Two weeks ago a family gave me a cute daily pill box. I greatly rejoiced when I received this charming gift. It saved me from some useless havoc. In the past I used to pack my pills in a tissue paper.
Whenever I was invited to somebody’s house, I used to put it on the table so that I would not forget to take the pills wrapped inside it. On two separate occasions, people were literally going to throw my tissue paper in the bin! But with the newly acquired pill box, my mind has been put to rest that no one would get rid of my medication easily!
The term “pill box” refers to various different kinds of pill containers. It ranges from a single compartment to those designed with a built-in timer. The idea of a pill box reminds me of my grandmother’s little silver pill box or of a seven-day pill box organiser as the one I have in my room at the friary where I live. The material pill boxes are made of varies from plastic to gold and silver.
The seven pills I take daily at three different times of the day make me realise the importance of having a good organised pill box.
I can simply notice the five advantages my daily pill box is continuously offering me. Firstly, my pill box is helping me not to take much medication. I am just taking the dose prescribed to me by my physicians. Secondly, my pill box is helping me take the medication at the time it is supposed to be taken. Thirdly, my pill box is also aiding me to save money by allowing me to take the medication the way it is supposed to be taken. Fourthly, since I am taking my medication the way my physicians have prescribed it to me, I am feeling much healthier because I am taking my medication properly. Lastly, my pill box is helping me to be more independent and active during my days of convalescence.
I really look forward to each time I have to take out my pill box from the right pocket of my jacket to take my supposed medication. Each time I look at the top of its cover, I feel reinvigorated to keep combating my disease and life-long disorder in my blood. The motto of my pill box is survivor. What a telling word for me! The idea of survivor can be likened to a person who is engulfed within a combat situation.
If I am engaged in a combat, I have to size up my surroundings, my physical condition and my equipment. In this way I will be ready to make my survival plan. I need to use all my senses and consider all aspects of my situation before making a decision as well as a move.
Furthermore, planning my moves is vital. Thus, I must take notice of sounds and smells, being sensitive to every detail and always remember where I am. Surely, staying calm under stress is decisive because the greatest enemies in combat are fear and panic. Adding to this, improvising increases the chances for a successful survival.
I too am in a state of war against my disease. Hence, my survival plan should be inspired by the quality-of-life approach which I decided to adopt in general and my health in particular. Continuously checking and improvising new ways that make my health flourish and protect it from hazardous stressors is essential.
My daily pill box says it all: Survivor!
■ Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap
San Gwann