Do 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 daily basis. As a parent of a 10 and 12 year old, I worry about their future, peer pressure, and possibly their own involvement with medication abuse in junior high and high school.

Prescription drug abuse, especially narcotic medications, continues to be an ongoing and increasing problem in the U.S. Read more »

What’s the Latest Buzz on Bee stings?

By Tony Burda DABAT and Sheri VanOsdol Pharm.D.

The incidence of bee stings tends to rise during the late summer and fall.  Recently, a suburban Chicago greenhouse worker died from a suspected reaction to a bee sting.  This unfortunate incident prompted us to summarize some simple first aid tips in the event that you are stung and how to avoid beestings.  Read more »

Back to School Means Changing Schedules…and Much More!

Well it’s about that time of August where parents are rejoicing and kids are groaning:  the beginning of a new school year.  For most families, their summer and school year schedules are drastically different, and the transition can take some getting used to. Below are some common poisoning hazards that can happen to you or your family during this time of year and tips on how to avoid them.

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