Setting Up A Weekly Pill Organizer

Too many pills to track? Here's the fix.

Let's make medicines simple. Organize them, take them right.

It is easy to forget. Did I take my pill this morning? Missed doses are common. So are double doses. Both can be risky. A weekly pill organizer helps. It has a box for each day. You fill it just once a week. Then one quick look tells you if you already took today's.

Here are three easy habits. They keep you on track every day.

Step one. Tie your pills to something you already do. Take them with breakfast. Or take them when you brush your teeth. When pills ride along with a habit, you rarely forget. Try to take them at the same time each day. Not sure when to take a medicine? Ask your pharmacist.

Step two. Set a reminder. A phone alarm helps a lot. Set one for each pill time. Morning, noon, evening, or bedtime. When the alarm rings, you take that set of pills. Same time, every day. No phone? A note on the fridge works too. Or ask a family member.

Step three. Refill before you run out. Don't wait for the last pill. Running out means missed doses, and missed doses can be risky. When only a few pills are left, reorder right away. Many pharmacies offer automatic refills. They can text you when it is ready.

Not sure how to take a pill? With food, or without? Swallow it whole, or split it? Don't guess. Your pharmacist knows. Just ask.

Where you keep your medicines matters too. Store them cool, dry, and out of reach. Here's how.

Keep each medicine in its own original bottle. The label has the name, the dose, and the directions. Store them somewhere cool and dry. Skip the steamy bathroom, since heat and moisture can damage pills. And keep them up high, away from children. A kitchen cabinet often works well.

Going away for a few days? Plan your medicines first. Keep them with you, not packed away. Leave them in their original bottles. And bring your medicine list, in case you need care away from home.

Missed a dose? Don't take two to catch up. Doubling up can be harmful. Ask your doctor or nurse.

Can you name your three easy habits? Same medicine, same time, every day.

One more thing. Some medicines can make you dizzy. That can raise your fall risk. Watch next.