Medicine
Background Information & Activities

Medicine comes in many different forms and they can be overwhelming or frightening to children, especially when they are feeling ill. Doctors and medicine have negative connotations to many children, but by learning how medicines work and help, children will feel more comfortable about taking medication and telling adults when they feel sick.

Medicine is a drug that helps the body’s immune system fight germs and relieve symptoms. A symptom is a sign of illness, such as fever, runny nose, coughing, aching, sore throat, and nausea. Explain that a fever is an increase in body temperature and is a natural way that the body fights sickness. However, a fever can make a person feel tired and uncomfortable. Medicine can help relieve these symptoms and help the body heal, but it’s important that children accompany medicine with plenty of rest.

Medicine can come in different forms including pills, tablets, caplets, syrups, ointments, inhalers, injections, and drops. The body absorbs the forms differently and at varying rates. A doctor or nurse practitioner can help assess the needs of a sick person and recommend the right medicine in the appropriate form. Parents can consult pharmacists for over-the-counter medicines that can help minor illnesses.

A vaccine is an injection that is administered to a healthy person in order to prevent a serious illness in the future. Many students have had vaccines, or immunizations, against mumps, rubella, and measles. These are serious infectious diseases that can be avoided. Though injections may be scary for many children, explain that they are quick and relatively painless compared to falling off a bike, skinning a knee, or other common injury. Vaccines are important because the diseases they prevent are serious and potentially life-threatening. Parents who are concerned about possible negative side effects from vaccines should talk with their health care provider.

Safety is an important issue when discussing medicine. Remind students that they should never share their medications. Doctors prescribe medication based on the patient’s age, size, and symptoms. A medication that is right for one person may not be right for another and can cause serious problems. Furthermore, sharing medication increases risks for allergic reactions. Some medicines may look and taste like candy, and it is crucial for children to understand that they are still medicine. Taking too much can make a person feel even worse, or cause serious harm.

In addition, children should always read and follow directions together with their parents when they take medication. Some medicines should be taken everyday, while others should be taken two or three times a day. Some medicines should be taken on an empty stomach, while others should be taken with meals. Children should follow directions so that the medication can be effective and help the body heal. Medicines such as antibiotics kill bacteria and must be taken around the same time each day in order for them to be the most successful. Even when they feel better after taking medication, students should finish all of the medication. The body is still fighting off sickness even if they do not show symptoms.

Explain to your children that they should be responsible for their own health by asking questions to their doctor or pharmacist, like “Is it O.K. to be out in the sun while taking this medicine?” or “How will I feel after I take the medicine? Are there side effects?” Side effects are symptoms that arise from taking medicine. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. Occasionally allergic reactions can develop after taking medication. If children feel worse than before, or if they develop high temperatures or rashes, they should tell an adult immediately. Emphasize that communication is important; no one knows their bodies better than themselves. If they are bringing any medicine to school, place the medicine in a clear sealed bag along with clear instructions and instruct your child to alert their teacher immediately when they enter the classroom. Most schools have policies in place where the child will take their medication under the supervision of the school nurse. By describing their symptoms and being honest, doctors, nurses, teachers and parents can help them feel better.

Medicine Teacher Activities – Click Here!

Medicine Family Activities – Click Here!

Medicine Teacher Activities

Public Service Announcement

If possible, divide your students into small groups and have them write, produce, direct, and film public service announcements about taking medicine safely. Groups can share their films with the class. If video cameras are not available, groups can perform skits in front of their classmates. You may wish to have a class discussion and brainstorm session about medicine and how to take them safely and effectively.

Medicine Collage

Medicine can come in many different forms. Have students look in magazines and newspapers to find examples of different medicines. They may find tablets, syrups, sprays, drops, and more. Students can cut out pictures to make a collage. Invite them to present their collages and describe what they found in their research. Discuss with students why there may be so many different forms of medicine.

Emergency File

Explain to students communication is important when they are sick. They should tell a parent, teacher, or caretaker when they are not feeling well. Have students fill out index cards with their contact information. They should also add an emergency contact such as a parent or neighbor. On the back of their cards, students should write medication and food that they are allergic to. Have volunteers discuss their allergies and what happens to them during a reaction. What medicines can they take to feel better? Keep the cards in a recipe box so that students can use it in case of emergencies.

Medicine Family Activities

Medicine Alert

Next time your child is sick, create a schedule and reminder system for taking medicine. You may want to draw a calendar or use an appointment book and highlight the day and time your child should take his or her medicine. Teach your child how to set an alarm clock or wristwatch to remind him or herself about taking medication. Explain the importance of taking the medicine the same time each day and following directions. If the medicine should be taken with food, then find a consistent time when your child will be having a meal, such as lunch. Practicing good medicine habits now will help your child be more responsible for his or her own health.

Health Diary

Have your child start a diary about his or her health. What did he or she eat today? What physical exercise did he or she do? Encourage your child to write about how his or her body feels and comment on energy level and general mood. When your child is sick, have him or her describe symptoms and the medicines he or she is taking. Your child should discuss what medication they took, when he or she took it, and how it improved or worsened symptoms. How long did it take for the medicine to work? How long did it take for your child to heal? A health diary will enable your child to make better choices and take better care of him or herself.