6. Keep an up-to-date list of your medications with you at all times.

7. It is your responsibility to learn names of your medications and why you are taking them! Most likely, your provider does not know what you mean by “little pink pill” or “white capsule”. There are literally dozens of each.

8. Check your medications before you leave pharmacy. If something does not look right, ask about it right then. DO NOT take something you are unfamiliar with.

9. Follow label directions. If you are taking something for osteoporosis, chances are you were told to take it with a full glass of water, sitting upright while avoiding any other food or fluids for 30 minutes. They were not making it up! This goes for labels on over-the-counter preparations. This is one time that “if a little is good, a lot must be better” can be a dangerous thought.

10. Another very important tip. If at all possible, it is in your best interest to have a primary care provider. Ideally, he or she will coordinate your care with specialists, and keep track of all medications you are on. If you have a complete profile on record, then between your one primary provider, and your one pharmacist, any problems in your medications should be picked up.

11. This bonus tip comes from a lesson taught to me by a wonderful patient of mine…If you and your partner both take medication, do NOT mix them up. It can have serious consequences!

While proper nutrition and exercise are mainstays of treatment for most health challenges, medication use is sometimes unavoidable. Make sure you need them; know what they are and how to take them. Follow directions, and don’t share! Most of all, always seek to understand what you are taking and what it’s suppose to do for you. Your body will thank you.

©2005, OlderWiserWomen, LLC. Barbara C. Phillips, Nurse Practitioner and founder of OlderWiserWomen(tm) inspires women to embrace the freedom, magic and wisdom of Successful Aging. Visit www.OlderWiserWomen.com for your copy of "Celebrating You: 50 Tips for Vibrant Living".

4. Choose Variety! Don't let popular dieting trends fool you: Carbs are good for you too! In fact, carbohydrates are what your brain run on and are very important for proper body functions. Following a high-protein diet over a long period of time can not only cause headaches, but also places considerable stress on kidney. The important thing is to eat a variety of foods. This includes fruits, vegetables and even carbs. Just remember to be smart about types of carbs you eat:: whole wheat instead of white.

5. Eat Slowly! We all get in a hurry from time to time, but it is important to take time to listen to our bodies. Eating quickly doesn't give our bodies time to tell our brains that we have eaten enough. Consequently, we continue eating and are left filling stuffed and bloated. Eating more slowly allows us to recognize when we actually have eaten enough and stop—it also helps us savour and enjoy food we do eat.

Essential to loosing weight is giving our bodies what they need. This means drinking plenty of water, eating timely and proper meals, staying active, and giving our body time to tell us when it is full. Our bodies will reward us for our attention.