Take a second look at your medications
Some people continue to take medicines that science has proved are either ineffective or dangerous, according to the Food & Drug Administration. Check out these five:
- Low-dose aspirin for heart protection is not recommended for people who have never had a heart attack or stroke. Its bleeding risk outweighs the cardiovascular benefits.
- The decongestant phenylephrine in over-the-counter nasal decongestants is no more effective than a placebo. If you want a product that really works, ask for pseudoephedrine – it’s behind the counter.
- Colace doesn’t work any better than a placebo. More effective options include psyllium.
- Diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, should be avoided – side effects include confusion, sedation, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention and a higher risk of falling down. The newer, less sedating antihistamines are recommended.
- Codeine is no more effective than a placebo for reducing coughs from the common cold, but it can cause constipation and sedation.
Check out the guidance from the FDA website for how to safely dispose of your medicines but first, check the FDA’s Flush List.
Shingles vaccine
There’s another reason to take the shingles vaccine other than to prevent shingle. Recent studies by both Harvard and Stanford universities suggests the shingles vaccine, particularly the two-dose recombinant vaccine (Shingrix), may significantly lower the risk of developing dementia by 17% to 20% over seven years in adults over 50. It may also slow the progression of existing cognitive decline and reduce dementia-related mortality.
Adaptive devices for your car
If arthritis is making driving more difficult for you, consider these adaptive devices:
- If getting in and out of a car is an issue, try using a car handle assist. It’s shaped like the grip of a cane and attaches onto the door latch.
- Install a seat belt extender if you have trouble pulling out the belt.
- To raise the height of the seat, use a cushion.
- If your fingers are stiff, use a steering wheel cover to help with gripping. If your car doesn’t have a keyless ignition, use a large-handled key turner.
- If you have trouble turning your neck, consider adding extra side-view mirrors or a panoramic rearview mirror. They are inexpensive and easy to install.
Other advice from Harvard Health includes adjusting your seat so your buttocks and knees are at the same level and your eyes level with the base of the rearview mirror. Your head should be level and aligned with your spine. And don’t hunch forward!
Free help for creating helpful habits
If you’re stuck in a rut, check out the free 5-day online program based on “Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything” by B.J. Fogg. Visit tinyhabits/join/.
