• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to secondary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

M.D. CREEKMORE

  • Blog
  • My Books
  • Gear I Use
  • About
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Archives for Health and Fitness

Health and Fitness

Here you will find articles on health, wellness, alternative medicine, and related subjects. Without our health, nothing else matters. Get and stay healthy today naturally.

What are The Benefits of Doing 50 Pushups Every Day?

December 19, 2019 M.D. Creekmore

PUSH-UPS-TO-BUILD-MASS

The most practical benefit of doing pushups every day is that you will gain functional strength for your body. The muscles that the pushup works – your core, your triceps and biceps along with the deltoids – are often the most used body parts each day.

Functional activities such as lifting boxes, carrying objects or other activities become easier as you learn to activate all of the various muscle parts of your body. These muscles are strengthened because they are activated as a means of support for performing the actual physical act of a pushup. From an aesthetic perspective, someone with a strong upper body and abdomen can appear very fit.

There are very few exercises that activate and strengthen multiple muscle groups, and the pushup is definitely one of the best of them. Compound exercises, performed in ways such as 50 pushups a day, force your heart to work harder.

The heart must not only pump blood to fuel the arm and its movement downward but also pump blood into your abdomen’s muscles. The continuous pumping of the heart improves cardiovascular endurance and can have very tangible effects such as reducing body fat or improving heart health.

There is much discussion as to why the push up is more difficult to execute than a regular bench press motion. After all, one might argue that there is a similar movement going on between both motions.

The stretching of the back muscles and the tricep work together in a functional “stretch” of each muscle. When are you doing 50 pushups a day, you might feel a strange click or movement inside these muscles as you perform the exercise. While alarming at first, this is a beneficial move for your functional strength as it prevents injuries from occurring along with providing an aesthetic of strength.

What is the difference between doing pushups versus free weights?

In order to delineate the difference, one must first establish what a push up is. When you do 50 pushups a day, it is important that you obey proper form techniques in order for the movement to be successful.

Most people, when preparing to do pushups, will get on their knees and put their hands on the floor or some kind of surface to provide stability. The main goal of the pushup exercise is to create a flat, parallel movement to the ground which works each of the aforementioned muscles.

After placing your hands in front of you, ensure they are positioned shoulder-width apart and form a ninety-degree angle to the ground. While it is commonly disputed as to what exact position you must bend your arms, move them downwards while keeping your back in as straight a line as possible without your pelvis touching the ground.

After getting your arms to around 45 degrees, you can begin to withdraw from the position by “pushing yourself back up”. When you perform 50 pushups a day, it is important to check for form on each repetition.

This exercise as described has some very inherent limitations. The muscle groups that are worked are solely within the exercise, such as your arms – the triceps, the biceps, deltoids – and the abdomen. You cannot simultaneously engage lower body muscles such as calves, quadriceps or other groups that need to be worked on.

Free weights are superior to pushups in this sense because there are expansive compound exercises that allow you to work the entire body.

Furthermore, the exercise does not allow for you to carry more than your body weight. As you perform your 50 pushups a day, you are working against gravity in order to strengthen your corresponding muscles. Without free weights, the only resistance you will fight is your body weight.

This can sometimes prevent those with well-built strength from being able to continue to grow.

What should I expect after doing 50 pushups a day for a month?

When you perform 50 pushups a day for a month, you will have worked that muscle group for 30 days. If you have not done 50 pushups for a day in a long time, it is likely that you will see tremendous benefits. Consider the logic of such a statement – if you have not worked a muscle before, it is likely that the strange movement your body perceives will shock it into action.

In the first month, you might see extended weight loss around the deltoid, tricep and bicep region. Many obese and heavily stocked individuals often have fat that is concentrated in these areas, so it will improve your overall aesthetic and image of yourself.

Furthermore, you should be able to see at least some marked improvements in functional strength over this time.

When you do 50 pushups a day for a month, you will also be working a muscle that you have not worked before. The body does not typically respond well to being put into positions where this is the case. One might feel tremendous soreness in the upper body and abdomen area for some time in the first week.

After a few weeks, your body should be able to get used to the resistance or force being put onto these areas and eliminate the overstress that leads to soreness.
It is important to mention that repetitions may often bring about physical or mental fatigue.

At times, despite having run a good set of 50 pushups the day before, you might quickly grow tired of the exercise. In other cases, you might feel that you can run through the 50 pushups without a problem.

