For many older adults, taking multiple medications is part of daily life. But when prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements are combined, understanding how they interact can become increasingly complex.
More than 600,000 older adults visit emergency departments each year due to adverse drug events, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Medication interactions can occur when medications, foods, beverages or supplements affect one another, potentially making medications less effective or causing unexpected side effects.
A medication interaction can happen when medications, food, drinks, or other supplements react with each other. The combination may make your medications less effective and cause unexpected side effects.
Older adults may face additional risks because age-related changes can affect how medications are absorbed and processed by the body. Managing multiple prescriptions, seeing different healthcare providers and keeping track of medication schedules can further complicate medication safety.
To help local seniors better understand these risks, South Texas Health System (STHS) and Prominence Health recently hosted a special Senior Living Seminar on Friday, October 3, 2026. focused on medication interactions and safe medication management.
"Medication interactions aren't always something people think about when they're taking medications every day," said Sarah Yazji, MD, Family Medicine Resident, STHS GME Consortium. "Someone may have taken a medication for years and not realize that adding a new prescription, supplement or even certain foods can change how it works."
Experts encouraged attendees to keep an updated medication list, follow prescribed instructions and speak with their healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential interactions.
"Patients should never hesitate to ask questions," Dr. Yazji added. "Understanding why you're taking a medication and how to take it correctly can help prevent problems before they occur."
In addition to the educational presentation, attendees participated in exercise and cooking demonstrations that highlighted how physical activity, nutrition and everyday lifestyle choices can influence medication effectiveness and overall health.
"This seminar helped me feel more empowered," said attendee Rolando Gonzalez. "I feel more confident asking questions about my medications and managing my health."
The seminar is part of the STHS and Prominence Health Senior Living Seminar Series, which provides older adults with practical health information and resources to support healthy aging and independent living.
"Our partnership with Prominence Health is centered on empowering older adults through education," said Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations for STHS. "By providing straightforward, evidence-based information, we're helping seniors better navigate common health challenges and make informed decisions with confidence."
The next Senior Living Seminar will take place on Friday, November 6, 2026, at STHS Edinburg and will focus on the importance of vaccines for older adults. Attendees will learn how recommended vaccinations can help protect against serious illnesses and support healthy aging.
For additional details, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To register for this free seminar, contact the STHS Marketing Department at 956-388-2033 or sthsmarketing@uhsinc.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
About Prominence Health
Prominence Health began in 1993 as a health maintenance organization (HMO) and became of a subsidiary of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) in 2014. They provide coverage to more than 60,000 fully insured, self-funded and Medicare Advantage members throughout Nevada and parts of Texas. Prominence operates seven Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in California, Florida, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas and Washington D.C., which are managed care systems that benefit communities by providing coordinated, high-quality care to Medicare patients. For more information about Prominence Health, visit ProminenceHealthPlan.com or ProminenceMedicare.com.
