Beautiful Blooms, Hidden Risks: What to Know About Popular Flowers and Plants

 

Fresh flowers and houseplants can brighten up any space, but some common favorites come with important safety concerns—especially for pets. Here is what you need to know about three popular plants often found in homes, bouquets, and gardens. 

 Lilies: Lovely but Lethal for Cats 

Photo by Linsheng He on Unsplash

Lilies have a long and beautiful history. In Greek mythology, lilies were believed to be born of the milk of the goddess Hera. In Christian art, the lily is linked to the Virgin Mary and symbolizes purity and virtue. One of the oldest known lilies, the Madonna lily, dates back over 3,000 years. However, despite their symbolism, many lilies are  extremely dangerous for cats. 

• Animals affected: Cats only 

• Toxic effect: Severe kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) 

• How dangerous? Eating as few as two leaves can be fatal 

• Early signs: Vomiting and heavy drooling 

Lilies that are toxic to cats include: 

• Asiatic lily 

• Oriental lily 

• Stargazer lily 

• Easter lily 

Not all plants called “lilies” are true lilies. Plants like peace lily, day lily, water lily, and lily-of-the-valley belong to different plant families and have different risks, but they should still be kept away from pets. 

 Roses: Mostly Safe, With a Catch 

Photo by Wyxina Tresse on Unsplash

Roses have been admired for millions of years—fossils show they existed 30 million years ago. They were cherished by the Romans and first cultivated in China during the Chou Dynasty. Good news: roses themselves are not poisonous. But there are a few things to keep in mind: 

• Thorns can cause cuts and infections 

• Pesticide residues on roses may irritate skin or trigger allergic reactions 

Common pesticides found on roses include triazoles, pyrethroids, organophosphates, carbamates, and strobilurins. Florists and frequent handlers may notice skin irritation over time. 

 Philodendrons: Popular Houseplants with a Bite 

Philodendrons come from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Their name means “lover of trees.” They are often recommended for beginners because they are easy to care for—but they are not harmless. 

• Contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are needle-shaped 

• Can cause swelling, drooling, and trouble speaking if swallowed 

• Skin or eye contact may lead to redness and irritation 

Photo by feey on Unsplash

When the Unexpected Happens 

If you think a child, pet, or adult has been exposed to a toxic plant—or if you just have a question—help is always available. 

📞 Call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 Free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week A little knowledge can help keep your home both beautiful and safe.

Holiday Hustle: Keep Your Home Safe This Season

 The holidays are here — a season filled with cooking, decorating, and gathering with loved ones. But between the baking sheets and the gift wrap, it’s easy to forget a few key safety steps that keep your home and family healthy. 

The 4 C's of Food Safety Whether you’re preparing your first feast or your fiftieth, the secret to a successful holiday meal is food safety. Remember the 4 C's: 

Clean: Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces often. 

Cook: Use a food thermometer to ensure meat reaches safe internal temperatures. 

Clear: Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods to prevent cross-contamination. 

Call: When in doubt about food safety or any possible poisoning, call the poison center at 1- 800-222-1222. 

Each step matters — they work together to help you enjoy your meal safely and confidently. For more details, check out our full food safety guide. 

Cleaning Safely for the Holidays 

A sparkling home sets the tone for celebration. Whether you’re wiping, scrubbing, or disinfecting, knowing what products to use — and how — makes all the difference. 

• Soap and water are great for everyday cleaning. 

• Sanitizing reduces germs to a safe level. 

• Disinfecting kills most viruses and bacteria on surfaces. 

Not sure what your home needs? Visit our holiday cleaning guide for easy step-by-step advice. 

Create a Safe and Welcoming Home 

Before guests arrive, take a few minutes to do a quick safety walk-through of your home: 

• Store cleaning and bathroom products up high and out of reach of children and pets. 

• Keep garage chemicals clearly labeled and securely closed. 

• Put alcoholic beverages away when not in use — never leave them where children or pets can reach. 

• Remember: even festive touches like poinsettias and mistletoe can be toxic if ingested. Learn more about these and other seasonal hazards on our Toxic Topics page. 

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• When the Unexpected Happens 

• Accidents can happen — even during the happiest times of the year. If you suspect poisoning or have a question about a product, help is always available. 

