I’m starting a new catagory today— Random Thoughts. I needed a place that would allow me to answer questions from patients or share interesting facts that are mostly health related, but don’t really fit in the ‘Health ideas’ category.
In honor of Joel Roberts Poinsett, Poinsettia Day was pronounced as an act of Congress. It is always on December 12th. Poinsett was the first Ambassador to Mexico. He brought the plants back to his South Carolina plantation where they were cultivated and given away as gifts.
Recognized as a symbol of Christmas with its brilliant red flowers, Poinsettias have also been a cause of concern for people with small children and pets. The commonly held belief that Poinsettias are poisonous is not true. They do contain a white latex-like sap. Contact with this sap may cause inflammation of the skin for some individuals, but treatment usually is not necessary. Some holiday plants that are toxic and should not be used when children or pets are present include Holly berries and Mistletoe.
Most toxic plants are bitter to the taste or irritate the mouth so generally the animal or person stops eating or chewing on it long before enough is consumed to cause any toxic effects. Information about the toxicity of plants and other substances is available by calling the National Poison Hotline at (800) 222-1222.
Have a safe and Healthy Holiday Season!
Dr. Stork is Great! He has a great, gentle touch and really listens to his patients. I took my boyfriend in for his first chiropractic adjustment ever. He’s not one to try new things, but Dr. Stork talked him through every step. The adjustment made my guy feel good again. We are patients for life! Thank you!
