Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Hi there.. I just thought I'd respond to your question... To me, this school policy sounds a bit odd, and a little bit germy, to be honest. lol. That being said... I really don't think that envelopes are going to contaminate your son's medication. For one thing, from working at a university's president's office, i learned that most secretaries don't open those suckers by hand- it's all about the letter opener. Even if she were to touch the gummy bit, I really don't think she would pick up any substantial (or even insubstantial) amount of gluten to then transmit to later things that she would be handling. She will be washing her hand during the day, anyway, even if not immediately before handing him his pills. Even if she were to get a tiny amount of gluten on her hands, the amount that would be transmitted would be so very small that it would have little impact. I would be more worried about it if she were going to be handing him his pills after HER lunch, as in after she had been handling a sandwich (a far more potent source of wheaty crumbs!). I'm sure that there will be many issues to deal with at his school- and I don't necessarily think that this issue is the one to worry about. You can feel free to take this with a grain of salt, because it's ultimately up to your comfort level. However, in this case, it might be better not to make waves- I've known some cranky old school secretaries in my day, lol... I sure wouldn't enjoy taking medication every day from them! Hope these are nice ladies and that they do good by your son! Best wishes and i hope it goes well, whatever you decide... > At our school, all Rx must be administered by the office. The > secretary will pour the pill into her hand then put it into a > papercup and hand it to the student to take. She does not wash her > hands immediately prior to doing this. I am concerned if she has > been handling and sealing mailing envelopes, this could cross- > contaminate the pill that she puts in her hand. Am I being too > worried about this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 I would think for safety and health that gloves should be worn when dispensing medications PERIOD, regardless of the gluten issues. And in between medications the gloves go off with a new pair if she is handling the pills to put them in a cup. Talk about a medical nightmare. There are cross contamination issues between children's medications. I for one would not want my child's pills touching hands that have just touched say epilepsy medication or asthma steriods or allergy pills. Allergy pills I know can have thin coatings and the moisture from hands can start to break it down. I think the school needs to have a better policy to ensure that safety of all students. Office personnel do not have any business dispensing medications with their hands -- have you ever seen a nurse handle a pill? 1 pill is shaken carefully into the cap and then transfered to the paper cup for the child. No hands touching -- that is how it should be. JMHO, Rejoyce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 I would think for safety and health that gloves should be worn when dispensing medications PERIOD, regardless of the gluten issues. And in between medications the gloves go off with a new pair if she is handling the pills to put them in a cup. Talk about a medical nightmare. There are cross contamination issues between children's medications. I for one would not want my child's pills touching hands that have just touched say epilepsy medication or asthma steriods or allergy pills. Allergy pills I know can have thin coatings and the moisture from hands can start to break it down. I think the school needs to have a better policy to ensure that safety of all students. Office personnel do not have any business dispensing medications with their hands -- have you ever seen a nurse handle a pill? 1 pill is shaken carefully into the cap and then transfered to the paper cup for the child. No hands touching -- that is how it should be. JMHO, Rejoyce Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Put each dose into a Ziploc snack bag, and then put each snack bag into a coin envelope (1x2 inches, available at staples), which you have prelabelled. Then, they only need to hand the envelope over and watch the kid open it. Only you get to touch the pill. From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of seamaiden399 Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 4:55 AM To: SillyYaks Subject: Re: Meds given at school Hi there.. I just thought I'd respond to your question... To me, this school policy sounds a bit odd, and a little bit germy, to be honest. lol. That being said... I really don't think that envelopes are going to contaminate your son's medication. For one thing, from working at a university's president's office, i learned that most secretaries don't open those suckers by hand- it's all about the letter opener. Even if she were to touch the gummy bit, I really don't think she would pick up any substantial (or even insubstantial) amount of gluten to then transmit to later things that she would be handling. She will be washing her hand during the day, anyway, even if not immediately before handing him his pills. Even if she were to get a tiny amount of gluten on her hands, the amount that would be transmitted would be so very small that it would have little impact. I would be more worried about it if she were going to be handing him his pills after HER lunch, as in after she had been handling a sandwich (a far more potent source of wheaty crumbs!). I'm sure that there will be many issues to deal with at his school- and I don't necessarily think that this issue is the one to worry about. You can feel free to take this with a grain of salt, because it's ultimately up to your comfort level. However, in this case, it might be better not to make waves- I've known some