Public Health Scene

According to the Institute of Medicine there are about 1.5 million adverse prescription drug events each year that are preventable. That’s one reason that the National Council on Patient Information and Education is promoting October as Talk About Prescriptions Month.

Judy Garrard, a University of Minnesota professor who is an expert in the use of medications by the elderly, explains why that simple message is so important.

The bottom line, she says: Talk to your doctor and your pharmacist.

• Listen to Garrard on Public Health Moment