The Orange County Department on Aging and the Project EngAGE Falls Prevention and Health Promotion Senior Resource Team announced on May 6 that they will host an educational discussion about the effects of over-the-counter medications on the body. The event, titled “Over-the-Counter Medications: What to Know for Healthy Aging,” is scheduled for May 12.
The session aims to help older adults, caregivers, and community members understand how common non-prescription drugs can affect health as people age. Dr. Emmy Yang, a geriatrician from UNC, will lead the discussion and provide information about medication safety for healthy aging.
According to organizers, “Older adults often rely on over‑the‑counter (OTC) medications to manage everyday symptoms—pain, heartburn, allergies, and trouble sleeping. But many of these common remedies can have unexpected effects as we age.” The event will cover topics such as which OTC medications may pose risks for older adults, how to choose safer alternatives, reading labels and understanding hidden ingredients, when to talk with a healthcare provider about medication concerns, and tips for getting the most benefit from OTC treatments while avoiding side effects.
Organizers said that Dr. Yang “will break down some of the most widely used non‑prescription drugs and explain how they may affect older adults differently.” They also said participants will learn why products like Benadryl and similar antihistamines can impact balance, memory, and cognitive function.
This free event is open to the public and will take place at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to register by May 11 by calling 919-968-2070 or contact Shenae McPherson at 919-245-4243 with questions.
Recent data show that among Orange County school districts in the 2022-23 school year: Of senior students taking ACT tests in science (1,407 tested), about half were considered ready for college; similar results were seen among juniors (1,431 tested). In reading portions of the ACT test taken by seniors (1,407), just over half were considered ready for college; comparable rates appeared among juniors (1,431). For math portions taken by seniors (1,407), less than half met readiness standards; nearly identical outcomes occurred among juniors (1,431), according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
