Hospital foundation names new board members
The Lenoir Memorial Foundation at Lenoir Memorial Hospital recently said farewell to four outgoing board members and welcomed four new ones, dubbed by Foundation Director Dirk Griffith as the "Freshman Class."
Foundation Board Chairman Stuart Lindley thanked and recognized Frances Theodorakis for her six years of service, and Carey Washburn for his 23-year span of dedicated service. Other outgoing members recognized were Gordon Vermillion and Nick Harvey Sr.
The "Freshman Class" includes Ashe Exum, Lucy Marston, Carol Sykes and Cale Grady.
Home Solutions: Prevent button battery hazards at home
Nearly every home in America has products that use small, coin-sized batteries — from the mini-flashlight to the TV remote control.
Recent research supports a dramatic increase in severe injuries and fatalities from button battery-related incidents. In 2010, more than 3,400 children reportedly ingested button batteries, with most of these involving 20 mm diameter or larger, 3-volt batteries.
Swallowed batteries can pass through the intestine, but most of them become lodged in the throat or intestine and generate and release hydroxide, resulting in chemical burns.
Incidents most often involve children younger than 4 years old and senior adults. In the majority of incidents, children gain access to batteries directly from musical greeting cards, games, toys, calculators, watches, remote controls, cameras, penlights and other items commonly left within reach.
Seniors have swallowed button batteries used in hearing aids, mistaking them for pills. Remote controls were the most common single source, with more than 37 percent of those ingested coming from remote controls.
Parents often are unaware that a child has swallowed the button battery, and symptoms — if any — resemble common ailments, such as an upset stomach and fever. This makes diagnosis difficult. In one study, more than 60 percent of reported incidents initially were misdiagnosed.
If a button battery is ingested, immediately seek medical attention. Swallowed batteries need to be removed within two hours to prevent serious injuries.
To prevent ingestion, discard button batteries carefully. Do not allow children to play with them, and keep them out of a child’s reach. Caution hearing aid users to keep hearing aids and batteries out of the reach of children.
Never put button batteries in your mouth. Check medications before ingesting. Keep remotes and other electronics out of a child’s reach. If a product’s battery compartment is not closed with a screw, secure it with tape.
The National Battery Ingestion Hotline is available anytime at 202-625-3333, or call the poison control center at 800-222-1222.
Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission
Trudy W. Pickett is extension family and consumer agent at the Lenoir County Cooperative Extension Office, 1791 N.C. 11/55. Reach her at 252-527-2191 or trudy_pickett@ncsu.edu.