Medication can be an important blood pressure management tool. But meds can only work if you remember to take them. Here are seven tips to help make taking blood pressure meds a routine you won’t forget:
1. Pair your meds with an activity you won’t forget. Taking pills after you brush your teeth or before you walk your dog each morning can turn it into a regular pattern.
2. Set an alarm. Use an alert on your smartphone or a clock at home. The ringing will force you to pause whatever you’re involved in to remember it’s pill time.
3. Make it visible. You know the saying “out of sight, out of mind”? Keep your meds in plain sight, like on the kitchen table or counter. Seeing them each day will help you notice if you haven’t taken them.
4. Buy a weekly pillbox. Taking medication each day is repetitive, and it can be easy to think you’ve taken meds when you haven’t. Separating out the doses for each day of the week can help you stay organized.
5. Flip the bottle. For once-a-day meds, turn your pill bottle upside down once you’ve taken them. This can indicate that you’ve taken your dose. Just turn it right side up before you go to sleep so you can start fresh the next day!
6. Write it down. Your calendar can be a great place to keep track of your meds. Place a check mark or “x” on the corner of each square as you take your meds. Use more than one mark if you use multiple doses.
7. Phone a friend. Is there a friend or relative you chat with each day? Make telling them you’ve taken your meds part of your check-in. Perhaps you can do the same for them and support each other on your wellness journeys.