  Call the poison center anytime at 1-800-222-1222 — free, confidential, and open 24/7. 

  Stay safe, celebrate smart, and enjoy every moment of your holiday season! 

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Propranolol: The “Calm Pill” Everyone’s Talking About — What You Need to Know

 

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok, listening to podcasts, or chatting with friends about ways to beat stage fright or calm your nerves, you’ve probably heard the word “propranolol.” This decades-old prescription drug is suddenly in the spotlight — but it’s not new at all. In fact, propranolol has been helping people manage heart issues since the 1960s. Let’s break down what this drug actually does, why it’s trending, and what you should know before you even think about trying it. 

Photo by: Kaboompics.com

 What Is Propranolol?

 Propranolol is a beta-blocker, meaning it works on the body’s sympathetic nervous system — the part of your body that handles your “fight or flight” response. It was first developed by British scientist Sir James Black in the 1960s and quickly became a game-changer for heart health. Doctors typically prescribe propranolol for conditions such as:

• Angina (chest pain) 
• Irregular or fast heartbeats (tachyarrhythmias)
• Preventing heart attacks 
• Migraine prevention
• Restless leg syndrome

• Hyperthyroid-related symptoms

 

Why People Are Taking It for Anxiety 

One of the biggest reasons propranolol has resurfaced in pop culture is its off-label use for performance anxiety. Musicians, public speakers, and students have quietly used propranolol for decades to take the edge off symptoms like: 

• Racing heart 

• Sweaty palms

• Facial flushing

 As far back as 1978, pharmacy students reported using it before presentations. More recently, social media influencers and celebrities have made it part of the conversation again. Here’s the catch: propranolol isn’t actually FDA-approved to treat anxiety. That’s because no large-scale clinical trial has been done to prove its effectiveness for this purpose. Trials are expensive and time-consuming, and because propranolol is already a low-cost generic medication, there’s little financial incentive for drug makers to fund new studies. 

 How Propranolol Works 

Photo by: Niklas Jeromin

Think of propranolol as a “mute button” for your heart’s stress response. It blocks beta-1 receptors found in your heart’s pacemaker cells (sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes). The result? A lower heart rate and less oxygen demand — meaning your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. Propranolol also affects beta-2 receptors in the smooth muscles of your airways and blood vessels. This can slightly narrow airways, which is why people with asthma or breathing issues must be extra careful — it can even interfere with emergency medications like epinephrine.

 Risks and Side Effects You Should Know About 

Even though propranolol sounds like a “miracle pill” for nerves, it’s not risk-free. Common side effects include:

 • Fatigue

 • Nightmares

 • Cold hands or feet 

More serious concerns, such as an increased risk of blood clots, have been flagged in some research. And remember taking too much propranolol can lead to dangerously low heart rates, blood pressure drops, and even bronchospasms or breathing difficulties. 

 The Bottom Line

 Propranolol may seem like a simple fix for stage fright or big presentations, but it’s still a prescription medication with real risks. Always talk to your healthcare provider before using it — especially if you have asthma, low blood pressure, or other health concerns. This isn’t a new “miracle trend” — just an old heart drug getting a lot of new attention.

Photo by: Fotos

If you suspect you are having a poison emergency, or you have a poison question, please call us at 1-800-222-1222.

Keeping South Texas Safe: The South Texas Poison Center at Your Service 

 The South Texas Poison Center (STPC) is here to help you stay safe with our 24/7 hotline (1-800-222-1222), free educational resources, and expert advice. Founded in 1995, we serve 47 counties across South Texas, helping both the public and healthcare providers with everything from poison information to prevention tips. Our team of certified Specialists in Poison Information (SPIs) — including nurses, pharmacists, and physicians — is always ready to assist, and many of them speak Spanish to better serve our diverse community. Prevention is a big part of what we do. We’re dedicated to reaching as many people as possible, whether through educational materials, health fairs, school programs, or community outreach. By partnering with local organizations and offering culturally relevant resources, we make sure that everyone in our region knows how to prevent poisoning and what to do in case of an emergency. Whether you need advice or just want to learn more, we’ve got you covered!

