Prescription drug disposal discussed at Heart-N-Hands
Nancy Rosen presented the program “Prescription Drug Disposal: Do’s and Don’ts, and Staying Safe” at the recent meeting of the Heart-N-Hands Extension Homemakers Club. The meeting and craft were held at the Pursuit Church in White Hall, according to a news release.
Rosen said taking prescription medication is part of the daily routine of approximately 60% of United States adults. Improper disposal of unused or expired medications has the potential to result in drugs getting into the environment (air, water and food) or into the hands of at-risk populations (children, elderly and pets.)
There are risks associated with prescription medications: (1) The use of excessive or unnecessary medications increase the risk of adverse drug effects including falls and cognitive impairment, harmful drug interactions and drug disease interaction. (2) Those with low levels of health literacy may need help in understanding how to take medications. (3) Abuse of prescription drugs means taking a medication in a manner or dose that isn’t prescribed. (4) Misuse — obtaining and taking drugs without a prescription and for a non-medical purpose.
Other points stressed were putting medicine away every time it is used. Teach children what medicine is and that a trusted adult must give it to them. The best way to dispose of most medicines is to take them to a drug take-back program. When a take-back program is not available, there are two ways to dispose of medicine: (a) flushing medicines that are on the Flush List, or (b) dispensing medicines in the household trash.
Be sure to scratch out all personal information. Rosen closed her presentation by stating that accidental exposure to medicine in the home is a major source of unintentional poisons in the United States.
In other matters at HeartN-Hands, Jody Stout, club president, introduced Susan Carolan, a guest. Upcoming crafts were discussed by Brenda Robinson and Linda Murray. It was announced that there were 41 dolls and 64 caps taken to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Festival of Stars.
Delores Kelley, community service chairman, reminded the club to bring small packages of oatmeal or fruit cups to the February meeting.
Rosen, special community service project chairman, thanked everyone for bringing items including bibs, unscented baby wipes and hooded towels to the meeting. She plans to deliver them to the Hope of the Delta and invited others to assist her and tour the facility.
Debbie James updated the club on the district fair.
Upcoming events that the members can attend are:
Jan. 25 — Jefferson County Extension Homemakers County Craft Workshop, 9:30 a.m., at the County Extension Office for a Valentine Card and Decorated Wooden Heart craft.
Feb. 6 — 9:30 a.m. Leader Training and 10:45 a.m. Board Meeting.
Feb. 8 —Heart-N-Hands EHC Club meeting at 10 a.m. at Pursuit Church.
Feb. 22 — Jefferson County EHC Craft Workshop.
After the meeting, Robinson taught a Valentine Wall Hanging craft to the group.