Why Alcohol and Medications Don’t Mix

It usually starts out harmless. You take your prescribed medication once you get home from work. Then a friend calls and invites you to dinner. You meet for dinner and decide to have a couple of glasses of wine. But did you know that alcohol and medicines often don’t mix? What most people don’t realize is that alcohol mixed with certain medications can be a very dangerous combination.

Combining alcohol and medicines, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can lead to life-threatening consequences depending on the medicine, the amount of alcohol consumed, medical conditions, body size and age.

Alcohol can interact with medicines in several ways:

• Medications, such as the antibiotic metronidazole, may prevent the metabolism of alcohol and cause a “disulfiram-like” reaction that includes abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing.  This reaction has even been reported to cause sudden death.   
• Alcohol can make the risk of drowsiness and impaired motor function caused by medicine more likely.
• Alcohol can increase the risk of medicine side effects, such as lowered blood pressure and stomach irritation.     

Not everyone is affected the same way. Because of a smaller body size, a woman who drinks the same amount as a man will have a higher alcohol level in her blood, making her more at risk for an interaction. Elderly people may experience more drowsiness and motor impairment than their younger counterparts when they combine alcohol with another medicine that causes drowsiness.  People who regularly consume large quantities of alcohol are at more risk of some types of interactions than those who have only an occasional drink.  

The Texas Poison Center Network wants you to keep these in mind when tending to your medications:

• If a medicine causes you to be drowsy, assume that it will interact with alcohol to make you even drowsier and more likely to be impaired. Examples include cough and cold medicine and over-the-counter sleep aids.  
• If you are taking a prescription drug for anxiety, stress, depression, mood control, seizure control, or pain control, always assume that alcohol will interact with it. In addition to increasing the risk for drowsiness, dizziness and impairment, mixing alcohol with these medicines can place you at risk for life-threatening breathing difficulties and other dangerous effects.  People taking these drugs should not drink beverages containing alcohol. 
• If you are taking any medicine to treat stomach pain, be aware that alcohol can make stomach pain worse and make the drug less effective. 
• If you are taking any medicine that causes you to have stomach pain or nausea, drinking alcohol will likely make your stomach pain and nausea worse. 
• Some blood pressure drugs, when mixed with alcohol, increase the chance for your blood pressure to drop too low. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for details about the specific blood pressure medicine you are taking. 
• Some diabetes drugs, when mixed with alcohol, can make your blood sugar fall too low. 
• When mixed with alcohol, some antibiotics and diabetes drugs can cause flushing, nausea, vomiting, confusion, low blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. These medicines usually have a sticker on the prescription bottle warning against consuming alcohol.

Remember, this is not a full list of interactions between medicines and alcohol. If you take any medicine, always talk with a doctor or pharmacist before drinking alcohol. If someone does experience effects from combining alcohol and medicine, call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 for expert medical help 24/7.

Stay Informed of Alcohol Laws in Texas and Drink Responsibly During the Spring Holiday

March marks the beginning of spring and the start of school break activities. Families and college students are moving across the nation and the world to reach their Spring Break destinations. A symbol of Spring Break is the consumption of alcohol. It is important to develop safe drinking habits and be informed of the drinking laws in your state.

The state of Texas has a Zero Tolerance Law. This law states that it is a criminal offense for a minor to have any detectable amount of alcohol in their system and operating a motor vehicle. This law extends to purchasing or the attempt to purchase alcohol while underage.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA) 85.6 percent of individuals 18 or older have drank alcohol. Those who plan to legally engage in the consumption of alcohol should learn safe drinking habits. Safe drinking habits include eating a full meal before you begin drinking. If you engage in heavy drinking (more than 3 drinks for women, and more than 4 drinks for men) make sure you have chosen a designated driver. Make sure to hydrate(drink water) before drinking, and continue to hydrate between alcoholic beverages. Finally, make sure you are familiar with the MUST HELP acronym for recognizing alcohol poisoning.

If you feel that you or someone you know is experiencing alcohol poisoning, The Texas Poison Center Network is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Underage drinkers (under 21) who know someone that is experiencing alcohol poisoning, do not hesitate to call 911. Underage drinkers who are reporting an alcohol poisoning of another underage individual are given immunity from criminal charges. This law is referred to as the 911 Lifeline policy. You may read more about the origins of this policy in the December 2013 blog entry.

