Knowledge of medicine from Chula Pharmacy: Show your love for your mother by taking charge of her health.

    Mother's Day holds profound significance in Thailand, celebrating the devotion of children to their mothers. This year's Mother's Day, our children have prepared a truly exceptional gift, aiming to not only provide delightful edibles but also prioritize their cherished mother's health.

    The gift we've prepared is a product that contributes to our mother's well-being, particularly benefiting older mothers who might contend with hereditary health concerns. Such conditions necessitate regular medication and supplementary care.

    However, before anything else, it's crucial to remember that an annual health check-up for your mother is imperative. When was the last time you ensured her annual check-up? This stresses the significance of these checks as they help detect latent ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated blood lipids. These illnesses often remain asymptomatic, making their presence inconspicuous. However, if neglected, their severity escalates, becoming harder to manage and leading to complications that can result in disabilities or untimely demise.

    If it has been 2-3 years since her last health check-up, it's advisable to schedule one. While some mothers might claim good health and forego check-ups to save money, others might fear confronting serious diagnoses. It's essential to communicate that annual physical examinations are beneficial. Detecting diseases early enhances the chances of successful treatment, far better than discovering them when they've advanced.

    Annual health check-ups provide insight into the body's state and offer guidance on necessary changes or cessation of certain habits. Sometimes, simple shifts in daily behavior can negate the need for medication.

    For mothers dealing with hereditary diseases, additional care is required. Understand the nature and stage of the disease, the level of control, the medications used, and their regularity. If your mother consults multiple doctors, ensure coordination among them. Maintain a comprehensive record of medications and share them with all attending physicians. When self-administering medication, verify with a pharmacist each time to avoid potential interactions.

    Consulting a pharmacist can also help determine compatibility and potential issues with medication. Share the medication list via the designated channel for assessment.

    Inquire about your mother's painkiller usage, including frequency. Aged mothers frequently encounter discomfort like knee and back pain, osteoporosis, and disc herniation. Self-medicating based on recommendations or advertisements is risky, particularly concerning painkillers that can adversely affect the stomach, heart, blood vessels, and kidneys.

    Persistent abdominal discomforts like bloating or indigestion should be taken seriously. If a month of medication doesn't yield improvement, consulting a doctor becomes vital to prevent escalation.

    While seeking supplements and herbal remedies for your mother's health, exercise caution. Research thoroughly and consult a doctor or pharmacist before introducing any new substances. Caution against purchasing supplements online, as they could pose severe risks.

    To ensure your mother's well-being, offer her a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables. Encourage physical activity and emotional well-being appropriate for her age and condition. Frequent conversations, embraces, kisses, and expressions of love significantly contribute to her overall health.

    In conclusion, nurturing your mother's health is an embodiment of your affection.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Asst. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University