Is there ANY medication that you should double-up on if you missed a dose? (I always see NOT to ever do that, but … is there an exception?)
There are really no exceptions to this rule. You do not want to double your dose. Because of the way the drugs are metabolized (absorbed in the body), taking a larger dose will not make up for a missed dose. Doubling up on medication (especially certain types of medications) can lead to serious side effects and even be life threatening. If you miss a dose of your medication, you should just skip that dose and take your medication at the next scheduled time. Most medications will maintain a level in your blood beyond the time from the missed dose, therefore, there is no need to double up on your medication.
Terry Hackworth, NP-C
Certified by the AAHIVM
AbsoluteCARE Medical Center & Pharmacy
What happened to the Food Guide Pyramid? I used to like following it.
The Food Guide Pyramid was a popular nutrition tool used for years that many people still recognize. What you may or may not know is that the Food Guide Pyramid is no longer used. The Food Guide Pyramid was replaced in 2005 with MyPyramid, and then eventually replaced in 2011 with MyPlate to visually demonstrate what your plate should look like at mealtime.
The MyPlate tool is an excellent model to follow to improve your eating habits. Aim for ½ of your plate to be vegetables and fruit, ¼ of your plate as lean protein (such as chicken, turkey, fish, etc.), and the remaining ¼ of your plate to be a starch (it’s best to choose whole grains whenever possible such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, etc.). Add a serving of low-fat dairy (skim milk, low-fat yogurt, etc.) on the side and you have a healthy and satisfying meal.
For more information, ChooseMyPlate.gov.
Julia Bleecker, MS, RD, LD
Dietitian
AbsoluteCARE Medical Center & Pharmacy