 

Remember to save the Texas Poison Center Network toll- free number in your phone. You can order magnets, stickers and other materials with the TPCN number here.

Hand Sanitizers: How Toxic Are They?

Hand sanitizers are very commonly used these days in schools, workplaces, homes, hospitals and other public places such as stores and libraries. In the past, studies have shown that the use of hand sanitizers reduces illnesses in house­holds and universities, and lowers absentee rates in schools. While hand sanitizers have contributed to cleanliness, it is still important to be careful when choosing to use them.

 

Most hand sanitizers contain ethanol, while some contain isopropyl alcohol. The concentration of alcohol in these products varies from 45% to 95%, with the most commonly used products in the range of 60-65%. In­gestions of toxic amounts of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol produce central nervous system depression ranging from inebriation to coma, vomiting, respiratory depression, hypothermia, hypotension, and hypoglycemia (with ethanol; in infants and children) or hyperglycemia (with isopropyl alcohol) may also occur.

Emails and news stories have surfaced recently alleging that children have developed toxic effects from in­gesting small amounts of hand sanitizers off of their hands. These accounts have resulted in questions to poi­son centers about whether they should be used in schools and other locations where children, and in some cases adults, frequent. While these products can be harmful if children ingest them in large quantities, they are safe when used in the correct amount and for the reason they were made. Most children remain asymptomatic or develop mild symptoms such as oral irritation and gastric upset.

How much hand sanitizer would be dangerous?

 

A hand sanitizer pump dispenses approximately 2.5 mL of liquid. If one pump of a 62% ethanol-containing hand sanitizer was ingested by an average two-year-old weigh­ing 15kg, a blood alcohol level of 17.3 mg/dL would be expected, considerably below a toxic level of 80-100 mg/dL. This same child would have to drink approximately 4-5 teaspoonfuls of the sanitizer in order to produce toxic effects that would require medical attention.

If you have any concerns regarding hand sanitizers, please call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your calls. These specialists answer poison-related questions about medications, household products and other potentially dangerous substances and can provide poison education materials like brochures and stickers.  Poison information is also available at the Texas Poison Center Network website, www.poisoncontrol.org

 

Know Your Limits and Practice Safety First When Ringing in the New Year

As December comes to an end, everyone gets increasingly more excited to ring in the New Year. Perfect party dresses and festive decorations will be bought for this special occasion. And while it is a wonderful time to celebrate, it is also a time to remember how dangerous drinking too much alcohol can be to the body.

Some will suffer adverse consequences that range from falls to traffic crashes to poisonings. Sadly, we often put ourselves and others at risk because we don't understand how alcohol affects us during an evening of celebratory drinking.

What are signs of alcohol poisoning?

• Mental confusion
• Unresponsive
• Seizures / Stupor
• Throwing up
• Hypothermia - low body temp, cold / clammy skin
• Erratic or slow breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Pale or bluish skin color

By practicing safety first (and refraining from drinking in excess), you can eliminate many of these fears. What can you do to stay safe and help others?

• Know the danger signals.
• Do not wait for all symptoms.
• Be aware that a person who has passed out may die.
• Call 911 and stay with the person.

In 2011, the Texas Legislature passed a law called the 911 Lifeline Law. That law says a person under 21 won't be charged by the police for possessing or consuming alcohol if the person calls 911 because someone might have alcohol poisoning.

This limited immunity applies only to the first person to call for medical assistance, only if the caller remains on the scene until medical assistance arrives and cooperates with EMS and law enforcement. This law was intended to encourage young people to do the right thing and save a life. For more information please visit here.

Remember that mistakes happen and you should never be afraid to call 9-1-1 for help! And if you are not sure if someone has been poisoned, please do not hesitate to contact the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222. There are nurses and pharmacists available 24/7 to help you with your poison needs. We hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year!

The Texas Poison Center Network Wants you to Know What to do if you have had too Much to Drink

New Year’s Eve is the time of year when many gather together with friends and family and welcome the New Year.  Frequently, some tend to include drinking alcohol into the celebration.  Last year, a 13 year old girl, in the Austin area, died from alcohol poisoning when she had too much to drink.  Not knowing what to do, her friends dropped her off in her driveway, where she was found dead. 

Since then, Texas has passed a new law.  If a minor is drinking with a group of friends and suspects someone may be experiencing alcohol poisoning, as long as they stay on scene until First Responders arrive, they will not face charges.

