Patient’s Guide to the Proper Use of Antibiotics:

Ever wonder why directions on your antibiotics say “Take until finished” or “Complete all doses as specified”?
Why is it so important to finish all antibiotics? You must not need antibiotics when you’re already feeling better and have been for days now, right?

Wrong. Let’s take a look at why…

Antibiotics are medicines that help fight bacterial infections. Remember, antibiotics do not fight infections caused by viruses, and most common colds are caused by viruses. Antibiotics are prescribed to last for a specified amount of time. This length of time varies, but is designed for the antibiotic to last until all (or most) of the disease-causing bacteria are killed. The body’s own immune system will help in this process too, but it’s very important to take the whole course of antibiotics, regardless of how you may feel.

There are a few reasons for taking the antibiotics that have been prescribed as directed. First, keep in mind that bacteria are “survivalists”; If there are enough harmful bacteria lingering around in the body, they will eventually “get smart” and start finding ways to change and avoid being killed by an antibiotic. This can happen through various means and is called “antibiotic resistance”. Also, bacteria will try and re-mount an attack on the body when antibiotic levels are low, or if antibiotic therapy has stopped prematurely. For these reason it is important to take every dose as scheduled to complete the entire therapy as directed.

Why is antibiotic resistance bad and how can it affect others too?
Antibiotic resistance can cause a drug to not be effective anymore. By allowing the bacteria to linger and mutate, it can now evade the antibiotic with which we are treating. In essence, you have bred a new strain of bacteria – one that is not killed by the antibiotic we might like to use. This will limit antibiotics that can be used in the future, both for you and others in the community, since bacteria can be transferred easily from person to person.

Always keep in mind that most drugs are prescribed for a specific length of time for a reason. Taking antibiotics based on how you feel is NEVER a good idea.

Lance Ray, Pharm.D.

Distracted Driving Effects Everyone

I am always multitasking. I have been that way for a long time. Being the mother of four sort of predisposes one to this condition. I can answer the phone, go over homework, throw in a load of clothes and make a mean chicken parmesan all at the same time. I say that with pride. I like to know that I make the most of every minute. I love to cross things off my list, it gives me a since of accomplishment. So naturally when I hop in my car (to do list in hand) buckle my seatbelt, and put the car in gear, my cell phone is within reach. After all, I wouldn’t want to miss a call digging thru my purse while it rings incessantly. It could be an important message, or a photo of my grandbaby, or my son calling from Afghanistan, or my best friend to schedule lunch. It might even be a tweet from my techno-proficient seventy-something year-old mother. There are a lot of people who rely on me to answer my phone. Which is why I should not answer it while I am driving. That is the point.

My friends, my children, my parents, my co-workers and even the person who is driving in front of me rely on me to pay attention to the road. Sending a text or even talking on the phone raises the possibility of crashing by 400 percent. 400 percent is HUGE. If only my stock portfolio had such a percentage. Of course we always assume it won’t happen to us. Distracted driving injured 448,000 folks in one year alone. One in five drivers has admitted to surfing the web while driving. Distracted driving is quickly becoming an epidemic. The vaccine is prevention! The safest way to get from here to there is to just put down the phone and drive. I’m making that commitment, how about joining me? After all, there are people counting on you too.

MaryAnn Contreras, RN

Injury Prevention/Trauma Nurse Coordinator

MaryAnn Contreras

Injury Prevention Coordinator