professional medical society and launched the AGS Foundation for Health in Aging (FHA). The FHA aims to build a bridge between geriatrics health care professionals and the public, and advocate on behalf of older adults and their special needs: wellness and preventive care, self-responsibility and independence, and connections to family and community. The FHA champions initiatives in public education, clinical research, and public policy that advance the principles and practice of geriatrics medicine; educate policy makers and the public on the health care needs and concerns of older adults; support aging research that reduces disability and frailty, and improves quality of life and health outcomes; encourage older adults to be effective advocates for their own health care; and help family members and caregivers take better care of their older loved ones and themselves.
ABOUT THE AGS
Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (www.americangeriatrics.org) is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence, and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research, and public policy. With an active membership of over 6,500 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies, and practices in geriatric medicine.
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