Consejos del Centro de Envenenamiento de Nebraska para el regreso a clases

Para todos los niños, regresar a la escuela les presenta muchas posibilidades, algunas de estas potencialmente peligrosas. Al hablar con sus hijos sobre sustancias que pueden dañarlos, puede ayudarlos a tener la mejor experiencia durante sus años escolares. Estos son algunos de los peligros potenciales:

Desinfectantes de manos y seguridad alimentaria: con los almuerzos de regreso a clases, asegúrese de fomentar el lavado de manos y la buena higiene, y cuando el agua y el jabón no estén disponibles, el desinfectante de manos o alcohol gel es una buena opción. Recuerde a los niños pequeños que el desinfectante de manos es solo para las manos y no se debe ingerir. Muchos desinfectantes para las manos contienen alcohol y otros aditivos antibacterianos que pueden causar irritación y malestar estomacal. Llame a su centro de intoxicaciones si su hijo ingiere estos productos. Practique seguridad alimentaria con la refrigeración adecuada de los alimentos y sea consciente empacando los almuerzos con alimentos como productos de carne y queso que se pueden estropear fácilmente, asegúrese de que se incluyan paquetes adecuados para enfriar la comida.

Bebidas energéticas: pueden contener grandes dosis de cafeína. Los estudiantes las usan para abarrotar durante las sesiones de estudio nocturnas, y algunos productos contienen estimulantes adicionales para aumentar la energía, mejorar el estado de ánimo y retrasar el sueño. La cantidad de cafeína en muchas bebidas energéticas es mucho mayor que la cantidad que se encuentra en los refrescos y, a menudo, es mucho mayor que la cantidad que se encuentra en una taza de café, lo que presenta un riesgo mucho mayor de sobredosis de cafeína y problemas de salud relacionados. Los polvos de cafeína y las píldoras energéticas de venta libre pueden causar síntomas de malestar estomacal, temblores, inquietud, sudoración, dolor de cabeza y pueden progresar a convulsiones. Los adolescentes que participan en actividades deportivas consumen muchas bebidas energéticas porque creen que aumentan el rendimiento y reponen los líquidos. Estos productos en realidad aumentan la deshidratación, lo cual puede ser muy peligroso en la práctica de deportes al aire libre, especialmente en áreas en las que las temperaturas exteriores más altas son comunes.

Vapear: un vaporizador que estimula el tabaquismo, también conocido como cigarrillo electrónico, puede contener más que nicotina. Los aromas agregados, propilenglicol, glicerina, aditivos y otros contaminantes son todos elementos de los cigarrillos electrónicos. Según la Encuesta Nacional de Tabaco Juvenil, el vapeo ha aumentado constantemente en la escuela media y los estudiantes de secundaria desde 2013. Existe una idea errónea muy publicitada de que los cigarrillos electrónicos son más seguros que fumar un cigarrillo real, y amplia evidencia de que usar cigarrillos electrónicos también conduce a un mayor uso de marihuana. Vapear puede aumentar la adicción, causar irritación respiratoria, visión borrosa, tos, dolor de pecho y malestar estomacal. La intoxicación por nicotina puede causar dolor de estómago, salivación, frecuencia cardíaca más rápida y convulsiones. También existe un mayor riesgo de que el dispositivo explote debido al aumento de temperatura de la batería, provocando lesiones y daños. Se desconocen los efectos a largo plazo de los aditivos de vapor y el riesgo potencial de carcinógenos.

Medicamentos recetados: recetados y usados ​​correctamente, los medicamentos recetados tienen usos legítimos y resultados positivos. Pero los analgésicos recetados, también conocidos como opioides, comúnmente se usan indebidamente y se abusan entre todos los grupos de edad. Los opioides pueden ralentizar los sistemas del cuerpo hasta el punto en que una persona deja de respirar. Otros peligros potenciales incluyen los medicamentos para el TDAH que se abusan como “estimuladores del cerebro” o “potenciadores académicos”. El mal uso o abuso de ellos podría provocar un aumento de la frecuencia cardíaca, agitación, dificultad para respirar y convulsiones. Los adolescentes son cada vez más informales sobre el uso de medicamentos de venta libre y recetados, y abusan de ellos de forma recreativa sin tener en cuenta los posibles impactos en la salud. Muchas veces el alcohol se usa como complemento, lo cual complica los efectos de las drogas. Fomentamos una conversación franca con su hijo sobre los peligros de experimentar con drogas. Consulte a nuestros socios de Coalition Rx en www.coalitionrx.org para obtener más recursos sobre este tema.

Comuníquese con el Centro Regional de Envenenamiento de Nebraska para cualquier pregunta que pueda tener al 1-800-222-1222.

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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is suicide prevention awareness month and is a good time to bring to light the mental health crisis that has grown in every community since the beginning of the pandemic. While mental health struggles have always existed, we are seeing more and more people speaking out about the issues that used to remain in the dark.

