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Know! To Role Model RESPECT for the Rx
2/7/2017
Why focus on prescription drugs? Research shows that more deaths are
now occurring each year from accidental drug overdoses than from car
accidents. Someone in the U.S. dies every 15 minutes from an accidental
overdose. Nearly half of the drug overdose deaths are due to
prescription drugs.
Parents are powerful influencers when it comes to children’s attitudes
and behaviors regarding alcohol, tobacco and the use of other drugs.
Having ongoing conversations and sharing information on the dangers of
substance use/abuse with our children is fundamental. It is also
vitally important to make clear our expectations for them not to drink
underage, smoke or use drugs. But it is not just what we say that
matters.
It is also what we DO. The behavioral choices our children see us make
have the greatest impact on the lifestyle choices they make surrounding
substances. When it comes to the use of prescription drugs, what are
your children learning from you? Do you role model respect for
prescription drugs by locking up and monitoring your medicine, as
encouraged by experts? Do you properly dispose of unused and unwanted
medications? Have you made it clear, by example, that sharing
prescription medications with others is dangerous and not okay?
If so, you are doing an incredible job, and we encourage you to keep up
the great work!
If not, it is important to remember that while prescription drugs have
the ability to improve and save lives, they also have the potential to
harm, and that they can be fatal if used improperly or by an unintended
person. Role modeling the above behavioral choices are key in promoting
family wellness and teaching our children respect for potentially
harmful medications.
Another way to RESPECT the Rx is to ask your health care provider or
pharmacist specific questions about your prescription medications, in
order to avoid unintended harmful effects. The Ohio State University
College of Pharmacy came up with the acronym RESPECT, as a way to help
you remember those questions:
R. Reason: Why is this medication being prescribed for me?
E. Explain Usage: Should I take this medication regularly or as needed?
What restrictions are there with food/alcohol/other medications?
S. Symptoms: When is it appropriate for me to take this medication
(e.g., on a scale of 1-10 for pain severity)?
P. Practitioners: Inform your doctor if you are seeing other healthcare
providers and which pharmacy you use (you should only use one pharmacy)
E. Expected Effects: What effects can I expect from taking this
medication? What precautions do I need to take while driving, operating
machinery, etc.?
C. Concerns with Controlled Substances: Is there addiction potential
with my medication?
T. Time to Stop: When and how should I stop taking my medication? How
should I store and dispose of it when I am done?
If the opportunity is there, take your son or daughter with you to your
next doctor’s appointment, allowing him/her to observe you using this
guide. If your child is prescribed a medication, similar questions
should also be asked during his/her doctor visit. You and your child
will not only obtain the detailed information you need, but the
importance of RESPECTing the Rx will be reinforced.
One of the most powerful skills youth possess is their ability to
observe. One of the most powerful opportunities we, as parents possess,
is our opportunity to positively influence our children who are paying
close attention to our lifestyle choices.1StartTalking.jpg
Learn how to get the conversation started at StartTalking.Ohio.Gov.
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