cranky old school secretaries in my day, lol... I sure wouldn't enjoy taking medication every day from them! Hope these are nice ladies and that they do good by your son! Best wishes and i hope it goes well, whatever you decide... > At our school, all Rx must be administered by the office. The > secretary will pour the pill into her hand then put it into a > papercup and hand it to the student to take. She does not wash her > hands immediately prior to doing this. I am concerned if she has > been handling and sealing mailing envelopes, this could cross- > contaminate the pill that she puts in her hand. Am I being too > worried about this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Put each dose into a Ziploc snack bag, and then put each snack bag into a coin envelope (1x2 inches, available at staples), which you have prelabelled. Then, they only need to hand the envelope over and watch the kid open it. Only you get to touch the pill. From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of seamaiden399 Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 4:55 AM To: SillyYaks Subject: Re: Meds given at school Hi there.. I just thought I'd respond to your question... To me, this school policy sounds a bit odd, and a little bit germy, to be honest. lol. That being said... I really don't think that envelopes are going to contaminate your son's medication. For one thing, from working at a university's president's office, i learned that most secretaries don't open those suckers by hand- it's all about the letter opener. Even if she were to touch the gummy bit, I really don't think she would pick up any substantial (or even insubstantial) amount of gluten to then transmit to later things that she would be handling. She will be washing her hand during the day, anyway, even if not immediately before handing him his pills. Even if she were to get a tiny amount of gluten on her hands, the amount that would be transmitted would be so very small that it would have little impact. I would be more worried about it if she were going to be handing him his pills after HER lunch, as in after she had been handling a sandwich (a far more potent source of wheaty crumbs!). I'm sure that there will be many issues to deal with at his school- and I don't necessarily think that this issue is the one to worry about. You can feel free to take this with a grain of salt, because it's ultimately up to your comfort level. However, in this case, it might be better not to make waves- I've known some cranky old school secretaries in my day, lol... I sure wouldn't enjoy taking medication every day from them! Hope these are nice ladies and that they do good by your son! Best wishes and i hope it goes well, whatever you decide... > At our school, all Rx must be administered by the office. The > secretary will pour the pill into her hand then put it into a > papercup and hand it to the student to take. She does not wash her > hands immediately prior to doing this. I am concerned if she has > been handling and sealing mailing envelopes, this could cross- > contaminate the pill that she puts in her hand. Am I being too > worried about this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Put each dose into a Ziploc snack bag, and then put each snack bag into a coin envelope (1x2 inches, available at staples), which you have prelabelled. Then, they only need to hand the envelope over and watch the kid open it. Only you get to touch the pill. From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of seamaiden399 Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 4:55 AM To: SillyYaks Subject: Re: Meds given at school Hi there.. I just thought I'd respond to your question... To me, this school policy sounds a bit odd, and a little bit germy, to be honest. lol. That being said... I really don't think that envelopes are going to contaminate your son's medication. For one thing, from working at a university's president's office, i learned that most secretaries don't open those suckers by hand- it's all about the letter opener. Even if she were to touch the gummy bit, I really don't think she would pick up any substantial (or even insubstantial) amount of gluten to then transmit to later things that she would be handling. She will be washing her hand during the day, anyway, even if not immediately before handing him his pills. Even if she were to get a tiny amount of gluten on her hands, the amount that would be transmitted would be so very small that it would have little impact. I would be more worried about it if she were going to be handing him his pills after HER lunch, as in after she had been handling a sandwich (a far more potent source of wheaty crumbs!). I'm sure that there will be many issues to deal with at his school- and I don't necessarily think that this issue is the one to worry about. You can feel free to take this with a grain of salt, because it's ultimately up to your comfort level. However, in this case, it might be better not to make waves- I've known some cranky old school secretaries in my day, lol... I sure wouldn't enjoy taking medication every day from them! Hope these are nice ladies and that they do good by your son! Best wishes and i hope it goes well, whatever you decide... > At our school, all Rx must be administered by the office. The > secretary will pour the pill into her hand then put it into a > papercup and hand it to the student to take. She does not wash her > hands immediately prior to doing this. I am concerned if she has > been handling and sealing mailing envelopes, this could cross- > contaminate the pill that she puts in her hand. Am I being too > worried about this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Thanks for your thoughts on this. I might mention that Indiana state law requires that the Rx be in the original Rx bottle and be administered from it so although I like the baggie/envelope idea, it can't be done. When I wrote this, I didn't think about all of the snacking that goes on at their desks during the day and what that might entail also. I think I will email the nurse and let her know my concerns. She is only there 1-2 hours per day and not when he would get his Rx but she can relay my concern. I just resigned as a guidance counselor from this school in October so I have some issues with them anyway. I'll just have to tread lightly. I agree with the comment that the secretary should be washing her hands prior to handling the medicines and really shouldn't touch them at all. Unfortunately, we can't always teach common sense! Thanks again! Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Thanks for your thoughts on this. I might mention that Indiana state law requires that the Rx be in the original Rx bottle and be administered from it so although I like the baggie/envelope idea, it can't be done. When I wrote this, I didn't think about all of the snacking that goes on at their desks during the day and what that might entail also. I think I will email the nurse and let her know my concerns. She is only there 1-2 hours per day and not when he would get his Rx but she can relay my concern. I just resigned as a guidance counselor from this school in October so I have some issues with them anyway. I'll just have to tread lightly. I agree with the comment that the secretary should be washing her hands prior to handling the medicines and really shouldn't touch them at all. Unfortunately, we can't always teach common sense! Thanks again! Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Thanks for your thoughts on this. I might mention that Indiana state law requires that the Rx be in the original Rx bottle and be administered from it so although I like the baggie/envelope idea, it can't be done. When I wrote this, I didn't think about all of the snacking that goes on at their desks during the day and what that might entail also. I think I will email the nurse and let her know my concerns. She is only there 1-2 hours per day and not when he would get his Rx but she can relay my concern. I just resigned as a guidance counselor from this school in October so I have some issues with them anyway. I'll just have to tread lightly. I agree with the comment that the secretary should be washing her hands prior to handling the medicines and really shouldn't touch them at all. Unfortunately, we can't always teach common sense! Thanks again! Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 What about a pair of tweezers that are in a baggie along with his bottle of medication and are only used for his? They make all kinds- longer ones, plastic ones, etc. :-) in VA Re: Meds given at school Thanks for your thoughts on this. I might mention that Indiana state law requires that the Rx be in the original Rx bottle and be administered from it so although I like the baggie/envelope idea, it can't be done. When I wrote this, I didn't think about all of the snacking that goes on at their desks during the day and what that might entail also. I think I will email the nurse and let her know my concerns. She is only there 1-2 hours per day and not when he would get his Rx but she can relay my concern. I just resigned as a guidance counselor from this school in October so I have some issues with them anyway. I'll just have to tread lightly. I agree with the comment that the secretary should be washing her hands prior to handling the medicines and really shouldn't touch them at all. Unfortunately, we can't always teach common sense! Thanks again!Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 What about a pair of tweezers that are in a baggie along with his bottle of medication and are only used for his? They make all kinds- longer ones, plastic ones, etc. :-) in VA Re: Meds given at school Thanks for your thoughts on this. I might mention that Indiana state law requires that the Rx be in the original Rx bottle and be administered from it so although I like the baggie/envelope idea, it can't be done. When I wrote this, I didn't think about all of the snacking that goes on at their desks during the day and what that might entail also. I think I will email the nurse and let her know my concerns. She is only there 1-2 hours per day and not when he would get his Rx but she can relay my concern. I just resigned as a guidance counselor from this school in October so I have some issues with them anyway. I'll just have to tread lightly. I agree with the comment that the secretary should be washing her hands prior to handling the medicines and really shouldn't touch them at all. Unfortunately, we can't always teach common sense! Thanks again!Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 What about a pair of tweezers that are in a baggie along with his bottle of medication and are only used for his? They make all kinds- longer ones, plastic ones, etc. :-) in VA Re: Meds given at school Thanks for your thoughts on this. I might mention that Indiana state law requires that the Rx be in the original Rx bottle and be administered from it so although I like the baggie/envelope idea, it can't be done. When I wrote this, I didn't think about all of the snacking that goes on at their desks during the day and what that might entail also. I think I will email the nurse and let her know my concerns. She is only there 1-2 hours per day and not when he would get his Rx but she can relay my concern. I just resigned as a guidance counselor from this school in October so I have some issues with them anyway. I'll just have to tread lightly. I agree with the comment that the secretary should be washing her hands prior to handling the medicines and really shouldn't touch them at all. Unfortunately, we can't always teach common sense! Thanks again!Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Why aren't meds being given by the school nurse? Isn't that where they are supposed to be kept and administered? The enveloped glue is not a problem, but it is cold and flu season and if she's not washing her hands THAT is a problem! From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of sweettazlandSent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 12:44 AMTo: SillyYaks Subject: Meds given at school Okay, I have another concern. My son will be starting on a Rx to speed up the food moving from his stomach into his small intestine to see if he will be hungry more often and therefore, will consume more calories. He will take this 3 times a day before meals, 1 time being at school before lunch.At our school, all Rx must be administered by the office. The secretary will pour the pill into her hand then put it into a papercup and hand it to the student to take. She does not wash her hands immediately prior to doing this. I am concerned if she has been handling and sealing mailing envelopes, this could cross-contaminate the pill that she puts in her hand. Am I being too worried about this? He is old enough to pour the pill out in the cup, let her see that he has the right dosage, and then take it without anyone touching it. I don't want to sound too demanding about this but I think I need to make them aware of it. What's everyone's input? I don't want to make waves but I need to make sure he is not getting any gluten. Thanks for your input!Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Why aren't meds being given by the school nurse? Isn't that where they are supposed to be kept and administered? The enveloped glue is not a problem, but it is cold and flu season and if she's not washing her hands THAT is a problem! From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of sweettazlandSent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 12:44 AMTo: SillyYaks Subject: Meds given at school Okay, I have another concern. My son will be starting on a Rx to speed up the food moving from his stomach into his small intestine to see if he will be hungry more often and therefore, will consume more calories. He will take this 3 times a day before meals, 1 time being at school before lunch.At our school, all Rx must be administered by the office. The secretary will pour the pill into her hand then put it into a papercup and hand it to the student to take. She does not wash her hands immediately prior to doing this. I am concerned if she has been handling and sealing mailing envelopes, this could cross-contaminate the pill that she puts in her hand. Am I being too worried about this? He is old enough to pour the pill out in the cup, let her see that he has the right dosage, and then take it without anyone touching it. I don't want to sound too demanding about this but I think I need to make them aware of it. What's everyone's input? I don't want to make waves but I need to make sure he is not getting any gluten. Thanks for your input!Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Why aren't meds being given by the school nurse? Isn't that where they are supposed to be kept and administered? The enveloped glue is not a problem, but it is cold and flu season and if she's not washing her hands THAT is a problem! From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of sweettazlandSent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 12:44 AMTo: SillyYaks Subject: Meds given at school Okay, I have another concern. My son will be starting on a Rx to speed up the food moving from his stomach into his small intestine to see if he will be hungry more often and therefore, will consume more calories. He will take this 3 times a day before meals, 1 time being at school before lunch.At our school, all Rx must be administered by the office. The secretary will pour the pill into her hand then put it into a papercup and hand it to the student to take. She does not wash her hands immediately prior to doing this. I am concerned if she has been handling and sealing mailing envelopes, this could cross-contaminate the pill that she puts in her hand. Am I being too worried about this? He is old enough to pour the pill out in the cup, let her see that he has the right dosage, and then take it without anyone touching it. I don't want to sound too demanding about this but I think I need to make them aware of it. What's everyone's input? I don't want to make waves but I need to make sure he is not getting any gluten. Thanks for your input!Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Some school districts don't have school nurses. Where we lived before didn't and the office didn't even make sure the kids came down daily for meds. There was no one responsible except the child and if they didn't want to take them, they just didn't go. This was awful because kids on meds for aggressive behaviors didn't always get theirs or kids don't always remember and that could be fatal for some. My daughter was in the 8th grade and didn't want her's so would conveniently 'forget'. The office told me that the only way to make sure was to come in every day and give them to her myself...well that wasn't an option so finally I had to get the principal to tell the staff that I was allowed to call and ask if she had come in or have them call her down to the office, since she didn't like being called down on the intercom she started going down on her own and I only spot checked then checked the med record at the end of the week to see if she was getting them (she was 100% of the time). But I worried about the kids that no one checked on. My friend's son got beat up in the restroom by a child who hadn't had his meds and that was the excuse that was given for the bully's behaviour. Our current district fortunately has school nurses and teachers send the kids down at a regular time daily for their meds. I guess it depends on the county's budget unfortunately. RE: Meds given at school Why aren't meds being given by the school nurse? Isn't that where they are supposed to be kept and administered? The enveloped