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Information for Seniors

Older adults suffer from a high incidence of serious effects related to poisonings; the majority of these poisonings involve prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbals, and vitamins. Most older adults do not consider a medicine mismanagement a "poisoning", however it is.

The Poison Center recommends practicing safe use of medicine, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), to avoid an unintentional poisoning.

Keep the number of the Poison Center, 1-800-222-1222, available in the event of an unintentional poison exposure.

Education Programs for Seniors

The Upstate New York Poison Center offers programs for older adults and the safe use of medicines.

To schedule a program, call 315-464-5375

Taking Your Medicines Safely

Taking Your Medicines Safely Program, reinforces proven concepts designed to decrease medicine mismanagement. The program addresses the six questions to ask about any medication you are taking:

• What is the name of my medicine?
• What is the medicine for?
• How do I take the medicine?
• What side effects could I have?
• What should I do if I miss a dose of my medicine?
• While taking this medicine, should I avoid drinking alcohol, driving, eating certain foods or drinking certain juices, taking certain over-the-counter or prescription medications, vitamins, herbals, or minerals?

Treating Yourself with Care

Treating Yourself with Care, a special program for seniors, is offered in conjunction with the AARP.

The program addresses the issues of over the counter medications, commonly used by seniors.  Available in either VHS or slide format with script, the program encourages seniors to keep a medication log and be aware of common drug interactions and side effects. 

Poison Prevention

Look-Alike Teaching Kits and Flip Chart are available on loan for senior groups interested in poison prevention.  These materials are available on-loan (free) from the Poison Center or through many local Cooperative Extension Agencies in our service area.

Educational brochures and telephone stickers are available to seniors by calling:

Poison Center 1-800-222-1222 .