Solutions for these problems can include executing the proper form, but at a quicker tempo, or increasing resistance by loading free weights as you perform the exercise. If you are fatigued, consider shorter bursts of 5 sets of 10 pushups in order to meet your goal. The shorter bursts will help you focus on your exercises,

What should I expect after doing 50 pushups a day for a year?

You might encounter many of the same problems for a month when you do 50 pushups a day for a year. More often than not, the body will end up getting used to the repetitions and the corresponding force. One solution for doing 50 pushups a day for a year is to increase the volume that you do each day.

The only time that this should be your solution is if you are performing the exercise with the proper form and you do not feel physically fatigued or at risk of injury. Increasing tempo or resistance in the exercise can also go above and beyond the traditional route of doing 50 pushups a day for a year.

One might be intrigued by this option if they are bored or mentally fatigued, as it requires increased focus in order to prevent back damage. Often, many who perform 50 pushups a day will drop in form so changing up how you train each muscle group can be worthwhile.

The human body is notoriously slow. One can eat a lot of food and eventually gain the same amount of weight in a few days that they lost in a month. By doing 50 pushups a day for a year, you are encouraging your body to produce human growth hormone.

You are working with several muscle groups for the primary exercise as well as stability. When you engage a lot of muscle groups, you will release human growth hormones into the rest of your body. Muscle building can be particularly difficult for older men and women, as HGH production tends to decline as opposed to the high prevalence in young adults.

It is recommended that one continues to add other exercises to their regimen so as to not exclusively limit themselves to one muscle group. As a reminder, the muscle groups worked are mainly upper body and abdomen areas. By utilizing free weights, one might be able to execute other exercises for other muscle groups to promote holistic muscle growth over one year.

What To Do if You Can’t Do It Right Away?

If you cannot do pushups right away, it is okay. Many people are often heavily or morbidly obese, and it would be illogical to expect their arms to be able to hold up or stabilize a large amount of mass. Many experts recommend an abbreviated form of the pushup, where the person executing the exercise is on their hands and knees, rather than stabilizing their lower body with their feet.

Even doing 50 pushups a day with this exercise to begin will build up strength. The feet typically stabilize the abdomen, so there should be a renewed focus on ensuring that as you rock forward from your knees, you are contracting your abdomen or can feel the movement.

By simulating the upper part of the exercise, you are able to perform the exercise at a lower angle for increased ease. Many people, after building up strength by performing the exercise with this form, are able to graduate into regular form pushups as described in earlier sections.

It is important to take caution in how you perform these exercises because if you do not execute them with proper form or neglect to notice when an injury may occur, you can have significant issues with performing everyday activities.

The benefits of using Perfect Fitness Perfect Pushup Elite

Many people often think that performing 50 pushups a day can be boring. This is certainly the case for many avid gym participants, as they have done hundreds of repetitions each day. It is important to remember that as you execute these movements, the back and triceps are stabilizing your body.

Often, you might feel a chaotic movement or loss of balance for just a few seconds. The Perfect Fitness Perfect Pushup Elite (the link goes to Amazon.com where you can see the price – I’m not allowed to post the price here because it’s against Amazon policy) can be a great tool for your pushups because they force you to contract your muscles in order to maintain stability.

The grips allow you to stay steady and work on a better definition for the rest of the muscle groups that are worked in your body.

Much discussion has been given to ensuring that as you perform your 50 pushups a day, that you remember to maintain the proper form. Weight distribution is often a significant issue, as leaning towards one arm or the other can make your upper body appear disproportional.

This can often be spotted on those especially those who use free weights, as one side of the body is doing more of the lifting of the exercise than the other.

When doing 50 pushups a day with the Pushup Elite, the groups distribute the weight evenly to loosen the stress put on elbows and other joints that are often plagued by bad form when executing the pushup.

Beginners, intermediates and experts alike can utilize this product because it allows for different use. Beginners who cannot perform the regular form can maintain a higher angle of movement, better simulating the movement of a pushup.

Intermediates can use the Pushup Elite in order to stabilize their upper body or test their overall strength. Experts often utilize this product by elevating their feet and increasing the weight that is put on the grips.

Check out the Perfect Pushup Elite at Amazon.com

The 50 Pushups a Day Challenge

The pushup challenge is a simple, yet difficult exercise. Many people are often extremely busy and forget to do their pushups. Many blame this on mental fatigue, as they do not see immediate benefits or feel pain. It is important to push through all of these things and report your progress.

