4. Take Medications Carefully

For some of us, taking prescribed medications is a hard reality. If you are taking a new medication it is important to know the difference between a side effect of the medication or a possible serious allergic reaction. If you experience swelling of the face and throat, hives or light-headedness, vomiting or wheezing, call for help immediately.

Another consideration is the accidental mixing of what seems like harmless medicines. Taking a cold or allergy decongestant for instance, can have serious repercussions when mixed with certain blood pressure medicines. Other examples could be stomach remedies high in sodium, herbal remedies containing ephedra or pain medicines like ibuprofen. Make a list of the medications you are taking and show them to your pharmacist or physician before taking other medicines.