Older people's experiences of changed medication appearance : a survey

This report details a survey of older people's experiences of changed medication appearance. The aims of the study were: • To develop a questionnaire in partnership with older people to survey older people’s views on fluctuating medication appearance • To elicit older people’s experiences of medication that changed appearance due to ‘generic prescribing’ and ‘parallel import’ practices and its impact on their medication taking practices. These common pharmacy practices mean that the same tablet medication can be issued to older people in different colours, sizes and shapes to their previous prescriptions. Older people from a local User/Carer Forum highlighted these problems to the research team and asked that we investigate to explore the extent of the problem. An eight-item questionnaire was developed and distributed to 2000 older people (50 years+) across participating PCTs in Greater Manchester in 2008. A 29% response rate was achieved. The data was analysed using the SPSS statistical package. Findings include: •63.3% experienced a change in the appearance of their tablet medications. •74.1% did not seek advice regarding the change in the appearance of their tablet medications. •Older people noted changes to the actual tablets, tablet packaging and written information that accompanies tablets. Changes are occurring to the colour, size and shape of tablets more than changes to packaging and written information. The majority of respondents had experienced changes in the appearance of their prescribed tablet medication in the previous two years which were not due to change in medication or dose etc. Worryingly, for some respondents, these changes prompted negative experiences such as anxiety, confusion and upset. Of particular concern was that a small number omitted the affected tablet medications and did not seek help or advice from GPs, pharmacists or relatives. Six older people have been study advisors from inception to dissemination of this study and significantly added to its quality. The study demonstrates substantive public engagement / user involvement in research. The findings suggest nurses and others have a role to play in promoting better medicines management and identifying those most at risk from changed appearance of medications

Onions in South Dakota

The onion, believed to be a native of Asia, has been cultivated in America since 1629. It is a major vegetable in the American diet, being used in many different ways. By value, this crop ranks in the top 10 vegetables of America. Raw onions are high in vitamin C, as well as other nutrients. New onion varieties and hybrids produce excellent yields. Lack of water during the growing season is the major limiting factor in commercial onion production in South Dakota

Wonder Gold Bell Pepper

Wonder Gold is the result of a sweet pepper breeding program at the Agricultural Experiment Station, South Dakota State University. Morgold pepper (female) and a special strain of improved squash pepper selected at the Agriculture Experiment Station in 1960 were crossed and individual plants were selected for earliness and concentrated fruit set. Selections in the F5 generation were crossed with Staddon\u27s Select pepper. Selections of individual plants were made from this cross on the basis of fruit shape, color, set, and early maturity. Wonder Gold is a selection from the F9 generation of the latter cross

Edible Beans

This publication deals with the cultivation, health, and marketing of edible beans

An interesting case of suicidal poisoning

Aconite is one of the most poisonous known herbs. It has been known to be used as a homicidal poison from long time in history. However this is rarely known to be used as suicidal poison. Poisoning with aconite is usually fatal and death commonly occurs due to arrhythmias and cardiotoxicity. We report a case of attempted suicidal poisoning by aconite where patient survived in spite of documented cardiotoxic effects of the poison

Producing Earlier Cantalopes in Souh Dakota

Producing earlier cantaloupes in South Dakota gives suggestions to shorten the growing cycle of cantaloupes

Peter Piper Pepper - A New Hybrid

Peter Piper is an F1 hybrid pepper developed by the Horticulture Department of the State College Experiment Station. The fruit is ready for harvest approximately 2 weeks earlier than the other standard varieties being grown in South Dakota. Earliness is one of the greatest merits of this pepper. The new variety is a cross between two lines which were selected out of commercial varieties (Morgold and Improved Squash), for their ability to set fruit under low temperature. These lines were further tested and segregated for the desired characteristics under controlled conditions

Onions in South Dakota

The onion, believed to be a native of Asia, has been cultivated in America since 1629. It is a major vegetable in the American diet, being used in many different ways. By value, this crop ranks in the top 10 vegetables of America. Raw onions are high in vitamin C, as well as other nutrients. New onion varieties and hybrids produce excellent yields. Lack of water during the growing season is the major limiting factor in commercial onion production in South Dakota

Growing Green House Tomatoes

This bulletin provides instructions for the growth and care of greenhouse tomatoes. Information regarding disease and insect control is also addressed