The Catskill Chronicle

LIBERTY, NY (February 22, 2012) – Older adults live with at least one chronic condition, including arthritis, heart disease or diabetes, take multiple medicines and consult several healthcare providers.

In addition, age-related changes that affect the way certain drugs work in the body, as well as noticeable communication gaps about medicines between patients and their healthcare providers, can set the stage for serious medicine-use related problems, resulting in additional illness, hospitalization and even death.

The Caregiver Resource Center (CRC) has scheduled MUST for Seniors(TM) – Medication Use Safety Training – workshop for Monday, March 12 at 12:00 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty. The CRC is joining the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) to provide important information about safe medicine use to older adults and caregivers.

MUST for Seniors is an interactive initiative designed to promote safe and appropriate medicine use by giving older adults and caregivers the tools and know-how to avoid medication misuse, recognize and manage common side effects in consultation with their healthcare providers, and improve medicine use knowledge, attitudes, and skills to avoid medication errors.

When used properly, medicines can treat or delay the onset or progression of many chronic conditions, and enhance quality of life by limiting loss of function and alleviating troublesome symptoms.

“This is an important educational campaign, especially in light of the aging baby boomer population, which is expected to reach 71 million strong by 2030,” said Deborah Allen, Executive Director of the Sullivan County Office for the Aging. “The use of multiple medicines – prescription and over-the-counter medicines in addition to supplements and herbal remedies – can result in potentially harmful drug interactions, so it’s critical to open a dialogue among older adults, caregivers and healthcare professionals about these issues.”

Seniors and caregivers may call 845-292-5250 or email cn55@cornell.edu to register by March 7 (a minimum of 5/maximum of 15 – please RSVP to hold your seat).