Take pictures of your body so that you have progress points and can physically see how your body is changing.

If you see abnormalities or one side of your body growing faster than the other, it might be worthwhile to change your form. By seeing yourself do 50 pushups a day, you can create consistency, better health, and a better life for yourself.

Filed Under: Health and Fitness

Never Worry About Blood Pressure Again (How To Lower it Naturally)

November 2, 2019 M.D. Creekmore

In this video, I talk about how to treat “HIGH” blood pressure naturally at home and without prescription medications…

Send me a birthday gift
Ubiquinol CoQ10 
Fish Oil 
Hawthorn 

Click Here To Subscribe To My YouTube Channel

Filed Under: Health and Fitness

Is Medical Training Needed For Concealed Carry?

October 24, 2019 Jesse Mathewson

Concealed carry and medical training

Medical knowledge and medical supplies are used far more frequently than defensive tools in the United States. When I was much younger I had several things occur that helped me understand the benefits of understanding trauma care and remaining current with my training.

After watching an individual bleed out in front of me and being able to do nothing, and intervening and saving the life of two people trapped in a bad car wreck, I made the decision to learn as much medical knowledge as I could. This led me to search for solid instruction from real medical professionals.

At first, I was limited to learning from my friends in local Emergency Rooms, between them and EMT friends I was able to learn quite a bit. Of course, with time that knowledge became outdated and as a result I have over the years taken training regularly.

It is important to note that I am not a medical professional, I simply have enough experience and training to stop some major bleeds, assess the bleed, perform CPR, assess- insert and use any one of the top three utilized tourniquets, use a Halo Chest Seal, nasopharyngeal airway, and even suture or staple depending on need.

Obviously, it is my intent to never have to use any of this again. However, I also understand that medical knowledge is much more necessary in daily life than most people understand. Additionally, I have taught and continue to work with others from very young through the elderly in this and other areas.

In 2015 27.6 million people were treated in an emergency department for injuries. 2.8 million were hospitalized due to injuries and 214,000 people died from injuries in the United States. (Injury prevention and control, 2017) These numbers are fact, they are compiled from raw data and regardless your feelings on the CDC they keep very detailed records.

Now, firearms are used between 200,000 and 3 million times every year in self-defense, with most legitimate studies showing that a firearm is used closer to 3 million times. (Leshner, 2013) (For the naysayers understand that this is based on several agencies who did not want to release this data because it showed that the benefits outweighed the negatives.) The book referenced costs $38 and is worth reading if you have the chance.

Here is an excerpt, “studies…have found consistently lower injury rates among gun-using crime victims compared with victims who used other self-protective strategies.” Another quote is as follows, “The estimate of 3 million defensive uses per year is based on an extrapolation from a small number of responses taken from more than 19 national surveys.

The former estimate of 108,000 is difficult to interpret because respondents were not asked specifically about defensive gun use.” It should be noted that the book/study does its best to discount any use of firearms in defense, however, at no point does data support their assertions. Rather, the data clearly support the use of firearms in defense.

There is a simple reason for including the data that is available, it is not meant to build sides in an endlessly pointless political battle. The reason is that without data and facts one cannot know for certain what works and what does not.

In this case training in medical knowledge, specifically EMT or Trauma Care basics at a minimum is necessary to be well rounded as a solid individual practicing their natural rights. To this end, there are several solid schools in the United States.

When it comes to self-defense and the surrounding needs that accompany this, it is essential to have as much solid education and hands-on experience as possible. I would suggest the following for their training and reputable approach. All of the listed have embedded links directing you to them.

  • Gunsite Academy (founded by Jeff Cooper)
  • The Firearms Academy of Seattle (Marty Hays)
  • Active Response Training
  • Your local community college likely offers EMT/Trauma medicine classes which can be applied!

There are other schools around the United States today, however, not all of them offer classes at the same level that you will get in the above-mentioned locations. Certainly, there is a surplus of experienced Army (and marine/navy and even air force) Medics as a result of the 17-year war we have been involved in.

What I suggest when it comes to medical and firearms training is getting training from individuals who can prove their abilities and have a legitimate background in the area. There are several large schools that offer basic/intermediate instruction for firearms using the timeshare approach to teaching.

