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November Safety Newsletter (Sign up here to get upcoming newsletters - FREE!)

ER Visits from (Legal) Drug Reactions

According to a report by the CDC, hundreds of thousands of people are taken to emergency rooms every year as a result of allergic reactions or unintentional overdoses of prescribed medications. These hospitalizations include the reactions as well as the accidents they caused.

Doctors say the problem will only increase because people are aging, chronic illness is more frequent and patients are taking an increasing number of drugs for multiple conditions. Other factors that could contribute to the problem are the increase in the number of people taking nutritional supplements that have potential side effects and patients who see multiple doctors for different medical problems.

  • Overall, doctors, pharmacists and researchers say the best way to make sure you or someone in your family is protected is to take charge.
  • Read all labels and pamphlets thoroughly. If you don’t receive anything beyond the label, ask the pharmacist for more printed information.
  • List all medications and supplements (including dosages) and review them once a year with your physician’s office and/or your pharmacist.
  • Even if you are taking a generic drug, get the brand name. Much more information is available for brand names on the internet and you can also call the 800 number for the company that makes the drug.
  • Pay attention to expiration dates and storage recommendations. And NEVER discard unused medication in a waste basket where children or animals could access it. Flushing them down the toilet is a much safer alternative.

One of the best resources I found for drug information was the patient area at the Physicians’ Desk Reference web site. You can do a simple search on most medications and get lots of helpful information.

Good News About Teen Risk Taking

A new study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention says high school students throughout the United States are taking fewer risks. The National Youth Risk Behavior Survey is conducted every two years during the spring semester and asks 9th through 12th grade students about a variety of risky behaviors.

The report doesn’t include any possible reasons for these changes but stepped up educational efforts about the dangers of these risky behaviors may be paying off. Here are the comparisons between 1991 and 2005:


Risky Behavior 1991 2005
Rarely or never wore a seatbelt 25.9% 10.2%
Rode with a driver who had been drinking 39.9% 28.5%
Carried a weapon 26.1% 18.5%
Had been in a physical fight 42.5% 35.9%
Currently use cigarettes 27.5% 23.0%
Currently use alcohol 50.8% 43.3%

 

Not all risky behavior showed the same declines. Marijuana, cocaine and steroid use have increased during the measurement period. And, although it is not mentioned in the survey above, a large increase in the number of teens and tweens abusing over the counter cold medications has been reported in recent years. For more information on teen safety visit the CDC’s web site at http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/.

Emergency Contacts Profile Tip

Be sure to let your designated contacts know you've included them in your plan. A quick email or phone call letting them know you've enrolled and included them in the profile may save confusion later. Be aware that some people may surprise you and say they don't think they can handle the responsibility. Click here to see other helpful tips.


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