 Syringe Safety
 Throwing out syringes is a little more complicated than pitching them in the nearest trash can. Needles can accidentally cut whoever takes out the trash or collects the garbage. To protect others, it's important to dispose of your syringes carefully.
An easy way to get rid of used syringes is to put them in a heavy-duty plastic or metal container with a tight-fitting lid. An empty laundry detergent container could do the trick. Or your parents could ask your doctor or diabetes educator what containers they recommend. If you go this route, put the used syringes in the container. You should also put your lancets in this container. When the container's full, put the lid on securely and throw the whole thing in the trash.
You can also buy a gadget that clips the needle off the syringe. Then it keeps the needles safely. It's called a safe-clip. Your parents can buy them at any pharmacy. Once the needle's off, you can safely toss the rest of the syringe into the trash. Whatever you do, don't try to clip needles off with scissors. That can send the needle flying across the room, and hurt you or others in the process.
When you're away from home, keep your used syringes and lancets until you can dispose of them properly. You might want to carry a metal or hard plastic pencil box to keep used syringes in until you get home.
Some areas of the country have special laws about how to throw out items like syringes. Ask your parents to call the local health department and find out about the laws where you live.
|