This means that while you get some benefit, the reality is you are cycled in and out as quickly as feasible and then sent endless emails and phone calls to beg you to upgrade your membership or sell it to your friends. A solid school and approach does not need to be sold.

So far we have established that having modern, basic medical training is an essential life-saving component of being prepared and carrying a concealed firearm for self-defense. What is important now is understanding that trauma based medical care has advanced greatly in the last 20 years alone and what worked even a decade ago or what you learned in medical school or a first aid class 5 years ago may no longer apply.

For instance, just in the past few years using tourniquets and what and how they are made has changed drastically. Make sure you get up to date training from individuals who understand and use these approaches.

Once you receive solid training you will need to put together a simple easily carried trauma kit for your personal use. This kit should be small, and, should include the following items these are the most important.

  • Tourniquet, there are several types the SOFTT-W, SWAT-T and the CAT style tourniquets. While I personally use and practice with a CAT tourniquet the others have their place based on need and intent. Stopping the bleed is a term you will hear a lot in modern classes. This tool is used for extremities.
  • Israeli Bandage or similar product, again the intent is to stop the bleed. This is used for non-extremities, bleeds that are on the trunk of your body or head is where this one will be used most.
  • Bandages, both gauze 4×4 and 2×2 and standard Band-Aid bandages for smaller issues. Infection is a serious possibility and to avoid this you want to wash the wound with clean water and bandage it.
  • Sheers, medical-grade sheers are absolutely necessary.
  • Sterile individually wrapped nitrile gloves. Make sure you get the non-allergenic ones.
  • A small bottle of sterile water for wound washing.
  • Hypo-Allergenic medical adhesive tape
  • CPR mask, you can get small disposable versions that work very well for an EDC kit. It is essential to have CPR supplies and KNOW how to apply CPR properly. Again, what was taught even 10 years ago is NOT what is being taught now.

The above are the very basics that are necessary for a trauma kit. All of this can be easily stored in a small package that can be worn on the belt, tucked in a pocket or purse easily. Some individuals I know often carry just the tourniquet and Israeli bandage based on space available.

This works when needed. For myself personally, I have a full trauma kit with everything from antibiotics through surgical needs. In addition to the large kit I have vehicle kits and then personal kits for each member of our family.

When it comes to my family their safety is something I take very seriously. I know that we are the only ones who can prevent problems or solve them as they occur, and that responders are quite often too late which is why deaths from injuries are quite high.

For myself and my family, prevention is worth far more than a “cure”. I teach them what I know and we all test our knowledge regularly so as to prevent stagnation. Active involvement with our environment is the easiest way to prevent issues from happening.

As with the other articles, please let me know if you see something that is missed and if so comment below. I learn daily and cannot learn if I do not know where I am making mistakes. Additionally, it should be noted again I am not a medical professional, I am simply a dad who trains and trained and practices to prevent issues in my and my families lives!

Thank you for reading and make sure to check out the links in the article for some great products, by purchasing through the links you support this site and allow the owner and individuals writing like myself to continue to put out solid material for your educational benefit.

Free the mind and the body will follow

Injury prevention and control (2017). Key Data and Statistics|WISQARS|Injury Center|CDC. [online] Cdc.gov. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/overview/key_data.html [Accessed 9 Aug. 2018].

Leshner, A. (2013). Priorities for research to reduce the threat of firearm-related violence. 1st ed. Washington DC: The National Academies Press.

Further Study on DVD

  • Gunshot Wound First Aid
  • Basic First Aid Training
  • Knife Wound First Aid

Filed Under: Health and Fitness

What Medical Training Should I Get For Concealed Carry?

October 24, 2019 Jesse Mathewson

first aid training for concealed carry

This article is meant to show you what training you should get for concealed carry. What is included in the article are references, links for additional training and resources and lastly definitions and descriptions. Always remember, make sure you and your family are safe before attempting to offer assistance to anyone. Never do so if it means sacrificing your own safety.

To answer what medical training you should get, you have to know why medical training is essential. It is important to note that I am not a medical professional, I simply have enough experience and training to stop some major bleeds, assess the bleed, perform CPR, assess- insert and use any one of the top three utilized tourniquets, use a Halo Chest Seal, nasopharyngeal airway and even suture or staple depending on need. I firmly recommend getting any training you can, when it comes to caring for your self and family, make sure you find the best that you can afford.

