By Allison Peck
As students prepare to head back to the classroom, the Nebraska Poison Center is reminding families that a few simple precautions can help keep children safe, healthy and ready to learn throughout the school year.
For younger children, parents are encouraged to teach that school supplies such as markers, crayons, glue and glitter are meant for crafts—not for eating. Adults should supervise young children while they use school supplies to help prevent accidental exposure to products that could be swallowed, splashed into the eyes or spilled on the skin.
The Poison Center also reminds families that medications should only be taken by the person they were prescribed for. Even medications that help one person recover from an illness can be dangerous for someone else. Prescription and over-the-counter medicines should be stored in their original containers with labels intact, and parents should familiarize themselves with their child's school's medication policies.
Officials also stress the importance of safely storing cannabis products. Because many cannabis edibles resemble candy or snacks, they should be kept locked away, out of sight and out of reach of children.
For older students, the Poison Center encourages parents to have honest, age-appropriate conversations about the dangers of experimenting with over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs, alcohol and other substances.
Taking more than the recommended dose of common pain relievers can be harmful, while energy drinks and dietary supplements containing high amounts of caffeine can lead to vomiting, anxiety, headaches, rapid heart rate and, in severe cases, seizures.
Health officials also warn that vaping and using nicotine-containing e-cigarettes can cause stomach pain, excessive salivation, rapid heart rate and seizures. Research into the long-term health effects of vaping is ongoing.
Prescription opioid medications continue to be a concern because misuse can slow or stop breathing. The Poison Center encourages families to speak with a pharmacist or healthcare provider about obtaining naloxone, also known as Narcan, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
The organization also encourages parents to make time to talk with their children about their mental health and remind them that help is available if they are struggling.
The Nebraska Poison Center provides free, confidential assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone with questions about a possible poisoning or exposure can call 1-800-222-1222 to speak with a registered nurse or pharmacist. Those experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 for immediate support.