Penny Wise and Pound Foolish
A decision to cut federal poison center funding is penny wise and pound foolish… “Penny-wise and Pound Foolish” refers to unwise thrift, “like the man who lost his horse from his penny wisdom in saving...
View ArticleIt’s Illinois Poison Prevention Month!
Poisoning still remains a very serious public health problem in the United States. People encounter poisonous and toxic substances in their homes, communities, and work environments every day. Did you...
View ArticleThe Latest Buzz about Kids, Teens and Caffeinated Energy Drinks
If that second cup of coffee you just had doesn’t keep you awake tonight, here’s something that might. A recent issue of Pediatrics reviewed the effects of caffeine and energy drinks on children,...
View Article“These Darn Safety Caps Are A Pain In The…”
I can bet most of us have probably cursed and moaned while struggling to open a container with a “child-resistant” cap. Have you ever wondered how these enclosures came to be and if they’re really...
View ArticleOutdoor Summer Safety
Temperatures are warm, the sun is shining and kids are out of school. Summertime is “outside time”, so read on for tips to keep your family safe while outdoors! Plants and Mushrooms Learn the names of...
View ArticleMuch To Be Thankful For…
The Illinois Poison Center has much to be thankful for. The IPC is very grateful for the support that readers of our blog, Facebook page members, educators, volunteers, Twitter followers, students,...
View ArticleDo the Math: Back to School Statistics
23 percent of teens report taking prescription pain relievers not prescribed to them. As a medical toxicologist, I see the effects of prescription pain medication abuse in teens and young adults on a...
View ArticleToo Much of A Good Thing…
Making sense of new voluntary dosing guidelines on acetaminophen containing products: Minimizing liver damage associated with a common medicine. Acetaminophen is one of the most common over-the-counter...
View Article“My Child Ate… Nature!”
Bleeeaaauuugghh!! Nasty!!! Eeeeeewwww!! How many times have you squealed aloud after discovering your child has recently delved into what they believe to be a culinary delight but you know to be just...
View Article“My Child Ate…!” Honorable Mentions
There are just way too many “My Child Ate…” scenarios for us to write about! However here are a few honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the “My Child Ate…” series but are just as important: “My...
View ArticleTricky Treats to Avoid This Halloween
A common Halloween concern, aside from the occasional ghoul and goblin, is the possibility of a child or family member being exposed to tainted candy. However, we recently came across some products and...
View ArticleSmall Stocking Stuffers Can Spell BIG Trouble
With all the fun and excitement of gift shopping and exchanging this holiday season, it is easy to buy the coolest toys and games, but some of them may be dangerous in small hands. We want to point...
View ArticleDon’t Make Me Puke!!
Why you should never ever induce vomiting The first 5 years I worked at the IPC, I was a CSPI and answered calls from the general public and health care professionals. I would always joke with my...
View ArticleHot Dogs, Button Batteries, and Pediatric ER Visits
The IPC wrote a blog several months ago on the potential dangers of button batteries during the past holiday season. As an update, a new study recently published in Pediatrics, shows that ER visits...
View ArticleThe Infamous Words…“My Child Ate…”
As an experienced babysitter/nanny and parent of a toddler, we’ve seen young children eat or get into everything from crayons to lotions to poop! The first reaction is usually…OMG; then “what should I...
View ArticleWhat’s Lurking in Your Child’s Daycare Center?
On January 1, a new law regarding radon testing went into effect. The new legislation amends the Child Care Act of 1969 to require radon testing of licensed daycare centers, daycare homes, and group...
View ArticleHalloween Health Safety Tips: How To Have A Safe and Spooky Good Time
Halloween is just around the corner and little ghosts and goblins everywhere are gearing up for this night of fright! But parents BEWARE! As we begin to get into the spirit of Halloween, here are some...
View ArticleWater-Related Illness: Chemicals and Germs in the Pool
With Labor Day quickly approaching, many families will enjoy one last poolside outing before summer ends. Unfortunately for nervous swimmers, while the iconic music from the 1975 film Jaws can be...
View ArticleLose Harmful Bacteria—Not Your Appetite—This Holiday Season
‘Tis the season for family, friends, fun, and . . . food poisoning (ewww). For some unfortunate merrymakers, holiday feasts will start in the dining room and end in the bathroom. In fact, the Centers...
View ArticleUh Oh! I shouldn’t have put that . . . in my mouth (part 3). . . Pediatric...
After a long winter and a rainy spring, summertime in Illinois is great time of year. Picnics, BBQ, hiking, festivals and lots of outdoor fun with friends and family make the Prairie State the place...
View ArticleCannabis: Vaping 101
I was going to title this “Vaping THC for Dummies,” but I thought it may be offensive to some and instructional to others. Frankly, until people started getting sick from what the Centers for Disease...
View ArticleApril Showers Bring May Flowers – Spring Lawn and Garden Safety Tips
Spring in Illinois is a joyous time after months of winter grey. The warm sun, chirping birds and emerging flowers bring a feeling of rebirth to the state. With the first signs of warmth, many people...
View ArticleSummertime Parties and (Fake) Prescription Pills
Summer is here! Concerts, county fairs and parties are back after more than a year of social distancing and isolation. For some people, the recreational use and misuse of prescription medications is...
View ArticlePreventing accidental childhood poisoning: Looking back on 60 years of progress
Sixty years ago, on February 7, 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed Proclamation 3449 declaring the observation of the very first National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) beginning on March 18th that...
View ArticleFive do’s and don’ts to avoid food poisoning
It has been a long winter and most Illinoisans are ready for summer and back yard barbeque season. This summer will be a time for many of us to reconnect with family and friends with large gatherings,...
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