In 2015 27.6 million people were treated in an emergency department for injuries. Over 2.8 million were hospitalized due to injuries and 214,000 people died from injuries in the United States. (Injury prevention and control, 2017) These numbers are fact, they are compiled from raw data and regardless of your feelings on the CDC they keep very detailed records.

Now, firearms are used between 200,000 and 3 million times every year in self-defense, with most legitimate studies showing that a firearm is used closer to 3 million times. (Leshner, 2013) The book referenced costs $38 and is worth reading if you have the chance.

Here is an excerpt, “studies…have found consistently lower injury rates among gun-using crime victims compared with victims who used other self-protective strategies.” Another quote is as follows, “ The estimate of 3 million defensive uses per year is based on an extrapolation from a small number of responses taken from more than 19 national surveys.

Concealed carry medical training needsThe former estimate of 108,000 is difficult to interpret because respondents were not asked specifically about defensive gun use.” It should be noted that the book/study does its best to discount any use of firearms in defense, however, at no point does data support their assertions. Rather, the data clearly supports the use of firearms in defense.

Now that we understand why medical training is so essential to concealed carry, what medical training do we need to have? There is a phrase that has been popularized over the past few years, “stop the bleed.” What this phrase means is quite simple, train to stop bleeding. Medically there are other important items to consider, airway blockages, CPR and a few other important medical considerations.

For a concealed carrier, the plan should always be centered around what they may encounter most. In this case another individual with a knife, firearm or other deadly weapons. The damage that will occur from a wide variety of deadly weapons carried today regardless of location can range from penetrating or slash wounds causing rapid exsanguination (blood loss) and crushing injuries causing broken limbs coupled with exsanguination of the rapid or slow type both of which can result in death. Lastly, shock and or extreme trauma induced heart attacks and stress-related breathing issues can also result.

Interestingly the government has released a few little known publications in the public sphere regarding trauma care and the need for immediate action. For instance per the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, these are the five “simple” steps that may save a life. Call 9-1-1, Stay Safe, Stop the Bleeding, Position the Injured, Provide Comfort. (FEMA, 2014) Follow the links and take the on-line training, while it is not the same as hands-on training, this will help you better understand what is needed.

Additional bleeding control training is made available by the American College of Surgeons through the website, bleedingcontrol.org, lastly, FirstCareProvider offers instructor courses and has been endorsed by a few organizations that offer it legitimacy.

Care is a term coined and used by DHS and FEMA that stands for the following. Control bleeding with direct pressure or tourniquet. Airway improvement with recovery position. Respirations improve by covering open chest wounds. Exposure to the elements causes loss of heat. This can help understand the added training needs everyone who carries concealed should have as a precaution.

Find a course that offers you training in CARE as well as carries specific trauma care. Call 9-1-1 first, do not panic, panic prevents care from occurring. Control bleeding, find the source of bleeding. Open or remove the clothing over the wounded area so that you can see the wound. Head wounds will always bleed profusely, they will always seem very bad.

direct pressure on woundPressure should be used on the head and trunk (body, not arm or leg) injuries. Using a clean cloth if possible, fold it and press firmly on the wound, hold a firm pressure and maintain that pressure until the paramedics arrive. Stopping the bleed is far more important at this stage than preventing infection.

Both should be attempted when possible, which is why I suggest wound cleaners and sterile gauze, homeostatic bandages and Israeli style bandages. However, this is not always the case, so stop the bleed first! If the wound is on the groin, trunk or close to the body and is deep and bleeding steadily, pack the wound using a clean cloth and if you have a trauma kit use your Israeli style bandage or a homeostatic bandage. I keep two of each in my vehicle-based trauma kits.

On extremities, legs and arms, unless close to the body, use a tourniquet. If you do not have a specialized modern tourniquet use a belt, long cloth rolled diagonally, 550 cord doubled or another similar device to stop the bleed. All pictures have been borrowed from the booklet stop the bleed (Pons & Jacobs, 2017)

Next is Airway improvement with recovery position. This is extremely important of the person is having difficulty breathing or has lost consciousness. Establish that the airway is not obstructed, the tongue is the most common obstruction. If you see a foreign object and it can be removed easily, remove it. Tilt the head back and lift the chin, this will straighten out the airway and make it easier for breathing to occur.

