Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: While taking a new medication the other day, it occurred to me to suggest a hint to others that might save family members a real scare. Whenever you get a new prescription medication to take, you should always tell a family member you live with or, if you live alone, a person who looks in on you regularly when you have taken the first dose, what it is and where the container can be found.

If you have an adverse reaction to medication you might pass out or not be able to communicate that information to someone. I have had some serious reactions to medications recently and I know that it can be very frightening for someone to find you in pain or blacked out and not have any idea what caused it.

It’s a simple precaution that could save your life. - Patt Gerrmann, Madison, S.D.

Thanks for sharing your good idea. Live-aloners should also post their doctor’s name and number on the refrigerator, in case something happens. - Heloise