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The Republican Thursday, December 27, 2012
HEALTH WATCH
BRANDPOINT
Flu season etiquette
Out of sight Keep young ones from getting into medicines, vitamins
— Brandpoint NEW RESEARCH
By Family Features
Coffee-cancer death link?
In a recent survey from the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, nearly one out of every four grandparents said they store prescription medicines in easy-access places, including daily-dose boxes that children can easily open, and 18 percent said they store over-thecounter medicines in easily accessible spots. Annually, more than 60,000 children 5 or younger are treated in emergency departments for accidental ingestion of household medicines, according to Dan Budnitz, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Medication Safety Program. In partnership with the CDC’s PROTECT Initiative, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association Educational Foundation created the Up and Away and Out of Sight educational program to help parents, grandparents and caregivers understand how to best store and safeguard the medicines they use so young children cannot access them. The following tips and resources can help to make sure your grandchildren are always protected: ■ Keep all medicines and vitamins in a high cabinet or other place inaccessible to your grandchildren.
A study by the American Cancer Society has found that people who drink four or more cups of caffeinated coffee have half the risk of dying of throat or mouth cancer than people who drink less or no coffee have. Researchers believe that the antioxidants and polyphenols found in coffee, not the caffeine, reduce the growth and development of mouth and throat cancers. The biggest risk factors for developing these cancers are tobacco and alcohol use, but HPV infection has become a greater risk factor in the past 30 years. In a press statement, lead study author Janet Hildebrand cautions, “We are not recommending people all drink four cups of coffee a day. This is just a little bit of good news for those of us who enjoy coffee.” The study found that the link between drinking decaf coffee and dying of throat or mouth cancer was insignificant and the link for tea was non-existant.
— medicalnewstoday.com
FAMILY FEATURES
Keep purses, bags or coats that have medicines or vitamins in them out of their reach and sight. ■ Remember to never leave medicines or vitamins out on a table, countertop or bedside table where your grandchildren could reach them - always make sure the caps are locked and put them away every time they are used. ■ Set a daily reminder to take your medicines and vitamins on your refrigerator or a location you check on a daily ■
basis, since they will be safely stored out of sight. ■ Program the national Poison Help number, 1-800-2221222, along with other emergency contact numbers into your home and cell phones, so they are available in case of an emergency. For more information and resources, visit www.UpandAway.org.
Explaining medicine safety to children Families take medicines and vitamins to feel well or stay
well. However, any kind of medicine or vitamin can cause harm if taken in the wrong way or by the wrong person, even medicine bought without a prescription. It is important for parents, grandparents and caregivers to teach children about medicine safety to avoid accidental ingestions: ■ Talk to children about what medicine is and why you must be the one to give it to them. ■ Never tell children medicine is candy to get them to take it, even if your child does not like to take his or her medicine.
HEALTH ❃
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The Emily Post Institute offers the following etiquette tips to manage common situations where the flu virus might be spread from one person to another: n Share space, not the flu: Covering sneezes and coughs is a good habit all year. The flu virus can spread up to six feet away from coughing, sneezing or even just talking. n Know when to take a sick day: The flu is highly contagious. Knowing the symptoms of flu versus a cold is important so you know when to see a doctor. Remember the acronym F.A.C.T.S. to recognize if you might have the flu (Fever, Aches, Chills, Tiredness with Sudden Onset). n In tight quarters: Consider saying, “I can see you’re not feeling well — would you mind covering your mouth when you cough? Thanks.” Most people when prompted are eager to show good manners and do the right thing.