Tend to your medical needs before the storm

Boarding up windows and storing patio furniture should not be your only priorities if a storm is looming. Make sure to get any lingering medical conditions taken care of before the storm hits, or you might not be able to receive care, say medical experts. Mark B. Collum, PharmD. RPh, Director of the Health Plan Pharmacy at Lee Memorial Health System, also recommends getting your prescriptions filled in advance. “Insurance companies allow early refills on prescriptions before a storm,” Mark says. “So, be proactive.” You also need to plan ahead in case of a power outage since some drugs, such as insulin, require refrigeration. “Try to make arrangements in advance,” Mark says. “Temperature sensitive drugs lose potency if not refrigerated, so they should be replaced as soon as possible.” Mark also recommends keeping a list of the medications you take and your insurance information in your wallet. For more information about hurricane preparation,          click here.