Using your CPR mask if you have one, place it over the victim’s mouth and nose, ensuring the head is tilted as can be seen in the attached picture, blow air into the mouth, two one-second breaths forcing the chest to rise and fall with each.

packing wound

If the breaths do not cause the chest to rise and fall, engage in chest compressions. These are given differently for adults and children so make sure you take a course that teaches this! Chest compressions should be administered at a 30:2 ratio, meaning 30 chest compressions with two solid breaths in between.

Continue compressions until EMS arrives or the person begins to breathe on their own. If they begin to breathe on their own roll them into the recovery position, pictured here.

Respirations improve by covering open chest wounds. This part of care is more tricky and requires chest seals or again clean clothes applied directly to the wound area. Finding training in CARE will help you better understand what to do in this regard.

Not all wounds are the same, and all should be assessed and treated per the guidelines given in prior linked articles and through the application of learned materials from classes linked.

tourniquet wrap

Lastly is Exposure to the elements causes loss of heat. This has a more simple solution, use a blanket or space blanket which should be carried in your trauma kit or vehicle. I keep two 90% or greater wool blankets inside of 9’ square tarps in my vehicles along with 2-4 small mylar space blankets in each trauma kit and in the vehicle.

Preventing exposure can increase the possibility of a beneficial outcome with someone who has been in a vehicle accident or other form of traumatic incident. If the person is unconscious, check for obstructions in the airway, check for bleeding and than place them in the recovery position inside of the blanket or space blanket.

For concealed carry the medical training you should get is the same as the medical training you should have for driving a vehicle, camping, hiking, bicycling and swimming activities. It is worth the time invested to ensure your training stays up to date as well.

New approaches are innovated quite often in the medical community and this means training does not end with your medical license 30 years ago or a course you took in the 80s for CPR. What is known and taught now is far different than what was taught in the 80s, 90s, and even in the early 2000s. Stay abreast of the new knowledge and utilize common sense.

first-aid-training-recovery
The recovery position If the victim starts to breath normallyFree the mind and the body will follow…

FEMA (2014). You Are the Help Until Help Arrives. Retrieved October 26, 2018, from https://community.fema.gov/until-help-arrives

Injury prevention and control (2017). Key Data and Statistics|WISQARS|Injury Center|CDC. Cdc.gov. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/overview/key_data.html

Leshner, A. (2013). Priorities for research to reduce the threat of firearm-related violence. 1st ed. Washington DC: The National Academies Press.

Pons, P., & Jacobs, L. (2017). How to Stop the Bleed. Retrieved from https://www.bleedingcontrol.org/~/media/bleedingcontrol/files/stop%20the%20bleed%20booklet.ashx

Filed Under: Health and Fitness

What You Need to Know About Storing and Disposing of Medications

June 30, 2019 M.D. Creekmore

What You Need to Know About Storing and Disposing of Medications

by CB

There are some basic principles that need to be taken into consideration when saving medication, which includes the expiration date, storage conditions, and what type of medication you are attempting to store. 

The easiest way to get extra medication would be to start refilling your medications five days early from the pharmacy.  This will give you a small amount that will slowly increase over time.  Alternatively, you could get samples from the doctor’s office (this will only apply to brand name products).

Make sure to keep the medications in the original containers, if possible, and, as with food storage, employ the FIFO (first-in-first-out) strategy to help ensure the best expiration dates possible.

Medications should be stored in a dry, cool space that is preferably in a darker place.  Medication cabinets in the bathroom places next to heat (like stoves) and areas of high humidity should be avoided because they cause the medication to deteriorate faster and reduce shelf life. 

Generally, the medication should be good for 1 year past the date on the prescription bottle.  Occasionally, some pharmacies will print the expiration date on the medication bottle.

Medications that DON’T store well

Some medications that are for serious conditions, like myocardial infarctions (or heart attacks), some anticoagulants, or “blood thinners,” and other medications have shorter shelf lives.  These should be followed closely since the amount of medication in these disease states is extremely important.  A short list of medications that should be closely monitored for expiration dates and storage include:

