WHAT IS THAT I HEAR, AND WHAT I READ?

Two days earlier this week, we heard a strangely familiar sound, like pitter-patter on the roof, on the porch, on the windows, everywhere. After a slight lapse in cognizance, we suddenly exclaimed, 'it's raining' and hurried to the front door to view the recently rare event; we have been in a severe drought both spring and summer with accompanying heat wave of several days strung together over 100 degrees.

Which brings to mind a song made famous by Mahalia Jackson, Didn't It Rain, performed here on You Tube by Vestal Goodman.

Raindrops on Window as Seen Through Solar Curtain
from inside Kitchen  Window Box

Some personal non-descript photos scattered in this post. The first day we got 0.03 inches and the second day 0.36 inches-a real downpour. So that is WHAT I heard...... WHAT did I READ?
Like a multitude of US senior citizens, I am a member of AARP and receive several publications as a part of my membership--actually am on my husband's membership but have my own card. One of these publications is a monthly magazine, with interesting, diverse subjects. This month one article really caught my eye on page 20, MIND YOUR MEDS, pointing out medication errors are rising, and gives patients/customers simple steps to help keep oneself safe.

Since I am a retired pharmacist, I have a little to add to that article. First of all, any dispenser of medication, be it pharmacist, doctor, nurse or aides that claim they never made a mistake is dillusional and flat-out liar. I made mistakes but was fortunate to never have injured anyone. [And I still make mistakes with my own medication!--Like taking at wrong time, or forgetting if I took it, etc.]

Raindrops Outside Window Box; Trees from across Street
Reflected Off the Solar Shade from Outside the House.

To err is human and to forgive is divine, but all of us are in this together by confluence of several circumstances; some as mundane as too many white capsules and tablets [colors are disappearing as persons are allergic to some dyes, resulting in lawsuits]. Yes, there is some near unreadable numbers on these pills, be they tablet or capsule, but what about liquids, injectables? The elderly are most susceptible as their medication usage increases with aging, and hospitalization is more frequent.

Raindrops on Water Hydrant
and Deck Rail

The article suggests you shop with the least busy pharmacy in your area. I disagree with this statement. The intent of this statement, and I agree, the pressure of business is oppressive and conducive to errors. However, why do they have the least business--prices too high, made too many mistakes, terrible personality, no credit or insurance accepted, no delivery, sparse service? I would avoid a sole proprietor who has NO help---no clerks, no techs--a one man store. Oh yes, delivery service is an added expense and getting scarce, or coverage is restricted, and, increasingly, a fee is additional.


Filling a prescriptions is a complex procedure of checking that minimum amount of information is supplied--personal information correct name of drug, and directions for use including any ancillary instructions the physician did not include. Saying 'take 1 tablet daily' may or may not be sufficient. Sometimes we find ourselves trying to read a physician's mind, but NO--we should pick up the phone and personally verify what we do not know with certainty. Cholesterol lowering drugs are more effective taken in the evening. A growing number of drugs cannot be taken together or with some foods like grapefruit including juice.

Heavy Rain on Street, Tuesday

Physicians rely on pharmacists to add these details. Both physician and pharmacist are pushed to output volume--for different reasons, but both involve professional liability insurance, profit, payroll, inventory.

A large pharmacy inventory may exceed one million dollars.

While all this being processed by the professional brain, the phone is ringing, patients/customers are impatiently drumming fingers and tapping toes while waiting in line, or a person is waiting for professional counseling in a new prescription (required by law). Do not wave off professional counseling; according to the AARP article 89% of mistakes are caught in the give-and-take between counselor and customer; thus no harm comes of the mistake. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK WHAT YOU MAY THINK IS A STUPID QUESTION! YOU JUST MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE.

Before completing this post I had appointment at gynecologist office; a told mine (a woman) this appointment ranked on the bottom rung of my favorite physician tied with the dentist or 'least favorite.'  I proved my point when I went into a small A-Fib attack, although the heat probably did not help.

Outside her office was a tree, the trunk of which had obviously been pruned multiple times, also may have been an original graft. It was an umbrella or weeping like tree-maybe a weeping elm or several japonica weeping trees that are grafted to a weeping Katsura. The trunk appeared to be grafted as well as pruned numerous times.

I took several photos. When I parked in front of it I thought some one had hung a carved wooden unpainted trout fish jumping out of  the White River into the tree. Maybe the gynecologist causes me t0 hallicinate. What shape do you think the 'deformity' looks like?

Do you see a fish in this tree???
[SOOC-Straight Out of Camera]

And Now I Am Cooling My Dudes for the Night
[SOOC - Straight Out of the Camera]

PHOTOS: NitWit1 unless otherwise attributed.