“Do Nothing and Nothing Will Happen”
By Tony Burda, DABAT and Grazina Janeliauskaite, Pharm.D. Student In 1999, while I (Tony) was training a brand new specialist who had just starting working at the Illinois Poison Center, he listened...
View Article“All I Did Was Go To The Bathroom And…”
By Tony No, this is not our attempt to make shameless PG-rated “bathroom humor.” I haven’t conducted any studies nor am I equipped with any concrete statistics; all I have is my 30 years of...
View ArticleHappy Halloween: Boo!…not Boo-Hoo.
By Art Kubic, PharmD and IPC Call Center Specialist It’s that time of year again! Fall is finally here. Time for pumpkins, corn mazes, apple cider, leaves (and the subsequent raking/leaf blowing), and...
View ArticleBeware of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Extreme Weather
Every year like clockwork, the Illinois Poison Center sends out safety messages on how to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning during the fall and winter months. Since the heater was on in my house last...
View ArticleDon’t Tolerate Toxic Toasts by Toddlers this Holiday Season
At the stroke of midnight on Friday, December 31st, many of us will be ringing in 2011 with the familiar phrase “happy new year!” while sipping our favorite alcoholic beverages. However, being...
View ArticleA Year in Review: Children’s OTC Cough & Cold Products Label Changes
Hopefully you’re not home reading our blog with thermometer in mouth, feet soaking in hot water, lemon tea brewing on the stove, fighting off the nasty bug that you or your kids picked up at work or...
View ArticleDon’t Eat the Toothpaste!
Have you ever noticed the bold statement on the label of your toothpaste tube: “WARNING: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing,...
View ArticleYou’re a mean one…Mr. Yuk!
Mr. Yuk is green, Mr. Yuk is mean! The logo and the saying are a part of poison prevention lore. Created in Pittsburgh in 1971 (yes, 2011 is the 40th anniversary of the iconic logo), it was to...
View ArticlePenny 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...
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