Nurse’s Notes
March 2012
Did you know that daffodils can be toxic to dogs? It is not uncommon for dogs to eat grass, however, keep him away from all parts of this spring plant. After ingesting either the bulb, leaves or flower, he can develop signs of poisoning – diarrhea, vomiting, staggering, even death. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your pet may have ingested any part of a daffodil.
This is the time of year to sign your child up for indoor swim lessons. By the time warm weather rolls around, and pools are opened for the summer, he/she should have developed some basic swimming skills. Drowning is the leading cause of accidents and death in children. Never allow children (even those who can swim) to be unaccompanied near a pool.
Gardening is a great way to burn off 250-300 calories in an hour. Weeding, mowing, hauling mulch – anything that makes you sweat – qualifies as exercise; switch activities every 20 min. to give your major muscle groups a workout.
Accidental poisonings from prescription drugs are on the rise in children under age 6 – and are happening in homes like yours, according to research from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The probable cause behind the 22% increase? More meds in the home; 55% of adults now take at least one prescribed medication (mainly heart drugs, pain medications, and sleep aids), and many are careless about storage. “Put drugs out of reach, preferably in a locked cabinet,” says study author G. Randall Bond, MD. (Prevention Magazine, February 2012, pg. 13)
Jackie Hoover, Parish Nurse