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The Responsibility is Yours.

Drug-taking hebiis are crucial with several medications

Sometimes seniors need to take
more than one medication at the
same time to treat different ail-
ments.

Pharmacare records show that
92 percent of British Columbians
over the age of 65 and living
independently had at least one
drug prescription filled last year.

The average number of prescrip-
tions was 13 per person, including
new medications and refills.

Drug use by seniors is higher
than in any other age group. Peo-
ple over 65 make up 12 percent of
the province’s population, but they
Teceive about 35 percent of the
prescription drugs dispensed.

This is not necessarily a bad
thing. Drug research has made
tremendous advances over the
years and new and better drugs are
available all the time.

Partly because of these drugs,
older people are now living longer,
healthier, and more independent
lives.

TheReview Wednesday, October 31,1990 — B8

But while seniors can benefit
the most from taking drugs, they
can also be at risk if medications
are not taken properly.

For a number of reasons —
including the natural physical
changes that accompany aging —
seniors are four to five times more

likely to suffer adverse effects

from their drugs than people in
their 30s.

This is why proper drug-takiae
habits are crucial. If you have
questions or concems about any
medications you take, talk to your
doctor or pharmacist.

Ifso

this wasn’t fun anym:

need to ‘cus we're
there for each other?”

“My friends and I hang out and have great
times. No we don’t get into booze
and drugs — we don't

— GLENN

eone needs your help,

be there.

ore.’

The Responsibility is Yours.

Province of British Columbia

‘Tt got to the point where I'd have a bad day at school and I'd
want to go home and have a few drinks. I just came to realize
— AMANDA —

“T think the reason I got into it is first of all to go along
with what everyone else is doing. And I was hanging out

with people who were a lot older” —BRENDA

At McDonald's, we're working together with the
TRY Program to help communicate the solutions
to alcohol and drug abuse problems in our
communities. We'd like to encourage you to be part
of the solution too. For more information call
the TRYLINE 1-800-663-1441.