Know About Medicines with Chula Pharmacy: Taking Care of Mom’s Health Every Day

“Mother is a great blessing, always protecting and caring for her child since the cradle. She sang lullabies and never left her child’s side...” This lyric from the famous song still echoes in our ears, especially during Mother’s Day, when it is often played throughout the week. We all know how much our mothers love us, and we love them just as much. That is why we should pay closer attention to their health—especially as they grow older. We need to know what medicines our mothers take, what illnesses they may have, and what health issues they face. By understanding these, we can take better care of them.

Changes in Mother’s Body with Age

As mothers age, the body naturally declines. From head to toe—skin, hair, bones, and even height—everything changes. Height decreases, while body weight often increases.

• If your mother’s height noticeably decreases, especially if she has a small build, she should have a bone density test to check for osteoporosis. If at risk, she may need preventive medication or at least calcium and vitamin D supplements to lower fracture risks.
• If your mother is steadily gaining weight, check whether she falls into the overweight or obese category, since obesity increases risks ranging from knee osteoarthritis to cancer.

Health Screenings and Medication Use

Children should take their mothers for regular medical checkups to screen for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. These conditions can be controlled effectively with medication—but only when combined with lifestyle adjustments, such as eating appropriate meals and exercising regularly. From the writer’s experience, some people don’t take precautions until they know they are ill. But once diagnosed, they are willing to change their habits immediately. These are considered “grade A patients”—they don’t need long-term or heavy medication, recover faster, and return to near-normal health (adjusted for age). This is why annual health checkups are essential, especially as one gets older.

Mental and Cognitive Health

Physical illness is easier to detect than mental health issues, but both are common. As age advances, the brain and mind also deteriorate.

• If your mother starts becoming forgetful or struggles with daily activities she used to handle easily, and symptoms worsen over time, this may signal dementia. Early screening and medication can help slow its progression.
• Emotionally, many elderly people feel a loss of purpose after retirement. Having once valued their work, suddenly being without it—sometimes with financial dependence on children—can cause stress, irritability, and even depression.

If you notice increased mood swings or irritability, don’t dismiss it as just “menopause.” Take your mother to see a doctor. Sometimes temporary antidepressants or mood stabilizers may help. Do not let family relationships deteriorate to the point where no one wants to be around her, turning a once warm home into a place filled with emotional distance.

Supplements and Vitamins

Some people only show love on Mother’s Day—buying lots of supplements and vitamins influenced by online advertisements. But before giving these to your mother, always consult a doctor or pharmacist to ensure they are safe, effective, and won’t interact negatively with her current medications. Many products online are overhyped or of poor quality.

Conclusion

Even though Mother’s Day has passed, caring for mom’s health is a duty every day. Pay attention to whether she develops new conditions, what medicines she uses, where those medicines come from, and whether she takes them consistently. Also, ensure her diet, exercise, and lifestyle are appropriate for her age, and make sure she gets her annual checkups. If you have questions about your mother’s medicines or supplements you plan to buy for her, please consult the Drug Information Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University via LINE: @guruya.

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

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University