PLATTSBURGH -- Food, heat, medication.

Many senior citizens are forced to choose among those necessities, says Clinton County Office for the Aging Case Manager for the Elderly Martha Gulley.

The latter, she said, often leads the pack.

This is why area pharmacies have combined forces with the agency to distribute information on services available to seniors, especially regarding medication.

The displays, set up at pharmacies throughout the county, include medical information cards seniors can fill out and carry with them about their health issues and Vital Link forms to complete and keep on the refrigerator door, also to keep medical details handy.

Other information gives resources to find services and assistance with such issues as paying for medication.

"We thought this would be a great idea to get the information out there," said Service Specialist Doreen Ocasio.

Some believe that missing doses of prescribed medication is all right, but it's not, she said.

"We want people to realize how important their medications are. We want them to realize how important it is to track and take them the way they are prescribed."

Gulley said that mismanagement of medication is a bigger problem than most people think.

"One of the biggest reasons for people being hospitalized is medication errors.

"This area can't be stressed enough."