  1. Pradaxa (dabigatran) – store in an original bottle; expires 4 months after opening
  2. Nitroglycerin (sublingual, spray, etc) – store in original container; expiration: sublingual – 6 months, spray – 3 years
  3. Insulins – all insulin should be stored in a refrigerator until ready to use.  Insulin can be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight after it has been used for the first time.  Expiration dates for insulins vary (see table).  The expiration date should be the date from 1st use or the expiration date on the vial or pen, whichever comes first. 
Drug Name Expiration date – after 1st   use
Lantus (insulin glargine) vials, cartridge, pens 28 days
Apidra (insulin glulisine) vial, cartridge, pen 28 days
Humalog (insulin lispro) vial, cartridge, pen 28 days
Humalog mix 50/50, 75/25 Pen – 10 daysVial – 28 days
Humulin R U-100, U-500 vials 31 days
Humulin 70/30 vials, pens Pen – 10 daysVial -28 days
Humulin N (insulin NPH) vials, pens Pen – 14 daysVials – 31 days
Levemir (insulin detemir) vials, pens Vials – 42 daysPens – 42 days
Novolog (insulin aspart) vials, pens, cartridge 28 days
Novolog mix 70/30 vials, pens Vials – 28 daysPens – 14 days
Novolin N vials 42 days
Novolin R vials 42 days
Novolin 70/30 vials 42 days

 

  1. Insulin Test strips – store in the original bottle away from direct sunlight at room temperature.  Follow the expiration on the test strip bottle.
  2. Also, note that the meters themselves can go “bad” after several years and can give false readings if not replaced.
  3. Aggrenox (aspirin and dipyridamole) – store in the original container

Medication Disposal

Medication disposal is crucial to keep medications from contaminating the drinking water supply.  Some medication does enter the water via human waste, which has shown up in fish that have been sampled.  We can control, however, unused medications from entering the water supply. 

Unused or expired medications, including medications that you can buy over-the-counter, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) should all be disposed of properly.  That can be accomplished a few different ways.

There are now yearly medication “take back” programs at local pharmacies and even law enforcement offices (for controlled substances such as pain killers) where patients can drop off unwanted or expired medications.  If you choose to do this, black out your name, address, and the prescription # off of the bottle.  If it is a controlled substance (such as Oxycontin®), make sure to leave the name of the drug on the bottle.

If you want to dispose of the medication at home, pour a little water in the pill bottle (after removing the label) to dissolve the pills.  Then, add a substance such as coffee grinds or bleach that will make the pills unpalatable to anyone that may dig through your trash.

Recap the bottle and throw away.  If the pills are in the “blister packs” that require you to pop them out individually, wrap them in several layers of duct tape and then dispose of. For patches, like Lidoderm® or nicotine patches, fold in half and wrap in duct tape or put unpalatable substances on them.

As a brief aside for nicotine products, especially the patches, make sure they are in something that dogs cannot or would not want.  Dogs can easily develop nicotine poisoning by chewing on used nicotine patches.

There are also services available, like the TakeAway® program where you mail the unwanted medications (postage paid) to a disposal factory. For details on the TakeAway® program, ask your pharmacist if that program is available in your area.   Note: this does not include controlled substances such as prescription pain killers, testosterone.

Note: This information is not intended as medical advice or to replace the advice of a physician – always seek the advice of your Doctor first. Also, medication information, including stability, is sometimes updated and listed dates and information presented here are an approximation only.  For the most up-to-date information on expiration dates of any medication, check the package insert or information provided from the pharmacy.  You can also ask your pharmacist or Doctor for more information. 

Filed Under: Health and Fitness

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Find It Here

About the author

I’m M.D. Creekmore, and I’m all about simple living, financial freedom, and life here in Appalachia. I grew up poor in these mountains and built a life around doing more with less. Read more→

  • Amazon
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Never Miss a New Post

Enter your email below and get notified when new posts go live—straight to your inbox.

Join 7,402 other subscribers

“Do more with less.”

– Minimalist proverb

Secondary Sidebar

Read My Books

Paperback and Kindle

Footer

Recent Posts

  • Everyday Carry in Appalachia — My No-Nonsense EDC
  • Best Off-Grid & Emergency Water Filters (2025): What I Use—and What I Don’t
  • Read This Before You Waste Another Dollar
  • Are We All Helpless Now?
  • Simple Living in Appalachia: Resources That Made All the Difference

More about me

  • Books I’ve written
  • Books I’ve read
  • YouTube Channel
  • My Facebook
  • Gear I Use
  • Tea I Drink

SWARCH THIS SITE

Follow Me On

© 2008–2025 M.D. Creekmore · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Blog
  • YouTube
  • Gear I Use
  • Books
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy