As Texas schools get ready to open their doors to welcome students for another school year, families must also prepare. Below are some tips to keep kids of all ages poison-free this school year.
Toddlers and Pre-k students:Be sure children use art products safely by reading labels carefully. Always follow the directions for safe use and disposal. Also make sure to clean up tables, desks and counters appropriately.
Elementary Students: Be familiar with the school's medication policy. Most districts require all medications to be distributed by authorized school personnel. Most policies will have you bring the medications in to the school nurse and let them distribute the medication. Sending the medication in your child's sports bag or lunch box is just not a good idea. Giving your child control of the medication puts them and other children at risk.Middle School Students: Teach your children to never take medications from other children. Explain that just because another student takes a pill and it doesn't make them sick doesn't mean they can take it and not get sick.
High School Students:- Parents of teens should be on the lookout for "Synthetic Drug" products in their children's bedrooms and backpacks. Be particularly skeptical of products labeled "incense" or "bath salts."
- Be aware of the signs and symptoms of drug use in loved ones: paranoia, changes in personality, agitation and anxiety are among the symptoms reported by users of these substances.
- Talk with family about the dangers of these products. Don't be fooled by the availability and legal status of new "designer drugs." These products are not safe. Legal products like powdered caffeine can also be very dangerous and potentially deadly if not used as indicated or are abused.
College Students: While our hope is that our sons and daughters go to college, make friends and spend most of the time studying, drinking during the college years is common. On December 2, 2008, Carson Starkey of Austin, TX, died of alcohol poisoning following a fraternity hazing ritual. Carson was 18 years old, finishing his first semester of college.
He did as he was instructed and split a fifth of rum with another pledge, drank two 24-ounce Steel Reserve cans and a can of Sparks, while a bottle of Everclear was passed around. He lost consciousness, showing multiple signs of alcohol poisoning, but his fraternity brothers didn't attempt to seek help for fear of getting in trouble.
Ultimately, Carson's blood alcohol content at the time of death was between .39% and .447% -- over four times the legal limit for driving in Texas. One call could have saved his life.
Teach your teens about the 911 Lifeline Law that says a person under 21 won't be charged by the police for possessing or consuming alcohol if the person calls 911 because someone might have alcohol poisoning. This limited immunity applies only to the first person to call for medical assistance and only if the caller remains on the scene until medical assistance arrives and cooperates with EMS and law enforcement.
This law was intended to encourage young people to do the right thing and save a life. To learn more about Carson's story, visit www.awareawakealive.org.