The Central Texas Poison Center wants you to be safe this New Year by offering these signs for you to watch for if you are with people that are drinking.  

Mental Confusion

Unresponsive

Snoring/gasping for air

Throwing up

Hypothermia/cold and clammy skin

Erratic breathing

Loss of consciousness

Paleness or blueness of skin

It is recommended that if you will be drinking to always have a sober companion that can respond in case of an emergency.  

When in doubt, give the Poison Center a shout, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Our specially trained pharmacists, nurses, or physicians are available to answer your call for FREE and all calls are treated confidential, 1-800-222-1222.

Reminders of What We Learned in 2020

The year 2020 has served as an unparalleled time. The sudden emergence of COVID-19 left many
Americans concerned for their health and wellness. The Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) has also dealt with the repercussions of the pandemic and we’d like to share with you some of the top poison calls of 2020 in Texas.

• Hand Sanitizers: With over 2,500 calls involving hand sanitizer, it is safe to say people were using this more than ever in an effort to stay germ-free. An increase in use, makes for more potential accidents involving children getting into the sanitizers or other potential misuse. Hand sanitizers often contain alcohol, such as ethyl alcohol, an active ingredient that works as an antiseptic. Additionally, hand sanitizers often include other ingredients such as water, fragrance, and glycerin. For a list of unsafe hand sanitizers to avoid, visit this FDA link. Read more on hand sanitizer safety at our Hand sanitizer blog.
  
• Bleach and Cleaning Supplies: Texas Poison Centers received over 4,000 calls regarding bleach this year. Many of the calls involved the mixing of bleach with another cleaning agent. Mixing cleaners can cause harmful reactions that can be deadly. Check out our blog on this topic here.
• Melatonin: The TPCN had over 4,700 calls in 2020 for melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is produced naturally by the body and many people take a melatonin supplement at night to help them fall asleep. Taking too much of supplemental melatonin can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Although relatively safe, it can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, diarrhea, joint pain, and sometimes seizures. Please consult your doctor to determine what is the right dosage for you.
• Vitamins (Multivitamins, and Vitamin D specifically): Many vitamins can be a cause of concern if too much is ingested. Too much vitamin C or zinc can cause nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Too much selenium can lead to hair loss, gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, and mild nerve damage. Please call poison help at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect a vitamin overdose.

The poison centers are always ready to take your call and assist with your poison emergency or questions. Whether you have a mix-up of medications or have a bite or sting from a critter, the poison centers can help. Over 90 percent of calls happen in the home, so it is important to have the poison number close by. Save this number in your phone: 1-800-222-1222. You never know when you might need it.

Stay Healthy When Visiting Petting Zoos

This time of year, you will find many holiday activities that include festivals, fairs, carnivals and many times, petting zoos. Many kids get excited to pet and feed the animals, but if they are not cautious, they can potentially become sick. Between 2010 and 2015, there were over 100 confirmed outbreaks of illnesses associated with petting zoos. The most common germs that people encounter include E. coli, Cryptosporidium, and Salmonella, but there are many other types of germs that can be spread between people and animals.

Who is the most at risk?

Children under 5 years of age as well as adults over the age of 65 are more likely to get sick from germs carried by animals. Those with a weakened immune system are also more at risk and should take extra precautions at petting zoos. Petting animals can be a fun activity if you practice safety first to ensure no one gets sick. After petting any animal, you need to make sure you wash your hands with soap and water. Not washing your hands or eating or drinking in the petting area increase your chances of getting sick.

How to Keep Loved Ones Healthy

Keep these important tips in mind when visiting petting zoos or anywhere where you can meet the animals.

·         Wash your hands right after touching the animals. Even if you do not touch the animals, but you go into their habitat, it is still important to wash your hands.

·         When it comes to washing your hands, soap and water works best! If you cannot find a hand-washing area nearby, then using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol will work as well. But make sure to wash your hands as soon as you can.

·         Do not eat or drink around animals and keep food and drink out of the areas where animals are kept. It is also important to make sure you do not share your food with the animals.

·         Always make sure to supervise children when they are around the animals.

·         Do not let children sit or play on the grounds where the animals stay or live.

·         Do not let children put anything in their mouths including fingers or an object such as a pacifier.

Visiting pettings zoos can be incredibly fun and educational, but we want to make sure it’s safe for all those involved too! If you are concerned that you might have fallen ill after visiting a petting zoo, call the poison center hotline for assistance at 1-800-222-1222. The poison centers can answer any of your questions and assist you with any poisoning concerns.

