Look Inside Young Adult Road Map

Guiding Star Point Four: Manage INFORMATION Activity 4.2 Young Adult Road Map, Supplemental
Guiding Star Point Four: Manage INFORMATION Activity 4.2 Young Adult Road Map, Supplemental
Activity 4.1
Activity 4.1
Young Adult Road Map: A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Wellness, Independent Living, and Transition Services
for People in Their Teens and Twenties. Copyright ©Melton Hill Media, LLC, 2018. All rights reserved.
Young Adult Road Map: A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating Wellness, Independent Living, and Transition Services
for People in Their Teens and Twenties. Copyright ©Melton Hill Media, LLC, 2018. All rights reserved.
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Guiding Star Point four: Manage Information
Medication Safety Tips
1. STORE MEDICATIONS AT THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE. Many drugs are sensitive to heat
and may become less effective. Some people keep a small container with extra meds in
a purse or car. If so, make sure the meds are securely stored and don’t get overheated.
2. STORE MEDICATIONS IN A SAFE PLACE. If young children are in the house, use
childproof caps.
your medication
history
Use the Medication Log to list
your medications. It is okay to
make copies of this page for your
own use and put those copies in
your binder (See Activity 4.2, My
Medication Log).
It is VERY important to know what
medicines you’ve taken in the
past, as well as the present.
*
See Activity 4.2, My Medication Log
My Medication My Medication Log Log
This chart
This
helps
chart
keep
helps
information
keep information
on medicines
on medicines
in one place.
in one
Keep
place.
an updated
Keep an
version
updated
in
version
your binder
in your
to bring
binder
to
to
appointments
bring to appointments
and use when
and use
talking
when
to
talking
doctors
to
by
doctors by
phone. Put
phone.
a copy
Put
inside
a copy
the
inside
medicine
the
cabinet
medicine
or
cabinet
lockbox
or
to
lockbox
use when
to use
you
when
refill weekly
you refill
pill
weekly
containers.
pill containers.
Name:
Name:
Last updated:
Pharmacy
Last updated:
Pharmacy
name/Ph.
name/Ph.
#:
#:
Name of Medication Total Dosage Date Rx started Date Rx stopped Directions: How Much/When/Special Prescription ID Doctor/NP’s Name/
Name of Medication Total Dosage Date Rx started Date Rx stopped Directions: How Much/When/Special Prescription ID Doctor/NP’s Name/
(Example: 40 mg)
instructions
Number
Phone Number
(Example: 40 mg)
instructions
Number
Phone Number
(Example: 20 mg tablet morning, 20 mg
(Example: 20 mg tablet morning, 20 mg
tablet evening/Take with food/Avoid sun)
tablet evening/Take with food/Avoid sun)
Over-the-counter (non- prescription) medicines, vitamins,
and herbs (including
Over-the-counter
amounts
(nonand
when
prescription)
taken):
medicines, vitamins,
and herbs (including amounts and when taken):
3. NEVER take more or less of a medication than the doctor prescribes.
4. NEVER stop taking a medication without talking to the doctor.
5. ASK THE DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST what to do if a dose is missed or spit up. Follow
these instructions carefully. It may be dangerous or ineffective to take a “make-up” dose.
6. KNOW WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE. In a crisis situation,
call 911 for help, and ask to be connected to Poison Control for more advice until
help arrives.
7. PREVENT DRUG ABUSE. Store your medications in a location other than a commonly
shared space, especially if you have roommates or company. Medications prescribed to
you are for your use only. Sharing medications prescribed to you is not only dangerous,
but it is also illegal in many places. If the person you share medications with has an
adverse reaction, you could be held liable for their condition, i.e., you could be sued
and/or face criminal charges.
Part Three: Record
Effective treatment relies on a good treatment plan with regular, honest communication
between you and the provider. As your own information manager, your tasks are to:
1. Observe how the treatment affects you in everyday life.
2. Keep simple records about what happens, so you can discuss progress with your
provider. Many details will be forgotten by the time you get to your next appointment.
Your records let you tell a more complete story about what’s happening.
3. Watch for any danger signs and take prompt action to get help. This means you should
alert your family members or roommates to any negative reaction(s) you feel. They must
understand your needs and wishes clearly in case they must communicate with others
on your behalf.
For a busy young adult who may be balancing school, work, and just coping in daily life,
these tasks can seem impossible. What if you make a mistake with medication? How do
you know what side effects to look for? Who has time to write down all the details of your
day? What if you just aren’t an organized person?
The good news: You don’t have to be neat, organized, or any kind of expert to do the tasks
listed above. It is most important to have a routine that FITS YOUR PERSONAL STYLE. To get
them started on a routine or tell help them stay on a routine, some people use lists they
check off when they have completed a task. Some people use electronic alarms or electronic
prompts. These tools can be especially helpful if you struggle with memory issues.
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