What was your first car or bike? Can you describe it?
Now without looking, can you name all of the medications you are taking and explain what it's for? Often times the answer is no!
You mean to tell me that you are putting something in your mouth or elsewhere and don't even know what it is? Why?
Make an effort to understand everything (including supplements and equipment) that you take and use. Many non-prescription products have not been studied and are supported by nothing but customer testimonials which may only be a result of placebo effects or may even be a fake/paid review. There might not even be any proof that the product (e.g. supplements or homeopathic remedies) even contains what the label claims it contains because it is not required to! Prescription and over-the-counter medications on the other hand are required to undergo such studies.
Understand that not all medications lead to permanent cures and is meant only as an addition to lifestyle changes. In fact, lifestyle changes (e.g. good diet and exercise) is always more important! Taking an antibiotic for the full treatment duration may cure your infection, but taking your blood pressure medication will not cure the underlying cause of your high blood pressure even though your blood pressure monitor shows your numbers are normal after taking them.
Many diseases, like diabetes and high blood pressure, are progressive which means they may continue to get worse over time. Medications can only do so much to slow down this progression. These diseases are often referred to as "silent killers" because unlike a cough or cold, most people can't feel the disease's progression until it's too late to reverse. For example, high blood pressure can damage small blood vessels like those in your kidneys which leads to your kidneys no longer working and you needing a transplant to live. This is why it is especially important to improve your lifestyle and to keep taking your medications, even though you don't feel any immediate difference.
If there are any problems taking the medications whatsoever (e.g. high cost, side effects, trouble taking it, many missed doses, etc.), tell your healthcare providers right away! Never lie about taking a medication when you are skipping doses. This may lead to your healthcare provider thinking you need a higher dose or additional medications! After that, what will happen when you decide to be compliant and take all of the prescribed medications after not taking anything for some time? You may feel terrible and harm your body.
In addition to the above, keep your home prepared (e.g. having acetaminophen on hand in case of fever or having a first aid kit) and get to know proven treatments for common illnesses such as allergies or a cold/flu.