TPCN Spotlight: Specialist in Poison Information (SPI)

1. Tell me your history with poison  control and how you became a SPI. (Length of time worked  there/background/passion for this, etc.)

Hi I am Misty Wilcken RN CSPI-2. I completed my Bachelor of chemistry in 2001.  My first job  out of college was as a synthetic organic chemist.  I  worked for UTMB in the Synthetic Chemistry Core Laboratory  for 5 years prior to changing my career.  I completed UTMB BAC2 accelerated nursing school and received a second  Bachelor degree in Nursing.  I started my nursing career working for Shriners Burn pediatric ICU. 

Due to hurricane Ike, I was forced to find another position.  I had hoped to  find something challenging that involved the community and  children, and I found just that when I was hired on as a  Specialist in Poison Information in 2009.  My background  has allowed me to excel in this field.  I love calming  panicked moms, and advising other health care professionals  with regards to things like envenimations, ingestions,  drug overdoses, and chemical exposures. I also love learning  something new every day in the broad fields of pharmacology  and toxicology. 

2. I’m sure you hear a lot of interesting stories when answering calls, but what is one  story that sticks out in your head that might have been  scary, but turned out funny and/or everything worked out  after the call.

 Some of the scariest stories are people putting chemicals or drugs in  food containers or in beverage bottles.  Kids drinking lighter fluid thinking it is water or tiki torch fuel thinking it is apple juice.  I also had a lady call about her husband eating hair relaxer.  She had put in a sour  cream container, and had left it in the fridge, and he put  it on his baked potato.

I also remember a case where a dad  had picked up his brothers impounded car and cleaned it  out.  He put what he thought was just Gatorade in his  fridge and the kids drank it.  The kids ended up in the ER intoxicated off ecstasy.  They had to get a hold of the  brother in jail to find out what was in the Gatorade. People  bring stuff home from work like cleaners, and pesticides in  water bottles and someone drinks it. It is very common for people to put bleach in a cup to clean it and then turn around and drink it on accident.

3. What do you think people need to know about the people who answer the phones  for poison control?

 A good part of our service involves triage.  We try to keep people  out of the emergency rooms if possible.  Half of our calls  are concerning 1-3 year olds who think pills are candy, and all  liquids are beverages.  They get the pill minders, and pill  bottles, and at least try the pills.  They also try to  drink nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, bleach, hydrogen  peroxide, and bottles of liquid medicine.  We advise the  parents what to watch for and decide if they should go to  the emergency room for observation and possible treatment.  We are also  here to answer questions about medication errors, other accidental ingestion's, bites and stings,  and drug interactions.

 

4. What do you enjoy most about your job and why?

 I enjoy talking people through their often  scary situations, and saving them a trip to the ER, if  possible.  I am glad to be a resource for other medical  professionals when they call for consultation, and sometimes  helping them save a life.  I like learning about the drugs,  plants, critters, and chemicals. There is something new I  have to research almost every day.  I also like that we keep track of the cause and effect, so that we can better  treat these situations in the future.

 

5. Why do you think it is important for people to have poison  control as a resource for emergency help?

We are an important resource for the public  and for health care professionals.  We save a lot of money  in unnecessary ER visits and are a reliable source of information.  We are available 24 hours to answer questions and give advice. We put a lot of people's minds at ease.  They  look stuff up online and panic, and then call us to get a  professional opinion.

 

 

Have a Healthy & Happy Thanksgiving

As we get closer to celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends, it’s important to keep in mind safety precautions you should practice in order to stay healthy. Follow these important tips from the Texas Poison Center Network (TPCN) to assist you in having a poison-free Thanksgiving holiday.

As you prepare your feast, please keep these tips in mind:

• Store and prepare food safely. Food poisoning is usually due to poor food handling practices. Symptoms can include fever, headache, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and vomiting. Food poisoning usually occurs when bacteria gets on the food, then enters the body and make you sick. Wash hands, dishes, utensils, kitchen equipment and work surfaces before and after handling food. Be particularly careful with knives and cutting boards, washing them thoroughly after each use. Refrigerate or freeze perishable food within 2 hours of shopping or preparing; 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F.
• Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning and while it’s normally not fatal, it is widespread. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramping, with onset about 12 to 72 hours after infection; the illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment, but diarrhea and dehydration may be so severe that some people need hospital care. It is typically found in raw meats, poultry, eggs, milk, fish and their bi-products. Salmonella can be destroyed by cooking food thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 140 degrees.
• When frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely. But as soon as it starts to thaw, bacteria that may have been there before freezing can start to grow again if it is not kept at a safe temperature. It’s okay to thaw the turkey in its original plastic for one to two days, but after that, move the turkey to a plastic container, wrap, or foil. Don’t keep it in its original wrapping for more than two days once it has started to thaw.
• Thaw turkey or poultry inside the fridge; do not thaw at room temperature or in water.   
• Don’t stuff the turkey in advance and then refrigerate it. The core of the turkey is a perfect place for bacteria to grow. Remove all stuffing before refrigerating leftover meats. Keep the stuffing, gravy or broth in a separate container.
• Be careful around the booze. Adults should always drink responsibly, but in large gatherings, it’s important to be mindful of small children – particularly those who aren’t afraid to pick up discarded cups left behind by adults. Even a small amount of alcohol can poison a child.
• Be wary of choking hazards. Peanuts, raisins, hard candies, cocktail sausages and other hors d’oeuvres are tasty additions to any holiday meal, but they can be choking hazard
  s for the littlest partiers. Many pediatricians advise that children under the age of one year avoid nuts, because of the risk of allergies. Keep these foods out of the reach of very young children to prevent a choking incident. 

If you have any concerns or questions regarding poisonings, please do not hesitate to contact us! Commit this number to memory or simply save it in your phone contacts: 1-800-222-1222. We are here when you need us, 24/7. Happy Thanksgiving!

Keep your Family and Friends Safe this Thanksgiving!

On Thanksgiving, we hustle and bustle to prepare a delicious and memorable meal for our visiting family and friends.  With the added stress and business the holiday brings, often times we end up with accidental poisonings.  Spend quality time with your family and friends this Thanksgiving in the comfort of your home instead of in a hospital room.  To prevent anyone being poisoned this Thanksgiving, follow these steps:

To prevent food poisoning:

• Wash hands with soap and warm running water for at least 15 to 20 seconds before preparing any foods and especially after handling raw meat, poultry, fish or eggs.
• Keep preparation and storage areas clean; this includes countertops, stovetops and refrigerators.
• Wash utensils between each use. Never reuse utensils; this is a source of contamination.
• Do not defrost meat or poultry on the counter at room temperature. Thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave instead.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm that meat, pork and poultry are properly cooked; visit www.foodsafety.gov for proper temperatures.
• Do not prepare food if you are sick or have any type of nose or eye infection.
• Store raw food below cooked food in the refrigerator so raw food cannot drip into cooked food and contaminate it.
• Use separate cutting boards for meats, poultry and fish.  
• Ensure leftovers will be just as good the next day, properly seal and store food in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Leaving perishable foods, such as meats and dairy products, out longer than two hours significantly increases the risk of food poisoning.
• When in doubt…throw it out!

To prevent other poisonings:

·         Designate a safe place for visitors to place all of their belongings, so that curious children do not stumble upon medications or other dangers in a loved one’s purse or bag.

·         When sharing holiday spirits, ensure all alcoholic beverages are stored away from children.  Alcohol poisoning to a child can be fatal!

·         Don’t forget about your pets!  Our little furry friends can get into trouble when rummaging for goodies in the trash and other places throughout the house.

 

If you have questions about Thanksgiving poison dangers or any other poison exposure, call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222 for free, expert advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

It’s National Safety Month: Learn More about Prescription Painkiller Abuse

Did you know that injuries are the leading cause of disabilities for all ages and the leading cause for death in Americans age 1 to 44 years old? It’s important to practice safety first whether it be transportation safety, emergency preparedness or even slips, trips and falls. But the main issue plaguing many Americans these days is prescription painkiller abuse and this is a major safety issue when it comes to people’s lives.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that prescription painkiller abuse has reached epidemic levels. Deaths by overdose of painkillers have surpassed the deaths from heroin and cocaine combined. It was reported in 2010 that roughly 12 million Americans reported non-medical use of prescription painkillers in that year alone. Why are Americans abusing painkillers? Most state they use the drugs just to enjoy the “high”.

