HIPAA Confidentiality: The Privacy Rule provides federal protections for personal health information held by covered entities and gives patients an array of rights with respect to that information. At the same time, the Privacy Rule is balanced so that it permits the disclosure of personal health information needed for patient care and other important purposes.
http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/index.html
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Poison Prevention Week is not far away!! March 19-23, 2012 is designated the 2012 Poison Prevention Week. Stay tuned for up-to-date information that can be used to prevent poisonings and exposures.
Upcoming focus for AAPCC Poison Prevention Week
Every year, more than 60,000 young children end up in emergency rooms because they got into medicines while their parent or caregiver was not looking. The Up and Away and Out of Sight educational program was created to remind families of the importance of safe medicine storage.
To help keep children safe through proper medicine storage, Up and Away and Out of Sight educates parents and caregivers by: reminding them about safe medicine storage; providing them with information and tools to keep their child/children safe; and encouraging them to take action. To learn more about the program and its resources and tools, visit www.upandaway.org (www.upandaway.org/es in Spanish).
For more information about what you can do to prevent accidental poisoning, please visit www.poisonhelp.hrsa.gov. And remember to program the Poison Help number – 800-222-1222 - into your cell phones!
Up and Away and Out of Sight is part of the PROTECT Initiative, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) Educational Foundation, and the Health Resources and Services Administration, among other organizations.
2012 Medication Take Back Program:
April 28th is the next DEA take back. Find more information here. http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/
Winter 2011-2012 Safety Tips
Many people think poinsettias and Christmas cacti are poisonous. They are not, but mistletoe should be kept where it cannot be reached by young children or pets. Here are some other dangers to watch out for in winter:
Antifreeze
- Antifreeze is a poisonous liquid used in cars. It has a sweet taste that children and animals like. If even a little is swallowed, it can be harmful and can cause kidney damage and death.
- Keep antifreeze, household cleaners, and all chemicals in the containers they came in with a tight cap and keep away from children and pets.
- Before throwing away an antifreeze container, rinse it with water, and replace the safety cap.
Snow salt
- Salt used on driveways and sidewalks in winter can harm a pet or child if eaten.
- Store such salt out of reach and in a locked cabinet.
Mercury
- Avoid using glass mercury thermometers. They can break in a child's mouth. Instead, use a digital thermometer.
- Stay with children when taking their temperature.
- Spilled mercury should be cleaned up properly as it is a hazardous waste. Call the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222), which connects you to your local poison center, or your local health department for advice.
Carbon monoxide (CO)
- CO is a poisonous gas and has no color, odor, or taste. All fuel-burning devices make CO, mostly when they are not working properly or are not used in a ventilated space. CO can collect in closed areas.
- Sources of CO include gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas stoves, gas ovens, kerosene space heaters, wood and gas fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, power generators, and car engines.
- People at greatest risk for CO poisoning include pregnant women, infants, young children, older people, people with diseases that affect breathing, and people with heart disease.
- Signs of CO poisoning are similar to signs of the flu and some cold-weather viruses: Headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion.
To prevent CO poisoning in your home: Have at least one CO detector in your home. The best places for a CO detector are near bedrooms and close to furnaces. Have your heating system, vents, and chimney checked every year by experts. Always follow product instructions for installing and repairing appliances that burn fuel. Never burn charcoal inside a house or garage. Never use a gas oven to heat a house or apartment or use unvented fuel-burning devices indoors. Never run a car in a closed garage
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