WEBVTT FILE

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As an active self-care
manager, you must do

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everything you can to
manage your condition,

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while still enjoying
life to the fullest.

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And that includes managing
the medications you take.

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But it can be difficult
- you may take many

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different medications and
they can be complicated.

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Here are some tips that
may help managing your

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medications a
little easier.

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First, remember that your
healthcare provider has

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prescribed the medication
to you for a reason.

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It may not cure your
long-term health problems,

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but it may:

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Reduce your symptoms.

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This can help you feel
better day to day and

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overall.

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Prevent or delay the
progression of the disease

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and other health problems
that may be a result of

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the condition.

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Provide your body with
something it no longer

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produces but needs.

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Taking the medications,
your healthcare provider

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has prescribed
is good for you.

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Just be sure to take them
exactly as directed to

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ensure you are getting
all the benefits they can

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provide.

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If you have questions
about how they are

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supposed to be taken, or
have trouble following the

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directions, talk to your
healthcare provider or

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pharmacist.

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They can help you find the
best way to take them, so

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you don't miss a dose.

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If you feel there may be
other obstacles to taking

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your medications as
directed, talk to your

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healthcare provider.

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For example, medications
can be expensive.

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If you feel you won't
be able to fill a

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prescription, or even
take the medication on a

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regular basis because
of cost, your healthcare

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provider may be able to
prescribe a less expensive

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alternative that may
work just as well.

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Often when you have more
than one long-term health

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problem or suffer from
more than one symptom, you

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may be prescribed more
than one medication.

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Don't rely on your memory
to make sure you have

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taken all your
medications; develop a

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system so that you can
feel confident you are

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taking all of your
medications as directed.

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Some people use a calendar
to remember when to take

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their medications.

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Others prefer to use
a pill organizer.

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Some set an alarm on their
phone or tablet to remind

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them to take
their medications.

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However you choose to
manage your medications,

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make sure it works
for your lifestyle.

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It is a good idea to take
an updated list of all the

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medications you are taking
and their current doses to

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each healthcare visit.

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If you can't take a
list, take the bottles of

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medications with you.

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And remember to include
all vitamins and herbal

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supplements.

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Your healthcare provider
needs a complete picture

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of all of the medications
you are taking in order to

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treat your complete
health picture.

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All medications can
have side effects.

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If you do experience
side effects, do not stop

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taking your medications
until you discuss your

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concerns with your
healthcare provider or

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pharmacist.

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Some side effects may go
away with time, may be

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manageable, or there may
be a different medication

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option available for you.

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If you do feel you must
stop a medication because

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of severe side effects,
call your doctor

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immediately.

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Some severe reactions
may require emergency

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treatment.

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If you experience: trouble
breathing; seizures; weak or

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fast heart rate; nausea or
vomiting; or dizziness or

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lightheadedness call 911
and get help immediately.

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And finally, make sure
to fill all of your

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prescriptions at
the same pharmacy.

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Your pharmacy can check
your file and make sure

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there are no potential
problems with any of the

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medications
you are taking.

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Medications can help you
take an active role in

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managing your long-term
health conditions and help

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you relieve any symptoms
that can be getting in the

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way of doing the
things you enjoy.

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But you must take them
properly to ensure that

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they work as they
are meant to.

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Remember to: take your
medications exactly as

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prescribed; develop a
system so you remember to

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take your medications;
take an updated list of

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medications with you
to every healthcare

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appointment; talk to your
healthcare provider about

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side effects and obstacles
to taking your medications;

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and fill all of your
prescriptions at the same

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pharmacy.

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Talk to your healthcare
team today if you have

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questions or concerns
about the medications you

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take.

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They are there to help.