Think about when you go to the bank and withdraw money. We all have been conditioned to speak softly, as it is potentially dangerous to request cash in a loud voice, lest some unsavory character with ill intentions overhear the conversation and forcibly relieve us of our money in the parking lot.

Now think about when you go to the pharmacy. Do you ask the pharmacist for your prescription by its name? For example, do you say, “I’m John Smith. I’m here to pick up my Percocet.”?

If your answer is yes, you may get a rude awakening in the parking lot someday as well.

Penobscot County Sheriff Glenn Ross warns the public to never disclose what medication is being picked up at the pharmacy window. Drugs are as valuable as money.

There have been a few cases recently where an unsuspecting elderly person leaves the counter, prescription in hand, only to be mugged outside.

Addicts will stop at nothing to get the drugs they want, so protect yourself and don’t be a victim. It’s unnecessary to reveal the brand or type of medication you are picking up because the pharmacist would already have that information as he or she filled the prescription for you. All you need to announce is your name, said Ross at a recent Triad meeting.

Should you have questions about your medication, take a look around you first to make sure no one is within earshot. Remember, drugs are valuable and risk being stolen. Ask the pharmacist if there is a place where you could speak privately and if not, use the lowest voice possible.

And never chat with other people in line about “what you’re in for,” or compare conditions or treatments. Again, you never know who is listening and could, at that moment, be making a plan to follow you right out the door.

Now my intent is not to make you paranoid, although I tend to be and it’s not so bad, but rather to be aware of your surroundings. Especially if you are taking drugs with a proven street value.

Remember the bank scenario? Just as you would not waltz out of a financial institution fanning yourself with crisp $100 bills, you should never be cavalier with your medications.

I realize this is a sad commentary on the world we live in, and the necessity of being on guard all the time may be depressing, but that’s how it is these days and the most important thing is to be safe.

So watch your purse, your bank account, credit card and Social Security numbers, keep your medications close to the vest and then rejoice in the fact that you may have outsmarted a thug. Stand up and be counted as a savvy senior.

Mark your calendar for two informational sessions on volunteering.

First, if you’re interested in donating some of your time at Freeses Assisted Living in Bangor, join us at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 27.

“Tour the facility, meet the staff and residents, and learn more about volunteering without committing you to anything,” said Roberta Macko, director of volunteer services at Eastern Agency on Aging. Light refreshments will be served.

Then, at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, Rolf Staples, EAA-Z Fix coordinator, will hold an informational meeting for anyone interested in volunteering for EAA’s minor home repair program. The session will be held at EAA offices, 450 Essex St., Bangor.

All skill levels are needed. Some tasks are as simple as changing light bulbs or batteries in smoke detectors while others require a little “know how.”

Call EAA at 941-2865 to reserve your spot at either session.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org, or visit www.eaaa.org. TTY 992-0150.