Statistical studies over the last decade have indicated a steep rise in opioid poisoning among children. Scholars and experts have been studying this phenomenon. Research in top universities is recording the rise in poisoning incidents, particularly among children and teenagers.

What Could Be The Main Reason?

The easy availability of opioid painkillers in household medicine cabinets is the single largest reason for opioid child poisoning.

These are prescription drugs, usually painkillers that are quite commonly stored in homes. Sometimes they are excess medications stored long before and forgotten but are very much in reach for a child. For example a cancer patient may be prescribed large doses of opioid drugs as painkillers. However, if a child who weighs around 30 to 50 lbs partakes drugs that are meant for a 150 lb adult, the result could be disastrous.

There is not much awareness around these prescription drugs. Doctors too are not conditioned or instructed to warn patients about these drugs being available to children. Its almost as if anyone asking you if you possessed a gun at home and have a license.
A study conducted over fifteen years of data revealed thousands of hospital discharge cases due to opioid poisoning.

Sometimes the sweet taste and availability in the form of candies or lollipops tempt children to eat them and even go overboard. The number of toddlers hospitalized has nearly doubled. The percentage of teenagers suffering from depression and suicidal tendencies is quite high compared to all other age brackets resulting in the rise of teenagers hospitalized for opioid poisoning.

Opioid medications are common prescription drugs. So the only way to mitigate this issue is by doctors, pediatricians coming together to raise awareness among patients. The doctors must instruct the patients to spread the word among family members to prevent any untoward incident owing to opioid poisoning. A good alternative is also to prescribe short-term rather than long term prescriptions, thereby not allowing for storage in easily available medicine cabinets.

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Among the 60 countries, Brazil tops the list to spread the transmission of Zika virus through mosquitoes. As more people travel amongst these territories, it is imperative to practice certain public health advice. On taking appropriate preventive measures, the incidence of the disease can be reduced. The World Health Organization has offered a list of recommendations to prevent the transmission of Zika virus. It is essential for pregnant women to avoid travel between these countries. People who are looking out for a travel to Rio de Janeiro for the Olympics meet should accustom certain preventive measures to keep themselves safer.

The World Health Organization recommends the use of mosquito repellants to offer a prot
ection against the mosquito bites during the daytime. Wearing light colored clothes that conceal most parts of the body is ideal. Opt for accommodations with proper air-conditioning units. It is essential to avoid places that are poorly maintained as poor sanitary practices facilitate the breeding of mosquitoes. The World Health Organization has advised the Brazil Government on the various ways to alleviate the risk of Zika virus infection. Widespread measures have been taken to reduce the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes that transmit the infection. The World Health Organization has taken up stringent surveillance over the issue.

The World Health Organization has decided to implement a global action to put a stop to the mounting rise of diabetes. It has also emphasized on enhancing the care for people suffering from diabetes and its various complications. Developing countries are facing a major crisis with the growing diabetes ratio. The two main risk factors for diabetes include obesity and overweight. The World Health Organization has decided to celebrate the World Health Day on April 7th by highlighting the need for action on diabetes. It is crucial to follow effective preventive measures to put an end to diabetes says WHO.

Some of the significant measures suggested by the WHO to prevent the occurrence of diabetes include improving physical activity levels, maintaining ideal body weight and practicing a healthy diet pattern. The WHO has also decided to strengthen the nation’s capacities to provide quality treatment to manage various complications of diabetes. Some of the serious complications of diabetes include kidney failure, heart attack, lower limb amputation, coma and loss of sight. It is the responsibility of every government to ensure that its citizens are receiving good health care. The government should make a priority to improve access to insulin and other essential medicines. It is important to diagnose diabetes at the early stages to effectively manage the condition.