Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished holidays of the year, a time to gather with family and friends, share food, and create lasting memories around the dinner table. While the festive spirit fills the air, ensuring safety in the kitchen is just as important as perfecting your holiday meal. Between roasting the turkey, preparing side dishes, and handling leftovers, there are several steps to protect your guests from foodborne illnesses and kitchen mishaps. With these simple safety tips, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free Thanksgiving filled with good food and great company.
Texas Poison Center Network
The Texas Poison Center blog is here to provide useful information and tips on dealing with toxins and poisons that we are sometimes unintentionally exposed to in or out of the home. This blog is not meant to replace calling a Poison Control Center. Poison centers offer free medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.
Friday, November 8, 2024
Essential Tips for Safe and Delicious Thanksgiving Cooking
Monday, October 21, 2024
Halloween Safety: Enjoying Treats with Peace of Mind
As October arrives, the excitement of Halloween fills the
air! While spooky myths and fun decorations set the scene, it's essential to
keep safety in mind. The Texas Poison Center Network offers some invaluable
tips to ensure that your family can enjoy Halloween treats without a worry.
Choose Age-Appropriate Treats
When selecting candy, always consider your child's age.
Small candies can be a choking hazard, and some treats may even contain spicy
ingredients that could upset a young digestive system. Keeping their safety in
mind helps ensure a fun-filled Halloween!
Avoid Homemade Goodies
While homemade treats may be tempting, it's best to steer
clear. Knowing exactly what your child is consuming is crucial. Always read
ingredient labels to identify potential allergens and avoid any surprises.
Inspect Before Indulging
Before your child digs into their haul, take a moment to
inspect their treats. With so many look-alike products on the market today,
it’s easy to mistake THC gummies or adult vitamins for kid-friendly candy.
Ensuring that all items are safe is a must for worry-free enjoyment.
The Texas Poison Center Network is here to support you,
offering free and confidential advice 24/7, including holidays. If you ever
find yourself facing a poisoning emergency or have questions, don’t hesitate to
reach out to their toll-free number: 1-800-222-1222.
With these tips in mind, your Halloween can be filled with
treats, fun, and most importantly, safety! Enjoy the festivities!
Monday, September 2, 2024
Poison Safety Tips for New Parents
According to the CDC, a baby is considered a newborn until they reach the two-month milestone. At this stage, a new baby begins to wake up its motor system and learn to respond to external stimuli. In the latter part of this stage, a newborn will start to squeal and laugh. Since newborns are not as mobile as older infants, you may believe they are safe from accidental poisonings. However, it is essential to think about poison safety at every stage of life, even during these early months when your baby is just beginning to explore the world.
Prevention
Prevention is a key part of poison safety. Before you bring your newborn home, take the time to assess your living space and ensure the areas your baby will inhabit are clear of items that could be harmful if touched or spilled on by your baby. This includes everyday items like creams, lotions, and medications, which may seem harmless but can pose a significant risk.
Medication bottles are particularly dangerous to have around your newborn. As your baby grows, they will begin to develop the ability to grip and hold onto objects. Medication bottles should never be used as a toy or rattle to distract a baby. Poison centers have received numerous calls about babies accidentally ingesting or choking on pills. Even if a medication bottle is labeled "tamper-proof," this does not guarantee that babies and children will not be able to open it. It's crucial to store all medications well out of reach and sight of young children.
If your newborn is sent home with a medication treatment plan, it is important that one person is designated to administer these medications. Consistency is key to ensuring the correct dosages are given at the right times. If the medication schedule changes or a new person is tasked with giving the baby the medication, this should be clearly communicated to everyone involved in the baby's care to avoid any confusion or mistakes.
It is also important to note that siblings should never be in charge of giving the baby medication. Additionally, siblings should not be left alone to care for a newborn baby. All children in the home should be within sight of an adult at all times to ensure the safety of the newborn.
Preparation
Although we all hope to never face a poison emergency, it is crucial to be prepared for this scenario. Start by making sure you post the poison center number in a visible space in your home. Everyone in the household should know where to find this number. The Texas Poison Network offers magnets and stickers with the poison center number at no cost, which can be placed on your refrigerator or another easily accessible location. You can request these free items here.
In addition to having the number posted, be sure to program the poison emergency line into your cell phone. The 1-800-222-1222 number is free to call and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Having this number readily available can make a significant difference in an emergency, providing you with immediate access to professional advice and assistance.
By taking these simple yet crucial steps in prevention and preparation, you can help ensure that your home is a safe environment for your newborn and be ready to act quickly in the event of an emergency.
