People are risking their health by coming off long-term medicines to give their body a "detox", according to new research.
A poll of 1,000 people found one in five thought it was okay to occasionally stop medicines for a long-term condition such as diabetes or asthma to cleanse their body.
Almost one in three people surveyed thought it was fine to take over-the-counter medicines that a pharmacist had specifically recommended for someone else.
The poll, for the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), also found people thought it was safe to give adult medication to children as long as the dosage was reduced.
A quarter incorrectly believed that aspirin was just a weaker version of ibuprofen.
Half of people questioned wrongly believed the flu vaccine can cause flu while one in 10 said they never check their medicines are still in date. Drugs can become increasingly less effective once they pass their expiry date.
The findings were released to coincide with the start of Ask Your Pharmacist Week.
Leyla Hannbeck, head of information at the NPA, said: "There is a lot of misunderstanding about how medicines work in your body.
"It's important to get the right treatment and the right advice - which you can get from your local pharmacy often without an appointment.
"We are especially concerned that people with long-term conditions may feel it is right to 'detox' from time to time by taking a break from their prescribed medicines. For someone with, say, asthma, diabetes or depression, the result of doing so can be catastrophic."
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Campaigns & Issues
National Award Scheme Launched
The Elderly Accommodation Council (EAC) National Housing awards for Older People 2013 are now in full swing
This year will be the fourth year that the awards have been held, and they aim to put residents in older peoples housing right at the centre of the assessment and award process.
News
The WISH campaign
On Saturday, 18 May, Robert Davidson, age 70, and Anne Ludlow, age 62, will be setting out on their much-beloved e-bikes to ride from Totnes, Devon, to London. They estimate the total distance will be 250 miles, as they must take circuitous routes to sneak up on Bath from the rear - there they can pick up a Sustrans cycle trail the rest of the way to London.
They are undertaking this challenge on behalf of all people everywhere who are older than they used to be, in the firm belief that an increase in your age should not mean a decrease in your rights - above all, your right to freedom, fulfilment, and fun.
Competitions & Fun
Win a Table Top Grille and Side Fire Box!
The warmer weather is finally here and for us Brits, any hint of sun means one thing – rolling out the BBQ.
We’ve been cooking meat over flames for more than a million years and the origin of the word “barbecue” is thought to come from the Spanish word “barbacoa” which means a wooden frame used to cook meat.
Nowadays, we cook far more than meat with popular dishes including vegetable kebabs, fish and even melted chocolate chips stuffed inside bananas in their skins.
Reader Offers
Win a prize at home or away in this month's prize draw with Silver Travel Advisor!
Enter now and you could win a prize at home or away! How about a 7 night break for 2, with flights included, in beautiful Slovenia? Or a trip to London’s glitzy theatreland, staying in a 4* hotel? Both fabulous treats which must be won!
Silver Travel Advisor is a friendly website packed with advice, tips, information and honest reviews written by and for silver travellers (aged over 50). A team of advisors are on hand to answer queries (for free), and you can share your own experiences too.
Health & Wellbeing
Too many older people falling due to poor eye sight
New research by the College of Optometrists reveals lack of awareness of the link between falls and poor vision
The majority of people are unaware of the link between poor eyesight and falls in older people, according to new research by the College of Optometrists, released in the run up to this year’s Falls Awareness Week.
Nearly half of those surveyed said they had an older friend, parent or relative who had fallen, yet less than a third (32%) knew that poor vision was a major cause of falls.
Property & Finance
2nd National Personal Budget Survey results released
2nd National Personal Budget Survey shows how councils can get the best results and improve lives for people who need care and support
A survey of more than 3,300 people who use personal budgets (PBs) in social care and their carers has found positive results when people have taken up PBs.
Leisure and Lifestyle
Robert Tanitch reviews Tanzi Libre at Southwark Playhouse, London SE1.
The redevelopment of London Bridge Station has forced Southwark Playhouse to vacate the arches under the station and relocate in a former warehouse in Newington Causeway.
This will be the theatre’s new home until the station is completed in 2018 when they will then be able to return.
The first season in the new building opens with Ellie Jones’s production of Claire Luckham’s trite and crude feminist tract, which was a big success in 1980 and hasn’t had a major revival in London in 30 years.
Travel
Returning to Blighty
A French friend called me this morning and as I spoke to him I looked out of the window and saw grey skies and raindrops hanging off the washing line. I very nearly shed tears that matched them. Why? Because it is now seven years since I left my beloved Languedoc Roussillon in the South West of France after living there for six blissful years and am now residing in West Yorkshire.
I miss the many friends I made there –contrary to popular opinion that the French despise the Brits I found this untrue. Except when England beat them at Rugby! Of course in many towns, and especially Paris, the people are sometimes just plain right rude to anyone who can’t speak fluent French. But go to the many villages and you will find them charming and very helpful as you struggle to find the right words!
Mature Times is going from strength to strength!