7 Most Dangerous Medications for Children

Are you on medication for diabetes or high blood pressure? Is it second nature for you to pop a pill whenever you feel a slight ache or pain?

If you have small children in your home, or if they visit your home, remember to keep your medicine out of their reach because they can pose serious consequences if accidentally ingested by your young ones!

Data from the American Association of Poison Control Centers showed that in 2008, about half of some 2.5 million toxic ingestions occurred in children younger than 6, with toddlers between the ages of 18 months to three years at the highest risk.

In 2004 and 2005, adverse drug reactions were the third leading cause of non-fatal injuries among infants treated in hospital ERs. In a child’s fragile body, just one pill can be deadly, Dr. Joseph Mercola warns.

Turn your back for just one second and your child could be putting something in his/her mouth that can be fatal.

Here are the 7 most dangerous medications for children that may be lurking in your home:

1. Aspirin and salicylates – cause agitation, coma, lethargy, nausea, seizures, vomiting, and may be fatal. Salicylates, which are used to relieve muscle pain, are very toxic to children in large doses, particularly those in liquid form. One teaspoon of Oil of Wintergreen (which has a pleasant smell that is attractive to toddlers) is the equivalent of almost 90 baby aspirins – a life threatening dose for a child.

2. Blood pressure patches, eye drops, and nasal sprays (Afrin, Clear Eyes, Clonidine) – can cause coma, dangerously low heart rate, lethargy, and low blood pressure. As little as 6 ml of these solutions can lead to a coma and serious consequences.  

3. Depression drugs (Elabil, Tofranil, Wellbutrin, Zyban)  – can cause coma, heart arrhythmia, seizures, and unresponsiveness. Antidepressants, which are used to treat chronic pain, depression, migraines, and as a tool to quit smoking, are the second highest cause of death from poisoning in children under the age of 6. Symptoms can be delayed for up to six hours.

4. Diabetes drugs (Glipizide, Glyburide) – can cause coma, confusion, dangerously low blood sugar, headaches, seizures, sleepiness, and death in some cases. Diabetes medications are among the most commonly prescribed drugs and are dangerous for children who are not diabetic. They may not display symptoms until one to six hours later. The symptoms may last as long as a day. Giving glucose to children who accidentally ingest diabetes drugs can save their lives.

5. Heart pills (Cardizem, Cartia, Norvasc) – can cause dangerously low blood pressure, low heart rate, and seizures. Also called calcium channel blockers, children who ingest these blood pressure medications usually show symptoms between one to five hours after they take the pill. However, in the case of extended release pills, the symptoms may be delayed up to 14 hours, which will make it even more difficult to figure out why the child is ill.

6. Muscle Rubs (Ben Gay, Tiger Balm, Vicks VapoRub) – can cause coma, delirium, rapid development of seizures, and death. These products all contain camphor, which is very dangerous because it can react adversely within 10-20 minutes. Children can go into seizures without any warning. Even one teaspoon can be lethal. Call 911 immediately if you detect even the faintest trace of camphor on your child’s breath, Dr. Mercola advises. 

7. Prescription painkillers (Oxycontin, Percocet, Vicodin) – can cause lethargy, drowsiness, cessation of breathing, which can lead to death. Opiates and other painkillers were the leading cause of death due to accidental ingestion of medication in 2004. Toddlers who ingest two 5 mg tablets can become severely ill within an hour. Giant doses of sustained-release versions of these pills can be fatal for children.
“The overdependence on drugs has exposed children to the dangers of poisoning”, Mercola laments. Don’t leave any pills lying around for your child’s sake. If you do notice your child has taken any medication that he/she shouldn’t have, please call your local Poison Control Center or 911 immediately.

The Importance of Fiber in Your Body

Are you getting enough fiber in your body? Did you know that we need 32 grams of fiber every day?
But most likely, we only get 10 to 15 grams while those who are on a low carb diet get only 7 to 8 grams daily. That is why Dr. Mercola recommends Fiber Harmony Organic Psyllium - an organic fiber solution. What can Fiber Harmony do to your body?