Want to hear some even scarier data? There were enough painkillers prescribed in 2010 alone that could essentially medicate every adult in the U.S. for an entire month! While these prescriptions were legally prescribed, many of the medications still end up in the hands of people they are not prescribed for leading to incredible amounts of misuse and abuse. Some popular prescription painkillers include: Vicodin, OxyContin and methadone.

The Texas Poison Center Network wants you to know that we can fix this epidemic and change statistics for the better. Here’s what you can do to help eliminate prescription painkiller abuse:

·         If you are prescribed pain medication, never share your prescription with anyone.

·         Make sure to use the prescription only as directed by your healthcare provider.

·         Store medications in a secure location and out of reach of children.

·         Read warning labels because some medications cannot be taken with certain things including alcohol.

·         Keep medication in its proper bottle or original container.

·         Monitor the use of prescriptions by children and teenagers to ensure they do not misuse or abuse.

·         Dispose of medication properly when you no longer need it. (http://www.poisoncontrol.org/news/topics/disposing-of-medication.cfm)  

·         Participate in National Drug Take Back Days that take place in your community.

If you have concerns regarding prescription painkillers and the use or abuse of them, please do not hesitate to contact your local Texas poison center. Dial 1-800-222-1222 for immediate help and assistance today- they are available around the clock for your poisoning concerns and needs.

Stay Poison Free this Thanksgiving

It’s that time of year where friends and families gather to give thanks for their blessings as well as enjoy lots of amazing food! While we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, we want to make sure you have a safe and poison-free one as well.

As you prepare your feast, please keep these tips in mind:

• Handle food carefully. Food poisoning usually happens because of poor food handling practices. Symptoms can include fever, headache, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and vomiting. The guilty party in all food poisonings is bacteria, which enters our bodies through contaminated food. Wash hands, dishes, utensils, kitchen equipment and work surfaces before and after handling. Be particularly careful around knives, washing them thoroughly after each use. And remember, even frozen food can contain bacteria.
• Cook food carefully. Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning and while it’s normally not fatal, it is widespread. It is typically found in raw meats, poultry, eggs, milk, fish and their bi-products. Salmonella can only be destroyed by cooking food thoroughly and with temperatures above 140 degrees.
• It’s okay to thaw turkey in its original plastic for one to two days. After that, move the turkey to plastic wrap or foil. Don’t keep it in its original wrapping for more than two days.
• Thaw turkey or poultry inside the fridge, rather than elsewhere in your kitchen.
• Don’t stuff the turkey in advance and then refrigerate it. The core of the turkey is a perfect place for bacteria to grow. Remove all stuffing before refrigerating leftover meats. Keep the stuffing, gravy or broth in a separate container.
• Be careful around the booze. Adults, obviously, should always drink responsibly, but in large gatherings, it’s important to be mindful of small children – particularly those who aren’t afraid to pick up discarded cups left behind by adults. Even a small amount of alcohol can poison a child.
• Also be wary of choking hazards. Peanuts, raisins, hard candies, cocktail sausages and other hors d’oeuvres are tasty additions to any holiday meal, but they can be choking hazards for the littlest partiers. And many pediatricians advise that children under the age of one year avoid nuts, because of the risk of allergies. Keep these foods out of the reach of very young children to prevent a choking incident. 

If you follow these tips, you will surely be on your way to having a wonderful holiday. If you have any concerns or questions regarding poisonings, please do not hesitate to contact us! Commit this number to memory or simply save it in your phone contacts: 1-800-222-1222. We are here when you need us, 24/7.

Be Safe and Don’t Mix Cleaning Supplies

During a pandemic, fears can sometimes get the best of us. Many Americans are cleaning and disinfecting more than ever to ensure they, and their loved ones, stay healthy. Keeping items clean in the home is a good idea but try not to get too creative in how you clean. If you mix certain cleaning supplies, it can be a bad combination. 

While most cleaning products are safe when used as indicated, if they are mixed with other products, it can cause a chemical reaction that can result in potentially toxic fumes and even explosions. Remember to ALWAYS read the label and warnings thoroughly. Here is a list of some household items you should never mix:

1.       Bleach and Ammonia: When these are mixed together, they can produce a toxic gas called chloramine. This toxic gas can cause irritation to your eyes, nose, throat, and lungs and can even be deadly. If you do accidentally mix these two chemicals together, get out of the room immediately and into fresh air and call the poison center right away.

2.       Bleach and Vinegar: Both products are powerful on their own. Mixing bleach and an acid like vinegar can create a chlorine gas that can be very toxic and potentially deadly at high levels. It can cause breathing issues, coughing, and burning/watery eyes.

