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Subject: Health Grade: 4 UNIT 3: Substance Use and Abuse LESSON 3: Using Medicine Properly Objectives

This document provides information to 4th grade students on properly using medicines, including only taking medicines as prescribed, checking expiration dates, storing medicines safely away from children, and always using medicines with adult supervision. Key points covered include differentiating prescription and non-prescription medicines, following instructions and dosages, and understanding the importance of using medicines properly to avoid negative health effects. Students are instructed to color boxes indicating proper medicine use and ask adults for help taking any medications.

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Jerome Eziekel Posada Panaligan
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© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
776 views

Subject: Health Grade: 4 UNIT 3: Substance Use and Abuse LESSON 3: Using Medicine Properly Objectives

This document provides information to 4th grade students on properly using medicines, including only taking medicines as prescribed, checking expiration dates, storing medicines safely away from children, and always using medicines with adult supervision. Key points covered include differentiating prescription and non-prescription medicines, following instructions and dosages, and understanding the importance of using medicines properly to avoid negative health effects. Students are instructed to color boxes indicating proper medicine use and ask adults for help taking any medications.

Uploaded by

Jerome Eziekel Posada Panaligan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SUBJECT: HEALTH

GRADE: 4
UNIT 3: Substance Use and Abuse
LESSON 3: using medicine properly

OBJECTIVES:
This handout provides helpful understandings/insights to enable the pupils to:
 Describe uses of medicines
 Differentiate prescription from non-prescription medicines.

OVERVIEW:

Color the box if the statement tells about the proper use of medicines.

1. Buy medicines from a trusted source.

V 2. Check the expiration date before taking the medicines

3. Take the medicine at your own time

4. Read and checik medicine labels.

5. Use medicine under adult supervision.

POINTS TO REMEMBER AND UNDERSTAND:

Look at the picture. Why should medicines be used properly? What could happen if
medicines are not used properly?

You have learned what medicines do to your body when you get sick. You also learned
what happens when medicines are misused or abused. Bad effects of medicines can be avoided
by using medicines properly and safely.
1.
1.
Buy medicines from reliable or trusted sources.

Buy only medicines from trusted source such as licensed pharmacies and drug stores.
Buy medicines as recommended or prescribed by your doctor or health care professional.
When inquiring about an over-the-counter medicines at drug stores, talk to the proper
personnel at the counter. They are properly trained for the job.

2. Check expiration date.

Medicines have expiration dates. The expiration date of a medicines is indicated on its
label panel. The expiration date indicates when the medicines is applicable or usable.
You should not use the medicines after the indicated expiration date. It is very dangerous
to use an expired medicine. Medicines that have changed color, consistency, or odor
should never be used regardless of expiry. Discard capsules or tablets that stick together,
are harder or softer than normal, or are cracked or chipped.

3. Consult with your physicians or medical doctor.

Your physician or family doctor is the best person to consult when you need medicine.
He or she knows your family health history. If you have no family doctor, perhaps your
parents can ask for referrals from their friends for a competent and trusted medical doctor
or health care professional.

4. Follow instructions and medical prescription.

The safest way to use medicines is to follow your medical doctor’s prescription and
instruction. For over-the-counter or OTC medicines, it is best that you read and
understand the directions.

5. Observe proper storage.

Medicines should always be kept or stored properly as indicated in their label or


packages. Improper storage of medicines can affect their effectiveness and shelf life.
 Store in a cool, dark, and dry place. Medicines should be kept in a cool,
dry place and away from light. Exposure to light, heat and moisture can
speed up the breakdown of medicines.
 Liquid medicines that need to be refrigerated should be kept in the
refrigerator. These are liquid medicines that do not usually have
preservatives. Liquid formulations like syrups and suspensions can
support the growth of microorganisms. Refrigeration can prevent the
growth of microorganisms that may affect the efficacy of the liquid
medicine. However, liquid medicines with preservatives can be stored out
of the refrigerator.
 Keep medicines away from children. Poisoning incidents involving
accidental ingestion or swallowing of medicines can be prevented by
keeping them away from the reach of children. Store your medicines in a
medicine cabinet out of reach of children.

6. Read and check labels.

Medicine labels indicate how much of the medicine to take at on etime and how often to
take the medicine. The amount to be taken differs depending on the age of the person.
Important information about the medicine are indicated in its label.

7. Use medicine under adult supervision.

At your age, your need the supervision of your parents or an dult person at home when
taking medications. This is to make sure that you are taking and using the right medicine
at the right time.

8. Never mix medicines unless your doctor tells you.

Taking medicine with another medicine can change its efficacy. This may also create
negative body reactions such as allergy or stomach upset.

9. Beware of allergies.

If you have allergy to certain medicines, you should inform your doctor or your school
doctor or nurse.

HEALTH FOR LIFE:

Medicine is not always the best way to prevent or solve your health problems. For
example, you may just need water instead of medicine when you have a headache. If you feel
bad, make sure you get enough food, water, exercise and sleep. If you get enough of these things
and still feel bad, then taking medicine may help you feel better. Most importantly, always ask
the help of an adult when taking any medicine.

Health 4
Activity 1
Name: _____________________________________________________________

Color blue the of the statement that describes the proper use of medicine.

1. you should not use a medicine after its indicated expiration date.

2. You can take any medicine that you need.

3. Liquid medicines without preservatives should be refrigerated.

4. It is alright to mix medicines especially if you want to get better right away.

5. Store medicines away from the reach of children.

6. Inquire only from licensed health care professionals in pharmacies about over-the-
counter medicines.

7. Understand how much to take and how often to take the medicine

8. Throw away medicines that have changed in color, odor, and texture even if they are
not yet expired.

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