glue is not a problem, but it is cold and flu season and if she's not washing her hands THAT is a problem! From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of sweettazlandSent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 12:44 AMTo: SillyYaks Subject: Meds given at school Okay, I have another concern. My son will be starting on a Rx to speed up the food moving from his stomach into his small intestine to see if he will be hungry more often and therefore, will consume more calories. He will take this 3 times a day before meals, 1 time being at school before lunch.At our school, all Rx must be administered by the office. The secretary will pour the pill into her hand then put it into a papercup and hand it to the student to take. She does not wash her hands immediately prior to doing this. I am concerned if she has been handling and sealing mailing envelopes, this could cross-contaminate the pill that she puts in her hand. Am I being too worried about this? He is old enough to pour the pill out in the cup, let her see that he has the right dosage, and then take it without anyone touching it. I don't want to sound too demanding about this but I think I need to make them aware of it. What's everyone's input? I don't want to make waves but I need to make sure he is not getting any gluten. Thanks for your input!Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Some school districts don't have school nurses. Where we lived before didn't and the office didn't even make sure the kids came down daily for meds. There was no one responsible except the child and if they didn't want to take them, they just didn't go. This was awful because kids on meds for aggressive behaviors didn't always get theirs or kids don't always remember and that could be fatal for some. My daughter was in the 8th grade and didn't want her's so would conveniently 'forget'. The office told me that the only way to make sure was to come in every day and give them to her myself...well that wasn't an option so finally I had to get the principal to tell the staff that I was allowed to call and ask if she had come in or have them call her down to the office, since she didn't like being called down on the intercom she started going down on her own and I only spot checked then checked the med record at the end of the week to see if she was getting them (she was 100% of the time). But I worried about the kids that no one checked on. My friend's son got beat up in the restroom by a child who hadn't had his meds and that was the excuse that was given for the bully's behaviour. Our current district fortunately has school nurses and teachers send the kids down at a regular time daily for their meds. I guess it depends on the county's budget unfortunately. RE: Meds given at school Why aren't meds being given by the school nurse? Isn't that where they are supposed to be kept and administered? The enveloped glue is not a problem, but it is cold and flu season and if she's not washing her hands THAT is a problem! From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of sweettazlandSent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 12:44 AMTo: SillyYaks Subject: Meds given at school Okay, I have another concern. My son will be starting on a Rx to speed up the food moving from his stomach into his small intestine to see if he will be hungry more often and therefore, will consume more calories. He will take this 3 times a day before meals, 1 time being at school before lunch.At our school, all Rx must be administered by the office. The secretary will pour the pill into her hand then put it into a papercup and hand it to the student to take. She does not wash her hands immediately prior to doing this. I am concerned if she has been handling and sealing mailing envelopes, this could cross-contaminate the pill that she puts in her hand. Am I being too worried about this? He is old enough to pour the pill out in the cup, let her see that he has the right dosage, and then take it without anyone touching it. I don't want to sound too demanding about this but I think I need to make them aware of it. What's everyone's input? I don't want to make waves but I need to make sure he is not getting any gluten. Thanks for your input!Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Maybe your pharmacist can make duplicate prescription labels for you to put on the envelope. Would that make it school-kosher? From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of Marlo J. Hittman Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 7:00 AM To: SillyYaks Subject: RE: Re: Meds given at school Put each dose into a Ziploc snack bag, and then put each snack bag into a coin envelope (1x2 inches, available at staples), which you have prelabelled. Then, they only need to hand the envelope over and watch the kid open it. Only you get to touch the pill. From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of seamaiden399 Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 4:55 AM To: SillyYaks Subject: Re: Meds given at school Hi there.. I just thought I'd respond to your question... To me, this school policy sounds a bit odd, and a little bit germy, to be honest. lol. That being said... I really don't think that envelopes are going to contaminate your son's medication. For one thing, from working at a university's president's office, i learned that most secretaries don't open those suckers by hand- it's all about the letter opener. Even if she were to touch the gummy bit, I really don't think she would pick up any substantial (or even insubstantial) amount of gluten to then transmit to later things that she would be handling. She will be washing her hand during the day, anyway, even if not immediately before handing him his pills. Even if she were to get a tiny amount of gluten on her hands, the amount that would be transmitted would be so very small that it would have little impact. I would be more worried