lifestyle

25 Medical Facts That Need To Be Common Knowledge

21.

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice if you are taking some kind of medication! About 50% of pharmaceuticals on the market are metabolized at least in part by CYP3A4, which is inhibited by compounds found in grapefruit.

22.

I wish people understood that if they are receiving treatment for a condition, they still have that condition. Case in point: If you’re taking medication for something you aren’t suddenly free of that disease. Your blood pressure meds are maintaining a normal blood pressure BECAUSE you have the condition of high blood pressure. Your insulin is maintaining your blood sugars BECAUSE you have diabetes. Sounds simple but amazing how much people tell us they have no conditions but are on 1000 medications that tell a different story

23.

Girls if you get excruciating cramps at the time of your period and it feels much worse then it actually is, go to a doctor. When I was 13 I had already been confirmed to having a ovarian cyst, and it made it very painful for me during my periods to the point where I had passed out from the pain of it once. However at one point it felt much worse then it typically did and I blew it off as being because of my period. It turned out my appendix was bursting. The doctor told me a lot of woman blow off period cramps because doctors tend to do the same. Don’t, it almost meant life or death for me.

24.

Don’t stop your medications by yourself. Just don’t, no matter how good you feel. Patients stop antibiotics and relapse. So many resistant TB cases here. Stop taking insulin and come with DKA. Stop taking anti-hypertensives and get a stroke. Don’t stop any drug unless cleared prior with your doctor. Most of the diseases can only be managed, they can’t really be cured. If you have diabetes, get sugar levels tested at least once a month. Don’t ignore it. Don’t mix alcohol and anti-depressants. Also, no matter how bad it is, we have seen worse. Don’t be ashamed. Pull out doesn’t mean she won’t get pregnant. Precum has sperm too. Last, if you see anyone vomiting and loss conscious, turn them to their side. Less chances of it entering lungs.

25.

Do not keep your medicine in your “medicine cabinet” in your bathroom. The steam from a shower and the temperature fluctuations will degrade your medication. Keep them in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Also look through your OTC items in your house and clean out the expired drugs and restock your basics ( ibuprofen, acetaminophen, pepto, eyedrops, etc).

Written by Alex Cogen

Alex is a New Yorker currently living in Austin. She loves cats, grass, and latex but unfortunately is allergic to all 3. She makes mom and dad jokes more than she cares to admit (jk she'll admit it loud and proud). She isn't as funny as she thinks she is. She is the founder of thelazygurl.com.