Since the beginning of the pandemic the nation has seen a rise in the number of cases of attempted suicides and completed suicides. The Nebraska Regional Poison Center has seen an almost 200% increase in the number of calls received related to intentional harm ingestions.
The Poison Center would like to help by providing this resource guide. Add these numbers to your phone, give them to your teens, adults, elderly, or anyone struggling with mental health, to be able to speak to or text someone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 or 988
Nacional de Prevencion del Suicidio – 1-888-628-9454
Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255
Boys Town National Hotline – 1-800-448-3000 or text “VOICE” to 20121
LGBTQ National Hotline – 1-888-843-4564 or text “TALK” to 741741

If suicide has touched your life and you or someone you know is in need of support, please go to The Kim Foundation website at www.thekimfoundation.org for resources near you.

If you or someone you know has ingested too much medication, the wrong medication, or need poison help, call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 to speak to one of our experts immediately.

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Back-to-School PSA

Poison Center Tips for Back-to-School 

For all kids, returning to school is full of possibilities, but it can also be full of potential dangers. By talking to your children about substances that can harm them, you can help them get the best experience during their school age years. Here are a few of the potential dangers:

 

Hand sanitizers and food safety: with back-to-school lunches be sure to encourage hand washing and good hygiene, and when water and soap are not accessible, hand sanitizer is a good option. Remind young children that hand sanitizer is for hands only, and not to ingest it. Many hand sanitizers contain alcohol and other antibacterial additives that can cause irritation and stomach upset. Call your Poison Center if your child ingests these products. Practice food safety with proper refrigeration of foods and be conscious of packing lunches with foods such as meat and cheese products that may easily spoil, ensure adequate freezer packs are included.
Energy Drinks: can contain large doses of caffeine. Students may use these to cram during late-night study sessions, and some products contain additional stimulants promoted to increase energy, enhance mood and delay sleep. The amount of caffeine in many energy drinks is much greater than the amount found in soda and is often much greater than the amount found in a cup of coffee, posing a far greater risk of caffeine overdose and related health problems. Caffeine powders and over-the-counter energy pills can cause symptoms of stomach upset, shakiness, restlessness, sweating, headache, and may progress to seizures. Many energy drinks are consumed by teens participating in sports activities because they are believed to boost performance and to replenish fluids. These products actually increase dehydration, which can be very dangerous in outdoor sports practices, especially in areas in which higher outdoor temperatures are common.

 

Vaping: A vaporizer that stimulates smoking, also known as an e-cigarette, can contain more than just nicotine. Added flavorings, propylene glycol, glycerin, additives, and other contaminants are all elements of e-cigarettes. According to the National Youth Tobacco survey, vaping has steadily increased in middle school through high school students since 2013. There is heavily marketed misconception that e-cigarettes are safer then smoking an actual cigarette, and a growing body of evidence that using e-cigarettes also leads to increased use of marijuana. Vaping can increase addiction, cause breathing irritation, blurry vision, cough, chest pain, and stomach upset. Nicotine poisoning can cause stomach pain,

salivation, faster heart rate, and seizures. There is also an increased risk of the device to explode due to battery temperature increase, causing injury and harm. The long-term effects to the vapor additives are unknown, and the potential risk of carcinogens.

 

Prescription Medication: Prescribed and used correctly, prescription drugs have legitimate uses and positive results. But prescription pain medicine, also known as opioids, are commonly misused and abused among all age groups. Opioids can slow the body’s systems down to the point where a person stops breathing.  Other potential dangers include ADHD drugs which are abused as “brain boosters” or “academic enhancers.” Misusing or abusing them could lead to an increased heart rate, agitation, difficulty breathing, and seizures. Teens are increasingly casual about their use of over-the-counter and prescription drugs, recreationally abusing them without regard for the potential health impacts. Many times alcohol is used as a chaser, complicating the effects of the drugs. We encourage a frank discussion with your child about the dangers of experimenting with drugs. Please check out our partners at Coalition Rx at www.coalitionrx.org for more resources on this topic.

Contact the Nebraska Regional Poison Center for any questions you may have at 1-800-222-1222.

 

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A Silent Summer Killer

The highest percentage of carbon monoxide exposures occur during the winter months. However, carbon monoxide exposures can happen any time of year, especially during natural disasters and power outages. It is imperative that the citizens understand the dangers, the symptoms and how to prevent poisoning from carbon monoxide.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, vomiting, shortness of breath and convulsions. The first step in treating carbon monoxide poisoning is getting the victim to fresh air. Then seek medical attention immediately.

