Residents taught to take control of their health
“I have always thought that sharing medication is a caring gesture, but today I’ve learnt that although my medication can make me feel better, it contributes to a loved one’s illness and can possibly make them sicker,” said 64-year-old Mapule Tenyane.
Tenyane was among the residents who were enlightened about taking control of their health by adhering to treatment, at the Pharmacy Week event, held recently at Sam Ntuli Stadium, in Thokoza.
The event, held under the theme “Chronic Medication – Take Control”, saw residents of all ages who are infected and affected by chronic diseases being educated on the kind of relationship they should have with their medication.
“Storing medication is unacceptable, as you need to ensure that you finish the course of medication prescribed to you,” said Mpho Mashego, from the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s Health Department: Pharmaceutical Services.
Another factor that was stressed to both health practitioners and residents was the importance of checking the expiry dates when medication is dispensed and received by patients.
An educational drama was also performed by the assistants, who role played different encounters patients have with medication, such as self-medicating and not taking chronic medication as prescribed.
