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AEHC Educational Emphasis
2009-2011
Major Focus - Be Medwise Arkansas
Margaret M. Harris, Ph.D., M.S., Assistant Professor - Health
The Situation
Many of the medicines people use to treat common problems –
headaches, fever, stuffy nose, allergies, coughs, upset stomach or
diarrhea – are over-the counter medicines. There are over 100,000 OTC
medications on the market. Many of these medications available today
were once available by prescription only. In fact, some even have higher
doses of active ingredients per tablet than the prescription medicine
had. Taking OTC medications incorrectly, or too much of them, can hurt
you. Learning how to take medications correctly will help you to take
good care of yourself and others. If you are a parent or caregiver for
someone who is not yet fully grown, it is also important to learn these
things so you can both show and teach that young person how to use
medicines safely.
Objectives
- Participants will learn the definition of a medicine.
- Participants will learn to read an OTC medicine label.
- Participants will learn how to choose a medicine that is right
for their problem.
- Participants will learn how to take the right amount of
medicine.
- Participants will learn how to know when you need to stop using
a medicine.
- Participants will learn when you should not use a medicine at
all.
- Participants will learn how to store and dispose medicines.
Program Ideas
Lessons
- Handout 1: What Is a Medicine?
- Handout 2: Drug Facts Label
- Handout 3: Problem-Solving Examples
- Handout 4: Active Ingredients in Two Common Pain Relievers
- Handout 5: 10 Ways to Be MedWise
- Pre-survey and Post-survey (one page front and back or have them
stapled)
Educational Opportunities
Exercise classes - organize and attend aerobic, water aerobic,
strength training, pilates, yoga, tai chi and other exercise classes.
Health fairs - organize and attend health fairs that offer screening for
cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure and health information.
Exercise videos - a good resource for exercising in the privacy of your
home.
Advocacy - get involved in your community to bring about physical
activity and healthy nutrition in the schools.
Community Service
Work with Senior Centers, church groups, and nursing homes to develop
appropriate exercise programs.
Provide community-based activities that offer materials and support for
walking teams.
Seek out funding for public walking tracks and trails.
Education Programs
Assist in the planning and implementation of physical activities
using schools and community facilities.
Sponsor and promote walking and exercise programs in the schools and for
after school programs.
Work with state and local health providers, agencies, and organizations
to conduct health fairs and screenings.
Make and provide motivational items for individuals participating in
exercise programs such as sweatbands and pedometers.
Provide scholarships for lower income children to participate in
organized sports programs.
Serve as a mentor to groups and individuals to encourage continued
exercise.
Stay politically informed; monitor legislation that affects health.
Provide displays to local merchants promoting healthy lifestyles.
Provide transportation for individuals wanting to attend activities.
Support other bona fide health programs.
Promote inter-generational programs that can benefit all age groups.
Share what you have learned about well-being with people in your
faith community.
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