Carbon monoxide is a gas produced when fuels burn incompletely. It has no color, taste or smell. The major causes of carbon monoxide poisoning in the summer may include:

• Gas powered generators indoors
• Lack of ventilation in a car
• Using a charcoal grill indoors
• Using propane cooking equipment in enclosed areas (i.e. tents or campers)
• Boat exhaust fumes and onboard generators
• Malfunctioning appliances with pilot lights (i.e. water heater or gas stoves)

The Poison Center offers the following suggestions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
• Inspect all fuel-burning equipment yearly.
• Vent fuel-burning heaters to the outside.
• Do not use a gas-powered equipment indoors without proper ventilation.
• Never use a charcoal grill or hibachi inside.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
• Never leave a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
• Have the vehicle muffler and tailpipes checked regularly.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble those associated with other health conditions that are common among the elderly, especially in the winter. The carbon monoxide death rate is highest among people greater than 65 years of age.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning or if you have any questions, contact the Nebraska Regional Poison Center toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

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Earth Day 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 21, 2021

 

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY BY KEEPING MEDICATIONS OUT OF WATER SUPPLIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Take Medications Back to a Nebraska MEDS Participating Pharmacy

 

Lincoln, NE (April 21, 2021) – What is a great way to celebrate Earth Day tomorrow? Clean out your cabinets and collect all of your unwanted and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to take back to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

“It is important that consumers understand that medications should never be disposed of down a toilet or drain,” said Sarah Hunter, Project Coordinator for the Nebraska Pharmacists Association. “Most water treatment facilities don’t have the capacity to remove these emerging contaminants, making it important to prevent them from entering water supplies to protect our water resources and our environment.”

Consumers using septic systems for household wastewater disposal should be incredibly diligent about never flushing medications, as they can disrupt the system’s ability to treat wastewater and lead to groundwater contamination from the chemical compounds.

Pharmacies from across the state participate in the Nebraska MEDS Initiative and will take back prescription and over-the-counter medications free of charge, no questions asked. Pharmacists are happy to do their part to ensure that their patient’s medication remains out of Nebraska’s water supply and out of the wrong hands.

 

Find a participating pharmacy near you at leftovemeds.com.

Call 1-800-222-1222 for questions

 

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Prepare. Prevent. Protect.

National Poison Prevention Week will be held March 21-27, 2021. Call the experts at the Nebraska Regional Poison Center for any poisoning which can include; double dose of medication, wrong medication given or taken, intentional ingestion, bites/stings, food poisoning, eye, skin or lung exposure. 1-800-222-1222  24/7/365. We are staffed by all healthcare professionals including Registered Nurses, Pharmacists and Physicians. Never hesitate to call.

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Winter Holiday PSA

Tips for a Safe and Healthy Holiday during the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

The holiday season is a time for celebration and joy with our friends and families. Due to our current pandemic, there are additional safety guidelines to keep in mind. It is wise to follow all state directed health measures. Research shows that the number of poisoning incidents involving children rises during the holiday season. The Nebraska Regional Poison Center reminds everyone to be mindful of additional items in the home that may cause a poisoning during the holiday season. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

 

  • If you do have visitors remember that they may bring their medications. 59,000 children go to U.S. emergency departments every year for a poisoning and 48% of these cases involve children accessing grandparents’ medications. When visitors arrive for the holidays, make sure to store their medications out of sight and reach.
  • Avoid storing disinfectants and cleaners on the counter. Storage on the counter may be convenient, but it provides an opportunity for a young child to reach and swallow or spray them on the skin or in the eyes.
  • Disc batteries may be found in toys, games, watches, remotes and musical greeting cards. If swallowed, they can become lodged in the throat and cause serious injury or death if not removed. Also avoid toys that contain magnets since they may be harmful if swallowed.
  • Alcohol is found in holiday drinks, hand sanitizers, and even in perfume and cologne. Remove all items containing alcohol from sight and reach. Remember to empty all ashtrays; only a few cigarette butts can harm a child if swallowed.
  • Lamp oil in candle lamps is frequently used this time of year. These fuels may be colored and look like pretty beverages to small children. It only takes a small amount to cause choking and a chemical pneumonia if it goes into the lung. Aroma and fragrance oils can also be a choking hazard and cause vomiting.
  • Keep small children and animals away from seasonal plants such as mistletoe, holly berries, yew plants and poinsettias. Poinsettias are not the fatal poison that they were once believed to be, but in large amounts they can cause upset stomach.
  • Although holiday tree icicles, tinsel and garland are festive, these items can be a choking hazard if swallowed. Snow sprays help with holiday décor, but the pressurized container may cause eye damage if sprayed directly in the eye. Glitter can be irritating to the eyes and lungs. Snow globes usually contain water and glitter. Some snow globes may also contain glycols, but usually in low concentrations.

The Nebraska Regional Poison Center offers tips on holiday safety and poison prevention. When you call 1-800-222-1222, you will talk immediately to a Registered Nurse or Pharmacist 24/7/365.

 

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