The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than 3 billion needles and other sharps are used in homes across the United States every year. Yet after being used, many sharps end up in home or public trash cans, or flushed down toilets, instead of being disposed of properly. Here’s a list of the dos and don’ts of proper sharps disposal:
Do:
Immediately place used sharps in a sharps disposal container to reduce the risk of needle-sticks, cuts or punctures from loose sharps.
If a sharps disposal container is not available an alternative would be to use a heavy-duty plastic household container. The container should be leak-resistant, remain upright during use and have a tight fitting, puncture-resistant lid, such as a plastic laundry detergent container.
Call your local trash or public health department to find out about sharps disposal programs in your area.
Follow your community guidelines for getting rid of your sharps disposal container.
Do Not:
Throw loose sharps into the trash.
Flush sharps down the toilet.
Put sharps in a recycling bin (they are not recyclable).
Try to remove, bend, break or recap sharps used by another person.
Attempt to remove a needle without a needle clipper device.
By following these dos and don’ts you’ll lower the risk of needle stick injuries or infection with viruses such as Hepatitis B and C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Today, November 17, marks the American Cancer Society’s 36th Great American Smokeout. Take a moment to encourage a smoker to make a plan to quit, or even go for the gusto and make a pact to quit today.
Quitting smoking is an important step towards a healthier life. Tobacco use is the largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S. It makes you wonder why more than 46 million Americans are still smoking. It may not be easy to quit smoking, but with the proper help and support system you can successfully do it.
To learn about the available tools to quit, call the American Cancer Society at 800.227.2345.
Year after year thousands of children are hospitalized, or even die, from taking medicine that is not intended for them. To a toddler those colorful pills may resemble candy. To a teen prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs could be the big hit at a party.
Prescription and OTC medicine can be as harmful as using illegal drugs. Take a preventative measure and lock up your prescription and OTC drugs. Check out this Consumer Update video from FDA pharmacist Connie Jung for more info:
It’s only the start of the 2011 hurricane season, and while we hope for the best, it’s wise to prepare for the worst. Here are five hurricane safety tips to help you prepare in the event of a hurricane.
2. Watch the weather – the most dangerous storm is the one that’s unexpected. If you’re tracking the weather you’ll know when and where (or where not) to go.
3. Shield your windows – whether you choose to stay or leave your home you need to barricade your windows. Take advantage of “hurricane shutters” or plywood. Anything that is not tied down should be brought inside as well (furniture, decorations, garbage cans, etc.).
4. Make a family plan – a simple, thought out plan will help keep your family organized. This plan should incorporate nearby families and friends too. Have an escape route. Have a meeting place. Have a means of communication.
5. After it’s over, be careful – once a hurricane moves on it doesn’t mean all is safe and sound. There are ramifications whether it is environmental hazards, physical or emotional trauma.
Its summer and it’s hot! One of the season’s most popular pastimes is swimming. There are a few basic safety tips that you should follow whether you are in, or around, water.
Make Water Safety Your Priority
Swim in an area that is supervised by a lifeguard
Use the buddy system, never swim alone
Learn how to swim
Do not leave children unattended by water
Have inexperienced swimmers wear a life jacket
Establish and enforce rules based on each person’s abilities
Be aware of your surroundings even if you do not plan on swimming
Every parent is no doubt proud of their child. Some parents may even think their child is gifted. There are some developmental guidelines that often indicate giftedness in children. Check out these signs to take note of.
Retains Information – actually retains a wide variety of information and is able to recall it at a later time.
Variety of Interests – displays an interest in an array of topics.
Writes and Reads Early – having the ability to read and write early on without formal teaching.
Musically or Artistically Talented – drawing things to perspective, has perfect pitch, or other higher art perception.
Periods of Intense Concentration – gifted children are able to have longer periods of intense concentration.
Great Memory – some gifted children are able to recall events (unprovoked) from when they were much younger.
Advanced Vocabulary – learning to speak early on is one sign, as well as a child who has a vast vocabulary and is speaking in complete, detailed sentences.
Detail Oriented – a keen eye for detail such as returning things to exactly where they retrieved them from or noticing if something is out of place.
Self-Critical – gifted children are often most critical of themselves.
Complex Understanding – Highly intelligent young ones are often able to understand complex concepts, perceive relationships, and think abstractly as well as consider solutions.
Today, Wednesday, May 11, 2011 is National School Nurse Day and this year’s theme is “Vision, Voice, Visibility: Setting Sail Toward Healthy Horizons”. It’s no secret school nurses work very hard with limited recourses. It’s also no surprise that school nurses show a reflection of the overall positive impact on the health and well-being of [...]
Tomorrow, May 11, 2011, is National School Nurse Day. Have you thought about how you’re going to show appreciation to the School Nurse in your life? Here are a couple of ideas if you’re stumped: send an official NASN School Nurse Day postcard to your favorite school nurse. Post the official NASN “Meet Your School [...]