Here’s how:
Fiber Harmony with certified organic psyllium is a rich source of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber to:

• Satisfy your daily fiber requirements
• Naturally promote your healthy elimination and regularity
• Assist in supporting your normal cholesterol levels
• Support your gastrointestinal and immune system health
• Promote your heart health
• Support and maintain your healthy weight
• Help you feel full longer, so you have less room for other not-so-healthy food choices

Check out the full list of Benefits of Fiber to your body

Dr. Mercola’s organic psyllium now comes in 3 flavors that you can choose from - chocolate, peach and orange. Experience the benefits of Psyllium combined with Inulin to help support the growth of beneficial bacteria, Aloe Vera Leaf to promote digestive health, and Marshmallow Root to soothe the digestive system – all in great tasting chocolate, peach or orange flavor.

Fiber Harmony is a great way to add the essential dietary fiber your body needs -- everyday!

Wanna be Tan Without the Sun?

Wanna be Tan Without the Sun?

UVB (Ultraviolet B) that we get from the sun can give us burnt skin like a burn from fire or hot water. Radiations from UVA (Ultraviolet A) and UVB can cause pre-mature cancers and other skin diseases. Using sunscreen protection is not enough to protect your skin from harmful UV rays of the sun.

What if you wanted to have a tanned skin? A lot of people preferred getting tan under the sun, but they are unaware of the dangers that the sun can give.

Instead of getting skin diseases caused by the sun, why not get enough vitamin D and a tanned skin through Dr. Mercola’s Tanning System. What can this tanning system do to your body and health?

1. The SunSplash is an 8-lamp system that produces both UVA and UVB rays (and tanning) -- the same beneficial energy that the sun produces.

2. The revolutionary new D Lite System, the first of its kind in the country, is a 12-lamp system that produces ONLY UVB rays. It is designed for those of you who want the benefits of the sun without tanning.

3. The all-new, innovative SunSplash Renew combines the extraordinary benefits of the SunSplash Tanning and D-Lite Systems into one.
Read full list of Dr. Mercola’s Tanning Bed Benefits


You should definitely avoid sunburn at all costs.
With that being said, in moderation, ultraviolet rays from the sun or a tanning system can have many benefits for you. Just don't expose yourself long enough to get sunburned. Make your exposure to vitamin D-stimulating rays a positive one.

Visit Dr. Mercola’s Natural Health website - to know more about getting a healthier and younger looking skin.

Recommended Whole Foods Multivitamin with Minerals by Dr. Joseph Mercola

If you still believe that you are receiving nutrients from cheap, synthetic multivitamins – well, you are seriously mistaken. In recommending a high-quality multivitamin, always remember that these nutritional supplements complement the food that you eat.

However, accessing and eating high quality foods regularly may be a personal challenge for you and your family. Your busy schedule may lead you to cook healthy whole food less than you know you should -- and eat "fast food" more. But even if you do well with your diet choices, another factor involves the actual food supply itself.

Taking pro-active steps, including taking a multivitamin to help maintain and boost good health and wellness, is about the best thing you can do for yourself — and your health.

How do you know if your synthetic multi is as good as its advertising says it is?

Synthetic alternatives to whole foods are known as “isolates”. Your body will only absorb a small percentage of an isolate form of vitamins and minerals — and utilize even less (Your body absorbs much more of the whole food form.) On top of that, there may be side effects, depending on the quality of the isolate.

Why Multivitamin +Plus Vital Minerals is Better than the Rest?

Whole Foods Multivitamin +Plus provides you with high-potency amounts of an exclusive antioxidant formula that includes:

• Natural beta-carotene -- healthy vision and immune system support

• Vitamin C -- promotes tissue growth and repair, and healthy gums

• Vitamin E -- helps support your muscular system

• Selenium -- bolsters your healthy immune system

• L-cysteine -- supports your immune and respiratory systems

• Lutein -- helps promote your healthy vision

• Lycopene -- supports your immune system

• Red wine proanthocyanidins -- provides you with cardiovascular system support

• And select extracts and powders from over 25 fruits, vegetables, and herbs

To see complete list of all the benefits of Multivitamins Plus Minerals, please visit:

Multivitamins and Minerals

Cell Phones Dangers to Children and Teens

Exposures to devices such as cell phones are very risky to everyone especially to children and teens. It is because of the side effects from radio frequency radiation. People have been warned that children below eight years of age should only use cell phones during emergencies, and teen agers should limit their call to 10 minutes only.

