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Join IPC Efforts for Illinois Poison Prevention Month
Last Chance - Making a Difference Going Electronic
March 18-24, 2007
Children act fast…and so do poisons. In fact, in the United States, a caregiver calls a poison center every 39 seconds regarding a child exposed to a potential poison. That is why this concept has become the slogan for National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW), which is recognized annually the third week in March. Next year, it will be observed March 18-24, 2007.
However, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) undertakes poison prevention as a year-long endeavor. To better promote poison safety, the IPC will begin recognizing the whole month of March as Poison Prevention Month. The IPC has already begun planning for the 2007 Illinois Poison Prevention Month (IPPM). As always, the goal of this campaign is to increase awareness of poison prevention and IPC services in communities throughout Illinois. Each year, the IPC partners with other health services and community organizations statewide to integrate poison safety messages into their programming. This year these groups include:
• Emergency Medicine Services (EMS) professionals
• School nurses
• Public librarians
• Pharmacy professionals
Anyone interested in sharing poison safety and prevention is welcome to participate. To take advantage of the IPC’s FREE educational materials and presentation tools, visit the Poison Prevention Education Resource Center at www.IllinoisPoisonCenter.org/outreach. Educators can download activity sheets, PowerPoint presentations, a story time tool kit and order materials such as magnets, stickers and fact cards. Place your orders by February 16, 2007, to get them in time for a March event (materials available while supplies last).
Last Chance - Making a Difference Going Electronic
Making a Difference is now
offered in an easy-to-read
electronic format, with links to all
the stories and information
appearing right in your e-mail inbox.
Register for the e-version at: www.mchc.org/IPC/MaD/signup.asp Registered educators also can download a copy of the newsletter from the educator resource center at www.IllinoisPoisonCenter.org/outreach.
THIS WILL BE THE LAST PRINT VERSION OF THE NEWSLETTER.
Good Luck, Kim Cox
Kim Cox, the Illinois Poison Center secretary for more than six years, has left the IPC to pursue other career opportunities. We’d like to thank her for all of her hard work, creative initiatives and contributions which have strengthened the IPC’s education and outreach efforts and provided support to the call center staff. Thank you, Kim, and good luck in all your future endeavors.
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WANTED: Poisoning Stories
Have you heard a heart-warming tale of how the Illinois Poison Center has helped someone? Have you had an experience with the call center that has made a difference in your life? Then we’re looking for you!
The IPC staff is looking for people willing to share their stories and experiences with others. These stories may be used in the consumer newsletter, Poison Prevention, on the IPC Web site or in other marketing materials. Please share your stories with us, so that we can help demonstrate the true importance of the IPC and the services it provides.
Please send all stories to Robin Antognoli at rantogno@ilpoison.org.
Beware of “Easy-to-use” Medications
Article adapted from Toxic Trivia, a publication of the Indiana Poison Center
The cold temperatures of winter bring with them all sorts of illnesses and ailments, from the common cold to the flu to arthritis aches and pains. And drug companies are making it even easier to get the relief we need by making medicines in “easy-to-use” formats. However, the Illinois Poison Center encourages educators to inform parents, caregivers and adults who take medications about the potential dangers associated with some of these medicines.
Tylenol® eZ Tabs
Extra Strength Tylenol® is now available in a different form: Tylenol® eZ Tabs. They are described as being “an improved, ergonomically designed pill that is smaller, has a great, sweet taste, and goes down easily with or without water.” This medication, when used according to manufacturer’s directions, is a safe and effective form of pain relief for adults.
However, the New Jersey Poison Control Center has reported a child who opened a container of Tylenol® Extra Strength “eZ” tabs and developed serious toxicity. The 3-year-old girl was estimated to have eaten 15 of the tablets, which are small, bright red, candy coated, and easy to swallow.
These tabs come in a non-child resistant container which has a special “eZ to open” cap. These tablets should be stored in locked cabinets, away from young children.
Meltaways®
Children’s Tylenol Meltaways® come in many kid-friendly flavors including Wacky Watermelon and Bubblegum Burst. Meltaways®, as the name suggest, melt in the mouth and require no spoon or water. Other similar medications include Benadryl Allergy Quick Dissolve Strips®, Sudafed PE Quick Dissolve Strips® and Chloraseptic Relief Strips®.
The convenience of these medicines may be appealing, but these types of products pose a risk of poisoning if it falls into the hands of young children. Always lock medicines away from children, and never call medicine candy.
Daytrana®
Daytrana® is a new non-oral medication designed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children ages 6-12. The product consists of a patch, which is applied to the hip area and provides medicine continuously.
Parents should be aware that external sources of heat, such as heating pads, waterbeds, etc., increase the amount of medication release, possibly causing toxicity for the child wearing it. Daytrana® should be disposed of carefully after use so siblings or pets cannot access them.
As always, questions or concerns about these products should be directed to Illinois Poison Center specialists at 1-800-222-1222.
Article adapted from Toxic Trivia, a publication of the Indiana Poison Center.
Copyright 2006 by the Illinois Poison Center,All rights reserved.
222 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 1900, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
Phone: Tel: 312-627-8006. TDD: 312-906-6185. Fax: 312-906-6185.
www.illinoisposioncenter.org