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Every medicine cabinet in America contains unused, outdated and potentially dangerous medications. Years ago, you were told to flush, pour down the sink or toss the drugs in the trash. But guess what? Pharmaceuticals such as antihistamines, antibiotics, hormones and tranquilizers taint our groundwater, rivers and lakes, as well as fish and our drinking water. That’s because water treatment systems are designed to treat organic waste, not chemicals. Today’s government guidelines offer disposal procedures that are earth-friendly, unfriendly to potential drug abusers, and safer for children and pets. Don’t flush unused medications down the toilet unless the prescription label specifically instructs you to do so. Crush or dissolve leftover drugs in a little water. Then mix with kitty litter, coffee grounds or other yucky substance. Seal the mixture in a plastic bag or other unmarked container and put in the trash. This will not prevent the substances from eventually contaminating soil and groundwater, but it will prevent use by or harm to others.
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The Greater Reno Area SR Alliance has been officially launched. The SR Alliance is this area’s only referral network for trusted advisors who are dedicated to working with seniors. The SR Alliance is a network of advisors and service providers who are helping seniors make smart decisions, remain independent, self reliant, and secure. The Greater Reno Area SR Alliance’s membership consists of the following professions and service providers: ¨ Homecare and home healthcare provider ¨ Medicare supplement specialist ¨ Geriatric care management ¨ Hospice and palliative care ¨ Elder law attorney ¨ Medical equipment provider ¨ Financial consultant ¨ Reverse mortgage professional
If you need the assistance of any of these professionals, give Harry Gordon a call. He will provide you with a referral you can count on.
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What’s your likelihood of receiving long-term care (LTC) services? Leading LTC insurance actuaries, Milliman USA, compiled the odds based on length of stay. Out of 1,000 65-year-old policyholders… ¨ 449 will get LTC services ¨ 106 will get LTC for more than 2 years ¨ 59 will get LTC for more than 3 years ¨ 34 will get LTC for more than 4 years ¨ 20 will get LTC for more than 5 years
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Remove the label and any identifying information from the bottle or container before throwing away. Don’t buy more medication than you will use. All antibiotics prescribed should be finished, not left over. Don’t get a 90-day supply because it’s cheaper if you don’t think you will use it all. Find recycling programs for unwanted medications in your community. Visit the website www.earth911.com and type medications in the box at the top left of the page and your zip code in the box on the top right. Or contact your local agency responsible for hazardous waste disposal and ask where you should take your unused medications. |