In this fourth lesson of the OTC Medicine Safety program, students will learn about the misuses of medicine and how to use them responsibly.
Grades
3–5, 6–8
Duration
40 MINUTES
Students will:
Note: After completing Lessons 1–3, students will have foundational knowledge about OTC medicines, the Drug Facts label, and the importance of using the dosing device that comes with the medicine.
Step 1: Begin this lesson by prompting an open class discussion:
Allow students to offer opinions. Through a show of hands, tally the "yes" versus "no" opinions on the board. Inform students that by the end of this lesson, the class will revisit the question.
Step 2: Help illuminate how students’ preconceived ideas can sometimes cloud the real facts about a topic. Reinforce this idea by projecting (or distributing) the Medicine Misuse Activity Slides(sun, potatoes, and vitamins). Do not reveal the “Answer” or “Now You Know” sections on each slide. At the end, ask students:
Step 3: Afterward, go back through the Medicine Misuse Activity Slides printable and uncover the answers beneath each item.
ANSWER: Fifteen minutes of sun per day is essential for maintaining a healthy level of vitamin D, which promotes the retention of calcium, mostly in your bones. Calcium is very important in the development of your bones and teeth. Too much sun, however, may cause skin damage or even skin cancer. To protect against damage from the sun's rays, avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when its rays are strongest; wear protective clothing, and use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.*
Now you know: Use a good sunscreen when outdoors for more than 15 minutes and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
[*Source: American Skin Association]
ANSWER: Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, which your body needs for energy. But potatoes naturally contain solanine, a toxic ingredient that can cause a number of health problems. Solanine thrives in well–lit environments and is present when you see a green tinge under the potato's skin and experience a bitter taste.
Now you know: Store potatoes in a cool, dark place and be on the lookout for discoloration and bad taste.
ANSWER: Vitamins can be purchased over the counter and are widely available. They're easy to access, but can have risks if not used appropriately. They should be taken under the guidance of a parent or trusted adult. Vitamins can be dangerous if they're misused or if a person isn't using them in accordance with the Supplement Facts label on the bottle.
Now you know: Read the label and talk to a trusted adult before taking vitamins.
Step 1: Discuss how the three items from the Medicine Misuse Activity Slides are common in our lives and appear safe, but there are specific guidelines for using or consuming them. If you do not follow the safety precautions for proper use and storage, there could be harmful consequences. Explain that when you dig a little deeper, you often discover new information that you might ordinarily overlook.
Ask students:
Answers may include: appliances, cars, medicines, cleaning supplies, etc.
Step 2: Select medicine as a topic for further discussion. Post the following questions on chart paper around the room. Have students rotate to the six stations and write down their responses to this prompt:
• Not reading and following the Drug Facts label?
• Taking more than the recommended dose?
• Redosing more frequently than directed on the label?
• Using more than one medicine with the same kind of active ingredient at the same time?
• Taking medicines for longer than directed on the label?
• Taking medicines for reasons or symptoms other than what is directed on the label?
If students have access to technology, they could quickly research the negative effects as they rotate through the stations. Alternatively, students could brainstorm ideas with a partner, then share their answers with the entire class.
Step 3: During the discussion of students’ responses, make sure that students understand that all of these scenarios are dangerous because there are very real and potentially dangerous consequences when someone misuses OTC medicines. The Drug Facts label provides instructions for using the medicine safely. OTC medicines can be harmful if misused or if not used as directed by the Drug Facts label.
Step 4: Ask students:
Step 5: Distribute OTC Medicine Safety for the Community printable and invite students to conduct research for their writing via OTC Medicine Safety or an additional web resource. Explain to students that this worksheet can be used to launch a larger community–wide campaign. A coalition of families, students, and community leaders can show collective support for making their communities and schools safer places for children and their families. A coalition will help to increase and disseminate information within the school and community about the safe use and storage of OTC medicines and the dangers of misuse. Students can work with their families and neighbors to submit a collection of letters to local town officials and leaders that encourage getting the word out about safe medicine use.
Discuss the impact of visuals or videos in helping to increase the safe use and storage of OTC medicines, and assign a photo or video documentary that deals with taking safety precautions at home.
