Transcript Florida Injury Prevention Programs for Seniors (FLIPS) Senior Poison, Medication & Food Safety Senior Module.

Florida Injury Prevention
Programs for Seniors (FLIPS)
Senior Poison, Medication
& Food Safety
Senior Module
Could You Have Exposure to
Poisons?
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Poison gets in the body through inhalation, the
mouth, skin, and/or eyes.
Every year in America, 80,000 seniors are
poisoned by:
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food, bites & stings, substances of abuse,
chemicals, plants, and home & personal products.
Seniors are most often poisoned by
medications.
Poison Trivia
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Which is the most dangerous product for a
child to swallow?
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Calamine lotion
Laundry bleach (5% chlorine)
Arthritis pain relief ointment (with oil of
wintergreen)
Answer?
Poison Trivia cont’d…
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Which is the most dangerous for a child to
swallow?
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1 prescription pill for diabetes
pencil lead
1 cigarette butt
Answer?
Prevention & Education
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Why do seniors need to know about poison
safety?
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To protect themselves.
 The most common poisons for Florida seniors
are medications, household poisons, and
organisms in food.
To protect their loved ones.
Causes of Medication Poisoning
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Interaction from multiple prescription drugs
Over-the-counter or herbal interactions
Taking another person’s drugs
Vision or reading difficulties
Causes of Medication Poisoning
cont’d…
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Sensitivity to drugs (allergies)
Poor liver and/or kidney function
No reminder system for taking medications
Self-adjusting drug dosages
Safe Medication Principles
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Keep a list of all current drugs in your wallet.
Keep your drugs in a separate place from
drugs belonging to other family members.
Take medicine in a well-lighted area.
Safe Medication Principles
cont’d…
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Ask for clear instructions on all new drugs.
Record possible problems with your drugs and
tell your physician.
Children may be at greater risk of medication
poisoning when they are with their
grandparents.
So keep medications out of reach.
Poison Resources
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Who provides reliable information about
medications?
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Physicians
Pharmacists
The Poison Control Center
Causes of Household Poisonings
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Look-alikes
Storing non-food items next to food
Storing chemicals in drink bottles
Mixing cleaners
Causes of Household Poisonings
cont’d…
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Using cleaners without gloves or ventilation
Leaving poisons in easy reach
Child-resistant containers or latches not in use
Storing water in any other containers other
than water containers
Safe Product Storage
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Store in original container
Store in a secured location
Store poisons away from food
Use child resistant containers or cabinet
latches
Follow directions when using products
Rinse and dry when adding a second cleaner
Who To Call For Help?
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For non-emergencies, call the company’s tollfree number on the label.
For exposure to a product (inhaled fumes,
product spilled on skin, sprayed in eye, or
swallowed) call the Poison Center at 1-800222-1222.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
Causes of Food Poisoning
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Germs carried on dirty hands
Certain plants, fruits, seeds, and roots
Causes of Food Borne Illness
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Cross-contamination during food preparation
Improper cooking or storage of food
Eating spoiled food or contaminated meats and
fish
Food Safety
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Wash hands using lots of friction
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W—warm
A—and
S—soapy
H—happy birthday
Wash dishes and utensils after contact with
raw meat or eggs.
Sanitize food preparation surfaces monthly
with bleach water & let air-dry.
Keep hot food hot and cold food cold.
Food Poisoning Resources
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For treatment advice, call the Poison Center
at 1-800-222-1222.
To report a restaurant or grocery store with bad
food, call your county health department.
For instructions about safe food preparation or
healthy cooking, call your county cooperative
extension service.
The Poison Center Hotline—
1-800-222-1222
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Provides advice after poisoning.
Answers question to help prevent poisonings.
Most poisonings can be managed at home with
the help of the Poison Control Center.
Free, confidential service
24 hours a day, 7 days a week