Cell phones are designed to transmit radio waves in all directions because base stations can be located in any direction with respect to phone users. This means that portions of the radio waves they produce are directed towards your body.

However, there is a safe and effective device that can protect you from the harmful radiation caused by mobile devices. It is called – Ferret Beads. But what exactly is Ferret Bead?

A Ferrite Bead is simply a hollow bead or cylinder made of ferrite, which is a semi-magnetic substance made from iron oxide (rust) alloyed with other metals. It is most commonly used with computer cables, where it is slipped over the cable while the cable is being made, or snapped around the cable in two pieces after the cable is made. In a typical computer system, found in a home or office, you will see these "bumps" on the mouse, keyboard and monitor cables.

Learn more about Ferret Beads by going to http://www.mercola.com/forms/ferrite_beads.htm

It isn’t too late to avoid the dangerous effects of radiation to our body. Not only cell phones are associated with it but also a lot of modern devices and appliances such as microwave oven, wireless technology devices, laptop, computers and more.

Since cell phone is one of the most important devices we use for communicating, we have it with us almost everyday. And it means that there is a tendency to increase the risk for radiation. Exposure to radiation from cell phones is a growing concern, not only in the United States, but around the world. As we became aware of its negative effects, the more we are searching for ways to protects ourselves from the potential threat.

Visit Natural Health Website for more health articles and news.

Kill Your Stress…Before It Kills You

Almost every illness is being caused by stress. It makes them even worst. Some of these diseases are high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, sleep loss and a lot more.
Stress is something that we encounter almost every day. We cannot deny that fact that in every situation we deal with stress. But do you know that you can fight it easily? For others, they might think it’s hard to beat stress, but they are wrong.

Here are some tips that will help you fight everyday stress:
1. Make quiet time: Whether you meditate daily or just spend an hour a night with a book, you need to create a space where you can clear your mind.

2. Eat better: A good diet can help your body better deal with the effects of stress.

3. Make family time: Try to eat at least one meal a day with your family (or with friends if you’re single).

4. Talk it out: Bottling up your frustrations, even the little ones, leads to stress.

5. Prioritize: Figure out what in your life actually needs attention and what doesn’t.

6. Accept interruptions gracefully: Leave enough wiggle room so you can adapt to changes in your day.

7. Pay attention to yourself: Notice when you feel stressed, and determine the cause.

8. Love: Build relationships. Share yourself. Feel human warmth.

9. Learn How to Relax and Center: Try Dr. Mercola’s Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT - http://www.mercola.com/forms/eftcourse.htm

For more tips on how you can beat stress, be happy and simplify your life, check out Health and Wellness Website

Simple Ways to Be Happy at Work

Isn’t it wonderful to work in a place where you feel at home and have a good working environment? A lot of people spend most of their time at work. Some even consider it as their second home – a place where dream come true and earn money for a living. Some people spends half of their day at work, and being happy in your workplace and enjoying what you do can simplify your life and makes things easier for you at work.

It is not necessary that you are earning a lot of money with the job you have. Always remember, no matter what professions you have chosen, no matter what kind of job you have, as long as it’s a noble job, always find a way to enjoy what you are doing and you will find yourself contented with what you do.

Here are some ways that can help you to be happy and enjoy your work:

• Keep your work in perspective. Consider the bigger picture. Do some voluntary work to gain a broader outlook.
• Remember that you are more than your work. Do not have your identity too strongly tied to the job you do.
• Concentrate on the task at hand. Do not let yourself be distracted by worrying about all the other things to be done.
• Delegate wherever appropriate. Always remember the “3D” rule -- do it, dump it or delegate it -- and never handle a piece of paper twice.
• Have regular breaks. Get away from your normal workplace even if only for five minutes.
• Switch off once you leave work. Mentally say goodbye to your workspace the moment you leave for home.


To learn more about Life and Health Advice , visit www.mercola.com