Don't let the festive season derail your medication routine

The December holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and festivity, yet they also pose a significant risk for those managing chronic illnesses or taking regular medications. Health cover provider Affinity Health says travel plans, late-night celebrations, and indulgent meals can easily lead to forgotten doses and skipped treatments. As the year wraps up, here’s a crucial reminder: a couple of missed doses can snowball into serious health complications.

Understanding the risks of skipping medication

As fun as the holiday season can be, the associated pressures often lead people to overlook their healthcare needs. With pharmacies running reduced hours and individuals travelling to new locales, it’s easy to forget to replenish prescriptions or pack necessary medications. Some might even choose to stop medication intentionally, thinking they feel “fine” or that taking a break won’t matter. However, for many conditions, it does - dramatically.

Consider the implications:

• Cardiovascular Health: Missing antihypertensives or statins can lead to dangerously high blood pressure, and increase the likelihood of chest pain, heart attacks, or strokes.
• Diabetes: Skipping insulin or diabetes tablets can cause a dangerous spike in glucose levels, especially during festive meals and celebrations that accompany increased alcohol consumption.
• Respiratory Conditions: For asthma or COPD sufferers, halting preventer inhalers raises the risk of serious flare-ups triggered by festive dust or cold air.
• HIV Treatment: Even brief interruptions in antiretroviral therapy can allow the virus to rebound, making future treatment more difficult.
• Seizure Disorders: Missing doses significantly increases the risk of seizures, particularly during busy holiday activities.

Navigating alcohol consumption and medications

Social gatherings often mean higher alcohol consumption, which can dangerously interact with many medications. Alcohol may amplify drowsiness when mixed with sedatives or painkillers, heighten blood pressure, and disrupt glucose levels for those on insulin. With potential interactions from festive cocktails and common medications, taking the time to consult a pharmacist or doctor before indulging is essential.

Travel, timing, and medication management

Travel during the holidays often means dealing with time-zone changes and busy schedules. To mitigate missed doses, individuals should plan medications around travel. This includes keeping medications in their original packaging in hand luggage, setting reminders for when to take them, and ensuring that temperature-sensitive medications such as insulin remain viable.

The importance of planning for potential health crises

With the increased likelihood of festive stomach bugs and other illnesses, knowing how to manage medications associated with chronic illnesses is paramount. Those with diabetes must monitor glucose levels more frequently and should never cease insulin without appropriate medical guidance.

What to do if you miss a dose

For many medications, if you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next dose. However, some medications come with specific guidance, such as anti-seizure meds — they require careful adherence. Always consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.

Recognising urgent medical symptoms

It’s vital to heed warning signs that necessitate immediate medical attention, including:

• Chest pain or severe shortness of breath
• Seizures lasting over five minutes
• Confusion or extreme dehydration
• Blood in vomit or stool

The takeaway for the festive season

As the holiday season approaches, remember that the festive fun should not come at the cost of your health. Skipping medications can wreak havoc, undoing months of treatment progress and stability. Plan ahead, refill prescriptions early, pack enough medication for your travels, and set reminders to ensure you stick to your regimen.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications with alcohol or trying new remedies. Making your health a priority is a crucial act of self-care this festive season.

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