about it if she were going to be handing him his pills after HER lunch, as in after she had been handling a sandwich (a far more potent source of wheaty crumbs!). I'm sure that there will be many issues to deal with at his school- and I don't necessarily think that this issue is the one to worry about. You can feel free to take this with a grain of salt, because it's ultimately up to your comfort level. However, in this case, it might be better not to make waves- I've known some cranky old school secretaries in my day, lol... I sure wouldn't enjoy taking medication every day from them! Hope these are nice ladies and that they do good by your son! Best wishes and i hope it goes well, whatever you decide... > At our school, all Rx must be administered by the office. The > secretary will pour the pill into her hand then put it into a > papercup and hand it to the student to take. She does not wash her > hands immediately prior to doing this. I am concerned if she has > been handling and sealing mailing envelopes, this could cross- > contaminate the pill that she puts in her hand. Am I being too > worried about this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 Maybe your pharmacist can make duplicate prescription labels for you to put on the envelope. Would that make it school-kosher? From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of Marlo J. Hittman Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 7:00 AM To: SillyYaks Subject: RE: Re: Meds given at school Put each dose into a Ziploc snack bag, and then put each snack bag into a coin envelope (1x2 inches, available at staples), which you have prelabelled. Then, they only need to hand the envelope over and watch the kid open it. Only you get to touch the pill. From: SillyYaks [mailto:SillyYaks ] On Behalf Of seamaiden399 Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 4:55 AM To: SillyYaks Subject: Re: Meds given at school Hi there.. I just thought I'd respond to your question... To me, this school policy sounds a bit odd, and a little bit germy, to be honest. lol. That being said... I really don't think that envelopes are going to contaminate your son's medication. For one thing, from working at a university's president's office, i learned that most secretaries don't open those suckers by hand- it's all about the letter opener. Even if she were to touch the gummy bit, I really don't think she would pick up any substantial (or even insubstantial) amount of gluten to then transmit to later things that she would be handling. She will be washing her hand during the day, anyway, even if not immediately before handing him his pills. Even if she were to get a tiny amount of gluten on her hands, the amount that would be transmitted would be so very small that it would have little impact. I would be more worried about it if she were going to be handing him his pills after HER lunch, as in after she had been handling a sandwich (a far more potent source of wheaty crumbs!). I'm sure that there will be many issues to deal with at his school- and I don't necessarily think that this issue is the one to worry about. You can feel free to take this with a grain of salt, because it's ultimately up to your comfort level. However, in this case, it might be better not to make waves- I've known some cranky old school secretaries in my day, lol... I sure wouldn't enjoy taking medication every day from them! Hope these are nice ladies and that they do good by your son! Best wishes and i hope it goes well, whatever you decide... > At our school, all Rx must be administered by the office. The > secretary will pour the pill into her hand then put it into a > papercup and hand it to the student to take. She does not wash her > hands immediately prior to doing this. I am concerned if she has > been handling and sealing mailing envelopes, this could cross- > contaminate the pill that she puts in her hand. Am I being too > worried about this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 24, 2006 Report Share Posted January 24, 2006 As a med certified person I feel the need to respond. It is a must that people administering meds wash their hand before they administer a medication. We are also taught not to touch the pill at all.........gentle tilt the bottle and by gently tapping the bottle one pill will fall into the cup. There is no need for anyone to directly touch his medication. A suggestion I would also like to make is to send ample supplies of the cups his pill will be emptied into as after one use the cup should be thrown away. And on a side note you could always ask the person administering the med if she/he would ever accept a medication from someone that had not just washed their hands! Mimi in NH.........with more snow on the way :-) sweettazland wrote: Okay, I have another concern. My son will be starting on a Rx to speed up the food moving from his stomach into his small intestine to see if he will be hungry more often and therefore, will consume more calories. He will take this 3 times a day before meals, 1 time being at school before lunch. At our school, all Rx must be administered by the office. The secretary will pour the pill into her hand then put it into a papercup and hand it to the student to take. She does not wash her hands immediately prior to doing this. I am concerned if she has been handling and sealing mailing envelopes, this could cross- contaminate the pill that she puts in her hand. Am I being too worried about this? He is old enough to pour the pill out in the cup, let her see that he has the right dosage, and then take it without anyone touching it. I don't want to sound too demanding about this but I think I need to make them aware of it. What's everyone's input? I don't want to make waves but I need to make sure he is not getting any gluten. Thanks for your input! Judy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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