It's overwhelming to see over thirty bottles of unused prescriptions piling up in your medicine cabinet. Expired and unused pills serve little purpose other than to decorate your cabinet and clutter useful space. One may be tempted to take a large garbage bag and “dump away” all these unwanted drugs. So what is the proper way of discarding unwanted prescriptions? Aside from environmental factors, there are other concerns and safety precautions involved in medication dumping.  

Here are some Tips to consider before disposing medications: 

1. Read prescription labels for disposal instructions. Many pill bottles provide medication disposal instructions printed on the label. If you have difficulty finding this information on the label, take the container to the pharmacy for further assistance and instructions. 

2. Inquire with your city or pharmacy on “take-back” programs available. These are centers where individuals bring medications for proper disposal.

There are ways to prevent holiday blues, and have a fulfilling New Year! It’s time to nurture you, and to care for the little things that warm your soul in 2014! Whether you have family going out of town, or just spending the holidays a lone, there are ways to make this time of year exciting and open to all sorts of positive possibilities. 

1. Creative ways to connect with loved ones:

If loved ones will be put of town make arrangements to set up times to call. FaceTime and Skype are great options to interact and see family and friends during calls.

During a doctor’s office, upon admission to the hospital, or during an emergency visit you may have encountered a form called HIPAA. What is HIPAA, and how does it protect you rights as a patient? This article discusses facts and key points that every individual should know to protect their (PHI) Personal Health Information.

Looking for delicious and healthy vegetarian recipes this holiday season? If so, this is a must-read article for you! So, your friends may raise an eyebrow with the thought of going vegetarian, but after trying these recipes they’ll be asking for more. It’s true that some vegetarian dishes in the frozen aisle are barely eatable. On the other hand, there are spectacular recipes that are beyond delightful. These mouth-watering foods will have your guests asking for seconds. 

Are you feeling overwhelmed with the responsibilities and tasks in your life? Perhaps you may be experiencing major challenges financially, physically, mentally, or emotionally. New changes can lead to anxiety and depression, if coping skills are not implemented during stressful times. Every situation is unique, and it’s best to consult with counselors, psychologists, life-coaches, and healthcare professionals who provide guidance and directions to meet your individual needs. Unexpected situations are inevitable, yet we can handle circumstances in ways that promote stress reduction. The key is to embrace wellness and wellbeing. Keeping an optimistic mindset, empowers individuals to take-on challenges that normally would have appeared as "stressors". We can be caught in the “storm” or better yet, we can decide to watch it from afar. Welcoming strategies for stress reduction, are lifelong tools that can be used in challenging times. 

Read These 10 Stress-Reducing Tips!

1. Establish Healthy Habits & Rituals: Start introducing activities that bring about a sense of relaxation, and focus. Some examples include taking a warm shower, drinking a cup of tea, lighting candles, applying delightful fragrances, and introducing aromatherapy. Plan ahead and schedule a monthly massage, manicure, or pedicure. You may choose to take a daily walk in the park, smell the ocean breeze, or enjoy the sounds of nature in your surroundings. You decide how often to do these activities, and the times that are most beneficial. There is no limitation in creating healthy habits for stress reduction and wellness.