FDA Finds Low Levels of Cesium-137 in Imported Shrimp — Here’s What You Need to Know

In August, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it had detected a small amount of Cesium-137 in one shipment of frozen shrimp imported from Indonesia. Currently, the FDA has classified this as a “potential health concern.” 

So, what exactly is Cesium-137? 

It’s a radioactive substance that’s mainly a byproduct of nuclear power production. It’s also sometimes used in specialized medical and industrial equipment. While long-term, repeated exposure to Cesium-137 can raise the risk of cancer, the levels found in this shipment were low. 

To put it in perspective 

• The shipment contained 68 becquerels per kilogram of Cesium-137 (that’s how radioactivity is measured). 
• The FDA safety limit is 1,200 becquerels per kilogram — meaning the amount found was far below the threshold for danger. 
• In fact, it’s about the same amount of natural Cesium-137 you’d find in a banana. 

Why might Cesium-137 show up in the environment at all? Decades-old nuclear testing and accidents like Chernobyl left trace amounts in soil and water worldwide. That’s why tiny, harmless levels can sometimes be detected in food products. The bottom line: The FDA acted quickly, the shrimp never entered the U.S. food supply, and there’s no risk to consumers. 

 What You Can Do 

•  Buy from trusted sources: Stick with well-known grocery stores and brands that follow FDA guidelines. 
• Check FDA recall alerts: Visit FDA.gov to stay updated on recalls.

Poison Center Spotlight

Since its establishment in 1959, the Southeast Texas Poison Center has been a vital pillar in public health, evolving to serve 28 counties in the region. Staffed with a dedicated team of nurses, pharmacists, and medical doctors, the center is equipped to provide crucial poison information and assistance to community members facing poison-related emergencies. From drug and plant information to snake and chemical inquiries, drug identification, and general medical guidance, the center is a comprehensive hub for health and safety. In 2023 alone, the center fielded an impressive 46,769 calls from both community members and first responders.

Cannabis and Seniors: What to Know Before You Try It

 

More adults over 50 are using cannabis — and not just for fun. A 2024 National Poll on Healthy Aging from the University of Michigan found that older adults use cannabis in many forms:

• Smoking it
• Drinking it in tea or other drinks
• Eating edibles (like gummies or cookies)
• Rubbing it on the skin as creams or lotions

Why do people use it?

• To relax or feel good (81%)
• To help with sleep (68%)
• To ease pain (63%)
• To cope with stress, anxiety, or depression (53%)

Cannabis can help in some cases — but there are important safety tips, especially for older adults.

Cannabis Use Is Growing — and So Are ER Visits

From 2005 to 2019, California saw a 1,804% increase in cannabis-related emergency room visits. Most of the increase was among people ages 50–64.

One reason is that cannabis is now legal in many states. This can make it seem harmless. But today’s cannabis often has much higher THC — the chemical that makes you feel “high” — than it did decades ago.

Edibles: Easy to Overdo

Edibles (like gummies, brownies, or chocolates) can take longer to work than smoking. This delay can cause people to take more than they should. Too much can cause:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Fast heart rate

Watch Out for Medication Mix-Ups

Cannabis can interact with both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. This can increase side effects like dizziness, confusion, and even dangerous falls.

Common prescriptions that may interact with cannabis:

• Anti-anxiety medicines
• Sedatives (help you sleep)
• Pain medicines
• Blood thinners (help prevent clots)

Over-the-counter medicines to use with caution:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Allergy medicines (antihistamines)
• Cold medicines with pseudoephedrine
• Melatonin

Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before mixing cannabis with other medicines.

Driving Safety

Some older adults report driving within two hours of using cannabis. Experts say that’s risky. Cannabis can slow how fast you react and affect judgment.

Health tip: Wait at least 4–6 hours before driving after using cannabis.

Bottom Line

Cannabis may help some older adults, but it’s not risk-free.

• Talk to your healthcare provider first.
• Start with a low dose.
• Go slow — especially with edibles.
• Never assume “natural” means “safe.”

With the right information, you can make choices that help you stay healthy and safe.

Don't Wait- Call Now

If you think someone has been exposed to a poison, don't wait. Call the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. For unconsciousness, breathing difficulties, or seizures, dial 911.

With expert guidance, multilingual support, and round-the-clock availability, the TPCN is a trusted lifeline for every Texan.