6. Check your meds

You got your medicines to get better and stay well. But failing to keep your medications up-to-date, and to keep track of which drugs you're taking for what reason, can be harmful, costly, and even deadly. "Once a year people should go through their medicine cabinet and throw out out-of-date medications and see if they need to stock up on first aid items," said Michael Smith, a pharmacist and clinical coordinator for Backus Hospital's Pharmacy Department. "That way you don't have to worry about accidentally taking a medication that is expired. Not only should you know what medications you're taking and why, remember to bring a list of all your medicines when you see your doctor."

Fast fact

The United States spends as much money (about $76 billion a year) to treat the complications of home medication errors as we do to purchase all the medications in the U.S.
Source: National Patient Safety Foundation

Web extra:

Download, fill out and carry a medication card.