Drugs & Medicine Ms. Edwina

What are drugs? Drugs are chemicals that change the way a person's body works. You've probably heard that drugs are bad for you, but what does that mean and why are they bad? Discuss with a friend.

Drugs and Medicine Use your mini whiteboards to answer the following questions: Are medicines considered as drugs? Are there any good/bad drugs? Are cigarettes and alcohol drugs?

Medicine Medicines Are Legal Drugs If you've ever been sick and had to take medicine, you already know about one kind of drugs. Medicines are legal drugs, meaning doctors are allowed to prescribe them for patients, stores can sell them, and people are allowed to buy them. But it's not legal, or safe, for people to use these medicines any way they want or to buy them from people who are selling them illegally.

Cigarettes and Alcohol Cigarettes and alcohol are two other kinds of legal drugs. They are only legal for adults of a certain age. In Malta, you have to be 17+ to purchase or drink alcohol. Smoking was allowed at the age of 16 but has now raised to the age of 18. However; smoking and excessive drinking are not healthy for adults and are off limits for kids.

Illegal Drugs Illegal Drugs When people talk about a "drug problem," they usually mean abusing legal drugs or using illegal drugs, such as marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD, crystal meth, and heroin. Marijuana (weed) is generally an illegal drug, but some states allow doctors to recommend it to adults for certain illnesses.

Why Are Illegal Drugs Dangerous? Illegal drugs aren't good for anyone, but they are particularly bad for a kid or teen whose body is still growing. Illegal drugs can damage the brain, heart, and other important organs. Cocaine, for instance, can cause a heart attack — even in a kid or teen. While using drugs, people are also less able to do well in school, sports, and other activities. It's often harder to think clearly and make good decisions. People can do dumb or dangerous things that could hurt them — or other people — when they use drugs.

So, what is Medicine? Most medicines today are made in laboratories and many are based on substances found in nature. After a medicine is created, it is tested over and over in many different ways. This allows scientists to make sure the medicine is safe for people to take and that it can fight or prevent a specific illness. Many new medicines actually are new versions of old medicines that have been improved to help people feel better quicker.

How do I take Medicine? Swallowed A lot of medicines are swallowed, either as a pill or a liquid. Once the medicine is swallowed, the digestive juices in the stomach break it down, and the medicine can pass into the bloodstream. Your blood then carries it to other parts of your body. Injected But some medicines wouldn't work if the stomach's digestive juices broke them down. For example, insulin is given as a shot under the skin and then it can be absorbed into the bloodstream.

How do I take Medicine? Rubbing creams Still others work best when they are put directly on the spot that needs the medicine — like patting ointment on an infected cut or dropping ear drops into a clogged-up ear. Inhaled Like for example inhalers used to treat Asthma.

Keep in mind… Medicines sound like a pretty good thing, right? In many cases they are — as long as they are used correctly. Too much of a medicine can be harmful, and old or outdated medicines may not work or can make people sick. Taking the wrong medicine or medicine prescribed for someone else is also very bad news. You should always follow your doctor's instructions for taking medicine — especially for how long. If your doctor says to take medicine for 10 days, take it for the whole time, even if you start to feel better sooner. Those medicines need time to finish the job and make you better!

Important key words Prescription: an instruction written by a medical practitioner that authorizes a patient to be issued with a medicine or treatment.

Important key words Information label – This is the label or leaflet found inside the medicine box.

Important key words Pharmacy - a shop or hospital counter where medicinal drugs are prepared or sold.

How should you store medicine? Make sure that all medicine and vitamins are stored out of reach and out of sight of children. Place purses and bags in high locations, and avoid leaving medicine on a nightstand or dresser. Close your medicine caps tightly after every use. 

Give/Take medicine safely Use the dosing device that comes with the medicine. Proper dosing is important, particularly for young children. Kitchen spoons aren't all the same, and a teaspoon or tablespoon used for cooking won't measure the same amount as the dosing device. Keep all medicine in their original packages and containers. Take the time to read the label and follow the directions. Even if you have used the medicine before, sometimes the directions change. Don’t give more medicine than the label says. It won’t help you feel better faster, and it may cause harm. 

Use medicine wisely 