3.       Baking Soda and Vinegar: While these two chemicals mixed together turn into mostly water, if they were contained in a tight container, they could explode.

4.       Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar: Many people use these two separately to clean fruits and countertops.  What you do not want to do is mix these two chemicals together. By combining them in the same container, it creates a peracetic acid. This toxicity can cause irritation to the lungs, eyes, and nose.

5.       Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol: These two chemicals together cause a nasty chemical called chloroform. It can cause irritation to your nose and eyes and can be a toxic mix. You are probably seeing a theme here: do not mix anything with bleach!

6.       Drain Cleaner and another Drain Cleaner: Never mix two different types of drain cleaners. These are packed with powerful chemicals and if mixed can cause explosive reactions.

7.       Pesticides and Water: Some pesticides, when mixed with water, can create a deadly phosphine gas. Make sure to read the labels when using pesticides and follow the directions carefully. 

There are many other combinations of chemicals that can be harmful.   If you find yourself in a situation where you have mixed chemical agents, either on purpose or by mistake, please do not hesitate to call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222. They can answer your questions or concerns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit their website at www.poisoncontrol.org.

Another Challenge NOT Worth Participating In: The “Fire Challenge”

Recently a new challenge not worth partaking in has been making the rounds on social media called the “fire challenge”. While this challenge is not technically new, since it dates back to 2014, it is starting to make its rounds again.

The challenge consists of individuals pouring a small amount of rubbing alcohol on their bodies and then lighting it on fire, all the while filming the entire event to share on social media channels. Once this happens, the idea is to then quickly extinguish the flames with water.

In late August, a 12-year-old girl from Detroit attempted this challenge and landed herself in the intensive care unit. She lost control of the fire and became engulfed in flames, leaving her with second and third-degree burns covering almost half of her body. She will need multiple surgeries to recover!  This is why the Texas Poison Control Network is urging teens not to participate in this challenge.

This is a dangerous challenge that can cause lifelong effects. Nothing is worth trying to get more followers on social media. Please think safety first!

 

How to Treat a Thermal Burn

Here are some things you can do at home that can help alleviate pain, discomfort and healing for thermal burns!

·         If you are on fire in any way, put the fire out with water, a fire extinguisher, or with a blanket/tarp.   If your clothes caught fire, remove them immediately.

·         Run affected area under cool water or immerse the burned area in cool water.

·         Cover the area with a sterile, non-adhesive bandage or clean cloth. It is best not to apply ointments due to the possibility of infections.

·         To treat pain, take an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen.  Make sure you follow the dosing chart on the medication.

·         If you see signs of redness, swelling, oozing, get a fever or the pain increases, seek immediate medical attention.  Contact poison control for additional information at 1-800-222-1222 or visit our website at www.poisoncontrol.org.

 

Are THC edibles snacks?

 

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) edibles come in many different forms. They can come in the form of cookies, gummies, brownies, chocolates, and many others.  The packaging for these edibles can sometimes resemble brand name snacks and candies we are used to eating. This packaging and product look-a-like can be confusing even to adults. You really have to take a close look at the packaging to even know that it contains THC. 

 

So, are THC edibles snacks?  Can we eat the whole package of cookies or gummies, or the entire chocolate bar?  The answer is No, they are not intended to be snacks. For example, in a package of 20 THC edible gummy bears, each bear is supposed to be “one dose” of THC as per the product label. In a THC edible chocolate bar, the whole bar may be 20 doses of THC, according to the product label.  Therefore, the THC edible chocolate bar must be broken up into 20 pieces, with each piece eaten at a different sitting, according to the label.  Another thing to keep in mind is that THC edibles are not for children! THC consumption by children is illegal in the U.S..  Adults need to treat THC edibles like they treat alcohol or medications.  They should be keep locked up and out of sight from children.  Since these edibles look like normal candies and food items, they can easily be confused by a child and even an adult.   

 

Other things to keep in mind:

THC laws are very different state by state and THC containing products are not legal in all states, like Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, just to name a few.  THC edibles are also not regulated by the FDA

Each THC containing product is supposed to indicate what “a dose” of THC is on the product label.  You must read the product label so that you know the amount of THC you are consuming before you dive into snaking on the whole thing.  That is, assuming the label is accurate…

 

 

 

https://disa.com/maps/marijuana-legality-by-state