The old saying "Curiosity killed the cat" dates back to the middle of the 16th century. And the idea that cats have nine lives may predate that. Some believe the phrase originated with the Egyptian's obsession with cats (think Sphinx). But either way, the bottom line is that cats are really curious and that can get them in big trouble, just like kids.
Is it any wonder that with the recent rise in opioid prescriptions, accidental opioid overdoses by children have risen too? From 1997 to 2012, among kids 10-14, the incidence of accidental poisoning increased 82 percent and the rate of children hospitalized for opioid poisoning increased 165 percent.
As Julie Gaither, a postdoctoral fellow at Yale School of Public Health and lead author of a recent study on kids and opioid overdoses published in JAMA, told National Public Radio: "Enough opioids are prescribed every year to put a bottle of painkillers in every household. They're everywhere, and kids are getting into them." So what can be done?
Doctors, talk to your patients about the importance of secure medication storage and disposal of unused meds. Parents, install a medicine cabinet with a lockable or very hard-to-open latch. Keep kidproof tops on all opioid meds (even if they're adult-proof too). Also, make sure to dispose of unused meds at a local "take back" center or pharmacy. As your kids grow up, don't forget to have frequent conversations about the dangers of recreational drug use; check out "Facing Addiction Over Dinner" at www.doctoroz.com.
Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of "The Dr. Oz Show," and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. To live your healthiest, tune into "The Dr. Oz Show" or visit www.sharecare.com.
(c) 2017 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.