Substance abuse can be a difficult issue to treat especially if the drug is readily available to the abuser. In rural areas specifically, prescription drug abuse is more common than illicit drug abuse. Some people are taking prescription drugs that are not their prescription and others are abusing their own prescription whether intentional or not. One of the ways to try and reduce prescription drug abuse is to minimize the number of old prescriptions in people's medicine cabinets.
I came across an article about September 29th being "Take-Back Day" in Wayne County. On this day there are going to be numerous stations set up across the county for people to bring their old prescriptions, anonymously and without questions, and have them properly disposed of. I think this is a great idea and I was happy to see that it is being sponsored by Wayne County Narcotic Enforcement Team as well as the DEA. This shows that they recognize the increasing abuse of prescription drugs in rural areas. These types of programs allow us as providers to present patients with a means of disposing of their old medications and the opportunity to counsel them on why that is so important to do so, for example preventing them from accidentally taking them, so that they are not available to be stolen from their homes and abused by others and to keep the water supply safe from improper disposal.
http://www.waynepost.com/latestnews/x1238768628/Prescription-drug-Take-Back-Day-held-this-weekend
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Cyanobacteria in the bays of Wayne County
Cyanobacteria is blue-green algae. It is found in different types of water like freshwater lakes and bays. Recently the algae blooms have grown more rampant than they have in past years in the waters of Wayne County: Sodus Bay, East Bay, Blind Bay and Port Bay. These are called HABs (Hazardous Algae Blooms)
I never knew that algae could be a hazard until I read about these blue-green algae blooms. They produce toxins that are highly poisonous. Some of the many side effects due to cyanobacteria exposure are rashes, asthma symptoms, gastroenteritis, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity and neurotoxicity.
Infected water can have an effect on a vast amount of people. Occupations that involve irrigation such as farming and landscaping are at high risk for exposure. Those who fish or participate in other water activities. People who live in more rural areas and get their drinking water from wells or from untreated water sources are at high risk. It is also important to note that children, who may be playing in the affected water, are at higher risk for toxicity due to their smaller size.
It is important that physicians take a proper history of their patients so they can take note if they are in one of these higher risk groups and be more aware of the signs and symptoms of cyanobacteria toxicity.
The county appears to be trying to take all the necessary measures to keep people safe. They advise against drinking any water other than what comes from a treated source. They have closed beaches. There are also recommendations of activities to avoid such as irrigation. There is a golf course on Sodus Bay that may use water from the bay for irrigation on their course. I am curious if they do use bay water, are there are any precautions taken for their workers and the golfers who visit their course?
http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/Blue%20Green%20Algae%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.pdf
http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/2011%20Wayer%20Quality%20Connection.pdf
http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/Facts%20from%20cdc%20Blue%20Green.pdf
http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/2011%20bluegreenalgae.pdf
I never knew that algae could be a hazard until I read about these blue-green algae blooms. They produce toxins that are highly poisonous. Some of the many side effects due to cyanobacteria exposure are rashes, asthma symptoms, gastroenteritis, liver toxicity, kidney toxicity and neurotoxicity.
Infected water can have an effect on a vast amount of people. Occupations that involve irrigation such as farming and landscaping are at high risk for exposure. Those who fish or participate in other water activities. People who live in more rural areas and get their drinking water from wells or from untreated water sources are at high risk. It is also important to note that children, who may be playing in the affected water, are at higher risk for toxicity due to their smaller size.
It is important that physicians take a proper history of their patients so they can take note if they are in one of these higher risk groups and be more aware of the signs and symptoms of cyanobacteria toxicity.
The county appears to be trying to take all the necessary measures to keep people safe. They advise against drinking any water other than what comes from a treated source. They have closed beaches. There are also recommendations of activities to avoid such as irrigation. There is a golf course on Sodus Bay that may use water from the bay for irrigation on their course. I am curious if they do use bay water, are there are any precautions taken for their workers and the golfers who visit their course?
http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/Blue%20Green%20Algae%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.pdf
http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/2011%20Wayer%20Quality%20Connection.pdf
http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/Facts%20from%20cdc%20Blue%20Green.pdf
http://www.co.wayne.ny.us/2011%20bluegreenalgae.pdf
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