Geriatrician to speak on managing medications
As our population ages and chronic diseases on the rise, patients are taking a more active role in their own health care, particularly when it involves the use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. That is why it is extremely important for people to understand the medications that their physician prescribes for them.
 Dr. Jeanette Meyer, geriatrician and medical director of CentraCare Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) will speak on 'Managing Your Medications for Better Health' at the Burnham Brook Center on Friday, May 29. This program is part of the educational activities offered during the Active Aging Day Health Fair. Dr. Meyer's talk, sponsored by Battle Creek Health System in collaboration with Senior Health Partners, is free to the public.
A lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by Dr. Meyer's presentation at noon. Seating is limited. Reservations can be made by calling the class/seminar registration line at (877) GO2-BCHS (877-462-2247).
Statistics show that people over 65 use more prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines than any other age group. Older people also tend to have more long-term, chronic illnesses such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease than do younger people. And people over age 65 purchase more than 30 percent of all prescription drugs and 40 percent of all OTC drugs.
"Because older adults often take more medications than younger adults, the incidence of
adverse drug reactions does increase with age," says Dr. Meyer. "Adverse drug reactions, however, frequently go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed in older people for multiple reasons.
"Many non-prescription drugs can interact with prescription medication and at times the interactions can produce unwanted and even serious side effects. Although often thought of as 'natural,' several herbal products contain ingredients that can also cause significant interactions with prescription medication."
When prescribed and taken appropriately, drugs have many benefits such as treating diseases and infections, helping to manage symptoms of chronic conditions and can certainly contribute to an improved quality of life. But medicines can also cause problems, and the medical and physical needs of older people can sometimes make being aware of potential problems especially important.
Of all the problems older people face in taking medication, drug interactions are possibly the most dangerous. When two or more drugs are mixed in the body, they may interact with each other and produce uncomfortable or even dangerous side effects. This is especially a problem for older people because they are much more likely to take more than one drug. The average older person is taking over four prescription medications at once plus two OTC medications increasing the possibility of an adverse drug reaction.
"Today, nearly every person uses prescription and/or over-the-counter medications," says
Dr. Meyer. "It's important to realize that over-the-counter medications are not harmless.
Therefore patients should discuss these with their doctor and pharmacist before trying a new product.
"Many do not stop to realize that if medications are strong enough to alter the body to
achieve their prescribed effects, they are also strong enough to cause harm if not used
correctly. A large part of respecting the power of medications is having the information on how to use them safely and effectively for better health."
Senior Health Partners, a community partnership of Battle Creek Health System, CentraCare, Region 3B Area Agency on Aging, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 21 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System is a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award(tm). HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective 'report card' ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
About the Presenter
Dr. Jeanette Meyer was graduated from Wayne State University School of Medicine, completed her residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in geriatrics at Mayo Clinic where she remained on staff until1992.
Since coming to West Michigan, she has practiced adult medicine and geriatrics, in addition to becoming board certified in hospice and palliative care. She serves as the medical director of the CentraCare PACE program and the Western Michigan Physician's Assistant Program (PA).
She is associate medical director for the Borgess Visiting Nurses hospice program and palliative care service, and for the Western Michigan University PA program. Dr. Meyer is also active in medical politics with the Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine and has served as a delegate to the Michigan State Medical Society for the past four years.
Dr. Meyer has applied for medical staff privileges at Battle Creek Health System and is very excited about her new position caring for the frail elderly of Calhoun County with CentraCare PACE.
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