Med-Q Introduces Tool to Reduce Medication Errors

When Lee DeMar was running a Phoenix-based nursing agency, he constantly heard his nurses voice their frustration over the fact that many of their older clients were not taking their medications when they should and as a result cycling back to the ER (the nurses worked exclusively at hospitals). Known as medication non-compliance (or non-adherence), it is the failure to take prescription medication on time and in the dosages prescribed.

Medication non-compliance — which has been called America’s “other drug problem” by The New York Times — results in an estimated $290 billion in emergency room visits and other avoidable medical expenses and health crises. These medication errors account for 10 percent of all hospital admissions, and is attributed to at least 125,000 deaths annually, according to the New England Healthcare Institute.

DeMar immediately recognized the urgency of this growing problem and through his company, Med-Q, developed the Med-Q Pillbox, an innovative solution to the challenges of medication non-compliance. The unit retails for $49.95 and is being launched at a special introductory price of $39.95.

Featuring a unique modern design, the Med-Q Pillbox is unlike any pill organizer on the market. It is a self-contained, “all-in-one” electronic weekly organizer, reminder and dispenser. According to DeMar, “The Med-Q Pillbox features a user-friendly design and multipurpose functionality to assist a wide range of individuals taking daily medications and vitamins.”

The Med-Q Pillbox consists of 14 days’ worth of roomy, individualized compartments to accommodate once a day (for 14 days) or twice a day (for 7 days) medication regimens. Each individual compartment is specially fitted with large flip-up tabs for easy opening and can hold the equivalent of up to 30 regular-size aspirins. Additionally, each compartment can be removed from the pillbox base eliminating the potential to spill pills from other compartments that may not be closed securely. An extra large LED makes it easier to program and see the day, time and “next alert.”

Med-Q’s electronic dual reminder system, according to DeMar “is a technology and design breakthrough for individuals and families trying to adhere to daily medication regimens and live a medically-independent life.”

Powered by two AA batteries, the Med-Q Pillbox combines advanced audio and visual alarms, and may be programmed to fit any schedule. The audio alarm, available in one- or two-beep options, cascades in volume and is loud enough to be heard through a nightstand drawer. The visual alarm utilizes LED-Lightbox Technologyâ„¢ to illuminate individual compartments with a flashing light and indicates which pills to take.

The goal of the Med-Q Pillbox is to reduce medication errors. For more information or to purchase the Med-Q Pillbox, please visit www.medqpillbox.com or call 480-648-4977.

Via EPR Network
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Mountainside Drug Rehab’s Tips For Staying Sober Through The Holidays

Any previously addicted individual who has successfully maintained their sobriety for any length of time will attest to the fact the holiday season is one of the most challenging times of the year to stay on the recovery path. In addition, their successes also show that staying sober is indeed possible by following the guidelines below.

1.  Utilize your sponsor. You aren’t alone in your quest to stay sober during the holiday season. Your sponsor has experience in this area – lean on him or her and ask how to handle what you feel will be the most challenging aspects for you during the holiday season. Drug Rehab is an on-going process.

2.  Regularly check-in. Whether you decide to check-in with your sponsor at regular intervals, or with someone else in recovery, just make sure that you do so! Don’t wait until you are in a precarious situation to check-in. Staying in regular contact with a sober individual can help you as you navigate difficult situations.

3.  Attend an Alka-thon. An Alka-thon is an all day, 24 hour, 12-step based meeting event which is typically scheduled during the holidays. Those in recovery can come and get support from others who have been where they are.

4. Bring a sober person with you to a party. If you have been invited to a holiday gathering where alcohol will be served: first: determine if this is a good idea for you to go; second: if you do go, bring with you another sober person who is working their recovery program.

5.  Bring your own drinks. Make certain that you have a viable alternative to alcohol at a party. Bring your own sparkling water, sparkling cider or other favorite non-alcoholic beverage to insure that you have something to drink while others are imbibing.

While the holidays can be a difficult time to maintain sobriety, it is indeed possible with a little pre-planning and forethought. Don’t be afraid to lean upon family and friends during this holiday season!

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center recognizes the struggles that addicted individuals and their families go through, particularly during the holidays. Their unique individualized recovery program is recognized as one of the most comprehensive and individualized in the treatment field. Mountainside assists clients and their families from the very beginning of their journey by offering professional intervention services should they be needed.

Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center is a modern drug rehab facility that is skilled in serving a variety of clients with various addictions and in varying stages of addiction. The caring, compassionate team is made up of licensed and certified social workers and counselors who have extensive experience and specialty in the addiction treatment field. In addition, the staff includes a Nurse Practitioner, as well as a Registered Nurse, both of whom also have specializations and experience within the field of addiction treatment and alcohol rehab.

Mountainside also provides services for those individuals who come to them with dual diagnoses and require the services of a Psychiatrist to help conquer the unique challenges that dual diagnosis brings.

For the past 13 years, Mountainside has established itself as an innovator within the addiction treatment field, and the treatment modalities Mountainside utilizes are regarded as among the most cutting-edge approaches in helping individuals to get, and to remain, sober. As a result of their unique, innovative approaches to addiction treatment, Mountainside has become the model for the addiction treatment field.

Via EPR Network
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