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Here are some holiday news tips for your use, or call us if you're interested in expanding on the subject and need more information.
DECK THE HALLS -- JUST DON'T EAT THE HOLLY
The holiday season can be a dangerous time for accidental poisonings, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas toxicologists say.
"With holiday decorations around the house, there are more opportunities for a child to eat something they shouldn't," says Dr. Greene Shepherd, clinical instructor of emergency medicine at UT Southwestern and medical director of the North Texas Poison Control Center. "While many decorations are not harmful, some can be highly toxic or cause dangerous choking."
The leaves and berries of holly are toxic and can cause severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The leaves and stems of mistletoe are also toxic. Eating them can cause changes in blood pressure, confusion and vomiting.
But the poinsettia, commonly considered poisonous, is only dangerous in large quantities. A 50-pound child would have to eat 500 leaves before experiencing any symptoms of poisoning.
Media Contact: Mindy Baxter
COZY FIREPLACE COULD CAUSE CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
If everyone in your house develops a headache at the same time, UT Southwestern physicians say you'd better check your fireplace or other possible sources of carbon monoxide right away.
"Carbon monoxide can come from anything that burns inefficiently," says Dr. Greene Shepherd, clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at UT Southwestern and director of the North Texas Poison Center. "That includes any improperly working wood or gas-burning fireplaces, water heaters and heating systems. Pets and children are often the first to shows signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, so watch them closely."
Shepherd says people who use fireplaces or have gas heat in their homes should make sure they have a working carbon monoxide detector in the house."Installing a carbon monoxide detector is as easy as installing a smoke detector, and it could save your life," he says.
For more information, call the North Texas Poison Center at 800-222-1222.
Media Contact: Mindy Baxter
HOLLY BERRIES AND POINSETTIAS
Everyone knows the poinsettia plant is poisonous. But just how poisonous?
"Actually, a 50-pound child would have to eat 500 poinsettia leaves before experiencing any symptoms of poisoning," said Dr. Greene Shepherd, UT Southwestern clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine and director of the North Texas Poison Center.
The greater danger is from mistletoe, which can cause upset stomach and cardiac problems if eaten. The holly berry can cause vomiting and nausea, but it is usually not fatal.
For more information on poisonous plants, call the Texas Poison Center Network at 800-POISON-1 (800-764-7661).
Media Contact: Mindy Baxter
FIREPLACES AND CANDLES
A serious burn can happen in a matter of seconds.
"Candles have become much more popular recently, and we're seeing bad injuries as a result," said Dr. Gary Purdue, UT Southwestern professor of surgery and a burn specialist. "One brush of your clothing over a candle, and your entire outfit can catch on fire."
The best advice is not to have burning candles in your home, he said.
Burn injuries can also happen around fireplaces and in the kitchen. Keep a screen around your fireplace, and use appropriate accelerates like paper or wood -- never gasoline.
"Most children's burns occur in the kitchen, and most are preventable," Purdue said. "I know it's hard, but keep children out of the kitchen when cooking.
"A burn is very painful, and it stays with you a lifetime."
Media Contact: Mindy Baxter
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