Prevent: Simple Steps to Avoid Illness, Medication Problems, and Online Scams

You can avoid a lot of trouble with a few clear habits. This page collects straight-forward prevention tips — from avoiding infections and bad drug interactions to spotting unsafe online pharmacies. Use these steps today and bring any questions to your pharmacist or doctor.

Everyday prevention that works

Wash hands regularly and dry them well. That cuts common infections, from bladder bugs to stomach bugs. For urinary tract health, consider probiotics with Lactobacillus strains (ask your clinician for specific products) and drink enough water to reduce bacteria buildup.

For wounds and tetanus risk: clean cuts right away, keep tetanus shots current, and seek care for deep or dirty wounds. In many places, boosters every 10 years are standard — check your records or ask your clinic.

If you have acid reflux or esophagitis during pregnancy, small changes help: eat smaller meals, avoid spicy or very acidic foods, stay upright for 30 minutes after eating, and elevate your head while sleeping. Talk to your OB before taking heartburn meds — some drugs aren’t recommended in pregnancy.

Safer medication use and online buying

Always tell your prescriber about every drug and supplement you take. That prevents dangerous interactions — for example, stopping or switching a medicine like ranitidine (Zantac) changed choices for heartburn treatment. If you use gabapentin or similar drugs, ask about alternatives, dosing, and seizure control strategies instead of guessing online.

When buying meds online, look for these red flags: no prescription required for prescription drugs, no physical address or phone number, suspiciously low prices, and poor or fake reviews. Good signs are clear contact details, a requirement to upload a prescription, and third‑party verification (look for pharmacy accreditation or independent review sites).

Don't trust products claiming to be safe OTC substitutes for strong prescription drugs (like misoprostol). If someone suggests an unproven substitute, verify with a trusted medical source and your provider. For pregnancy or serious conditions, never substitute prescription care with unverified OTC remedies.

Storage and disposal matter: store meds as labeled (some need refrigeration), keep them away from kids, and dispose of unused drugs at take-back sites. Using expired or improperly stored meds can reduce effectiveness or cause harm.

If something feels off — a new severe side effect, a seller pressuring you to buy, or unclear dosing instructions — pause and ask a professional. Prevention is mostly small, consistent actions: hygiene, current vaccinations, clear communication with your healthcare team, and cautious online shopping. Those habits stop many problems before they start.