Posted on GMG -Addison Gilbert Hospital’s Medication Disposal Day –

Saturday. June 20th.

Great that AGH is offering this! This is a great opportunity to Safely Get Rid Of any unused, expired and leftover medications!

• Leftover medications should NOT be tossed down a sink or toilet, where it can potentially pollute the water supply and injure humans or wildlife.
• Never put unused medications, vitamins/supplements or needles into the trash either, where they could accidentally injure someone or get into the hands of children.

SAFE DISPOSAL OF MEDICATIONS AND NEEDLES IS NECESSARY

The Gloucester police station has a ‘year-round’ drop box in their lobby to drop off medications. Danvers, Ipswich and Peabody police stations also have medication drop-off programs. Peabody police station has two drop boxes in the lobby of the police station where residents could deposit old medication bottles, as well as used syringes and needles. Other communities participate in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day or have semi-regular prescription drug disposal days. Some programs may be for ‘Residents Only.’ Check with your city!

http://www.gloucester-ma.gov/index.aspx?NID=228

Safe Disposal of SHARPS (Eg. needles, syringes, lancets, infusion sets) –

Not just for drug abuse! Anyone with Type I (insulin-dependent diabetes) or using home infusions and injections (chemotherapy/antibiotics/anticoagulants, etc.) need to dispose of these items properly and safely. This goes for pets and veterinary supplies too!

http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/Sharps/default.htm#whataresharps

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/Sharps/UCM278775.pdf

Not only a public health issue, improper disposal of drugs can also have a negative impact on the environment. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the improper disposal of unused medications by flushing them or pouring them down the toilet or sink may be harmful to fish, wildlife, plants and habitats. This can also occur from improper disposal of detergents, paints, fragrances, fire retardants, disinfectants, plastics, resins, pesticides, and insect repellents. Studies have shown that the endocrine systems of certain fish and wildlife have been affected by exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds.

Sources and More Information for Safe Disposal Can Be Found Here –

http://www.awarerx.org/get-informed/find-disposal-information#Local

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm101653.htm

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/drugs-in-the-water

http://www.awarerx.org/get-informed/find-disposal-information#Local

http://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/

http://www.innerbody.com/image/endoov.html

http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncer_abstracts/index.cfm/fuseaction/display.highlight/abstract/6116/report/F

http://www.phrma.org/safe-use-disposal

Help the Gloucester Fishermen – Don’t Pollute!

Male Fish Bearing Eggs. Pollutants such as Endocrine Disruptors have been shown to affect fish reproduction, growth and development. 

http://www.peer.org/campaigns/public-health/pharma-pollution/

http://www.greenfacts.org/en/endocrine-disruptors/endocrine-disruptors.htm

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1095643314000890

http://www.peer.org/campaigns/public-health/pharma-pollution/

When in doubt, don’t just throw it out or down the drain where it can pollute the water supply of humans and wildlife. Check with your local government before disposing medications and chemicals.

And Enjoy a Safe, Healthy and Beautiful Cape Ann.   ~ Karen

 

~ Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist, Reiki Teacher/Shihan, Tobacco Treatment Specialist. In addition to a private wellness business, Karen has been employed as the RN/Reiki Provider and Hypnotherapist at NSMC, RN/Reiki Provider at Mass General Cancer Center (Danvers and Boston,) and currently is the RN/Reiki Provider at Lahey Danvers Outpatient Center/for the Pain Management Integrative Healthcare. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness™ Since 2000. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind & Spirit. More information can be found at –www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Follow on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

 

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