Thursday, July 25, 2024
The Hidden Dangers of Hair and Nail Products
So, what does this mean for our health? The good news is
that the amount of these toxins absorbed after a single use hair dye or nail application
is likely low. But the bad news is that many of us use these products
regularly, and over time, the exposures begin to add up.
So, how can we protect ourselves from these exposures?
- Read labels carefully: Look for certification like EWG verified (Environment Working Group) which means that products meet certain safety standards.
- Use products in well-ventilated areas: When using hair and nail products, do so in a well-ventilated space to minimize the amount of vapor you inhale.
- Don't overdo it: Try to limit your use of toxic products, use them responsibly or find safer alternatives, if possible.
If any products are swallowed, inhaled or have contacted skin or eyes, contact the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 for advice.
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Cannabis was Different Back Then
Have you ever heard a person muse about how marijuana is
not the same? According to various research studies, they may be right. Cannabis
plants, primarily categorized into Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa
subspecies, exhibit variations in potency and chemical composition. Cannabis
Sativa, favored in street markets, typically contains higher levels of
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component responsible for the
plant's intoxicating effects. Studies conducted since the 1970s have
demonstrated a global increase in cannabis potency, resulting in amplified THC
concentrations. Consequently, users may experience heightened symptoms
associated with THC, such as diminished inhibitions, heightened anxiety, and an
elevated risk of psychotic episodes.
While cannabis possesses potential risks, it is also a complex plant
boasting over 400 chemical compounds. These compounds undergo alterations
during the drying and heating process, notably yielding d-9-THC and cannabidiol
(CBD). Although
these components are created from the same plant, they have startlingly
different effects on the body. Whereas THC may increase anxiety and contribute to psychotic
symptoms, CBD is renowned for its calming properties and ability to alleviate
psychotic episodes. Moreover, other constituents of the Cannabis Sativa plant
offer potential health benefits. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), for instance,
is believed to aid in appetite suppression and enhance glycemic control,
highlighting the multifaceted nature of cannabis.
In essence, the interplay of various chemical components within cannabis
highlights the complexity of its effects on the human body. As research
continues to uncover the intricacies of marijuana's composition and its impact
on health, it becomes increasingly important to approach its consumption with
awareness and caution.
For poison questions or poison emergencies call 1-800-222-1222.
If you are having difficulty breathing or you see a person down, and not breathing, call 911.
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Navigating Spring: Beware of Stinging Caterpillars
As the warmth of spring envelops the air and draws us outdoors, we're not the only ones venturing into the sunshine. Along sidewalks and up oak trees, you may have noticed tiny balls of fuzz scurrying about. These are none other than caterpillars, eagerly seeking a spot to pupate. However, amidst their seemingly innocent appearance lies a potential hazard: the stinging caterpillars of Texas.
Identifying the Culprits
Texas is home to six types of stinging caterpillars: the buck moth caterpillar, spiny oak caterpillar, hickory tussock moth caterpillar, saddleback caterpillar, io moth caterpillar, and the notorious asp caterpillar. While these caterpillars may appear fuzzy and charming, their seemingly harmless exteriors belie a hidden danger. Covered in hair-like spines connected to poison glands, these creatures inject venom when their spines encounter skin.
Seasonal Encounter Patterns
Data from the Texas Poison Network indicates that encounters with stinging caterpillars are most prevalent from spring through late fall. The frequency of encounters tends to spike in early spring, peaking in July, and again in October and November. Found primarily in heavily wooded areas, these caterpillars favor trees such as oak, pecan, elm, and blackberry.
Managing Encounters
Despite their menacing reputation, encounters with stinging caterpillars seldom result in serious issues or fatalities. Approximately eighty-nine percent of symptoms reported to the Texas Poison Center
Network are related to dermal issues and can typically be managed at home. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, numbness, intense itching, and burning at the sting site.
First-Aid Measures
If you find yourself on the unfortunate end of a stinging caterpillar encounter, swift action can help alleviate discomfort. Begin by removing the stinger using tape applied to the sting site. Once the stinger is removed, wash the affected area with soap and water. Applying an ice pack can help reduce swelling, while taking an oral antihistamine can provide relief from itching.
As you enjoy outdoor activities this spring, remain vigilant and mindful of these stinging caterpillars. With caution and preparedness, you can enjoy the beauty of nature while avoiding potential encounters with these prickly adversaries.
For poison questions or poison emergencies call 1-800-222-1222.
If you are having difficulty breathing or you see a person down, and not breathing, call 911.