Timeless August/September 2021 | Page 31

What older adults should know about

HERBAL MEDICINES

Metro Creative Connection
A lifelong commitment to healthy living can improve life expectancy and quality of life while reducing a person ’ s risk for various conditions and diseases , including cancer and heart disease .
Healthy lifestyle choices like eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly can greatly reduce a person ’ s risk for various ailments , but such choices don ’ t eliminate that risk entirely . As a result , even health-conscious men and women may need to rely on medication to stay healthy . That ’ s especially true for seniors since age is a risk factor for various conditions .
A 2014 analysis that appeared in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics examined nearly 1,300 published articles that focused on the use of herbal supplements by elderly patients . Though only 16 of those articles met the researchers ’ criteria , the analysis concluded that herbal supplement usage is common among elderly patients , as was a lack of dialogue about such supplements between medical professionals and seniors . A concerted effort to initiate such dialogue on the part of both patients and health care providers can help shed light on herbal medicines so people taking them , including seniors , can learn more about what they ’ re putting into their bodies .
What are herbal medicines ? The National Health Service of the United Kingdom , a widely respected and publicly funded health care system , describes herbal medicines as those with active ingredients made from plant parts like leaves , roots or flowers . Because herbal medicines are made from plant parts , many people assume they ’ re safe to take without consulting a physician . However , the NHS urges people to treat herbal medicines with the same care and respect as they would more conventional medicines . Herbal medicines can affect the body in various ways . A frank discussion with a physician can shed light on the potential side effects of herbal medicines and whether or not they ’ re safe .
Metro Creative Connection photo
Why should seniors be concerned about herbal medicines ? The NHS notes that seniors taking other medications may experience problems if they begin taking herbal medicines as well . The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health , which is part of the U . S . Department of Health and Human Services , notes that more well-designed studies are necessary to fully evaluate interactions between herbal medicines and prescription drugs .
However , the NCCIH notes that some evidence points to some harmful effects of mixing the two . For example , the NCCIH reports that prolonged exposure to concentrated garlic extracts may reduce the efficacy of some drugs . The potential for these types of interactions should be enough to compel seniors to think twice before taking herbal medicines without first consulting their physicians . In addition , the NHS has developed a list of various types of people for whom herbal medicines may not be suitable , and that list includes the elderly .

J . H . O ’ Neil Monument Co .

Locally owned and operated since 1869 . J . H . O ’ Neil Monument ’ s owners and employees have been serving east Mississippi and West Alabama for 150 years ! J . H . O ’ Neil Monument is one of the oldest businesses in our community !
601-485-5153
1019 13 th Street Meridian , MS 39301
www . meridianstar . com
We have Monuments from basic designs to the most elaborate laser etched pieces .
We offer a wide variety of products in marble , granite ( in various colors ) and bronze . All pieces are custom made from design to setting .
Celebration . Innovation . Hope .
Pet Store Retirement Community

DISCOVER YOUR NEW Life

Aldersgate has an excellent reputation for serving elders in the Meridian area for more than 30 years . Residents quickly become a part of an extended family ...
The Aldersgate Family !
Cottage Living • Independent Living * • Assisted Living * Government assistance available to those who financially qualify .

601-482-5561

6600 Poplar Springs Drive Meridian , MS 39305
• 31
468063-1