Latest news with #MollyO'Shea
NBC News
2 days ago
- Health
- NBC News
Nicotine poisonings soar in babies and toddlers
The number of young children sickened after getting their little hands on nicotine products like pouches and vape e-liquids has skyrocketed in recent years. From 2010 through 2023, U.S. poison centers reported 134,663 cases of nicotine poisonings among kids under age 6, according to a study published Monday in Pediatrics, a journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Nearly all occurred at home. The cases included exposures to nicotine pouches, chewing tobacco, regular cigarettes, vapes and nicotine replacement products like gum and lozenges. But it's nicotine pouches, like the wildly popular Zyn, that are behind the most significant rise in accidental nicotine poisonings among young kids. The new research found that the rate of poisonings involving nicotine pouches among kids under 6 rose from 0.48 per 100,000 children in 2020 to 4.14 per 100,000 in 2023. That's an increase of 763% in just three years — a startling finding that correlates with a surge in sales of nicotine pouches. Nicotine pouches — which users tuck between their lip and gum and later discard — can contain as much as 6 milligrams of nicotine, a stimulant, and have been promoted as tobacco-free, spit-free and hands-free alternatives to cigarettes and chewing tobacco. They are not, however, approved by the Food and Drug Administration as nicotine replacement products used to help quit smoking. A 2021 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Office on Smoking and Health (one of several public health groups dismantled under the Trump administration) found that sales of nicotine pouches rose dramatically in the past decade, from $709,000 in 2016 to $216 million by mid-2020. 'It was just a matter of time before they fell into the hands of younger kids,' said Dr. Molly O'Shea, a Michigan pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. 'It's unfortunate, but not shocking.' Why is nicotine toxic to little kids? Nicotine is a chemical that's highly toxic and could easily exceed a fatal dose in small children, according to a 2013 study. The chemical increases heart rate and blood pressure, and could lead to nausea, vomiting or even coma, the study authors wrote. Most cases included in the new research weren't serious enough to warrant medical attention. But 39 children had significant side effects, like trouble breathing and seizures, said Natalie Rine, an author of the new study and director of the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus. Most nicotine poisoning cases, 76%, were babies and toddlers under age 2. Two children, a 1-year-old boy and another boy about a year and a half old, died after ingesting liquid nicotine used in vapes. 'It's good that the majority of kids in the study actually did pretty well. Most kids had either minor symptoms or no symptoms and didn't require any medical management,' Rine said. 'But two deaths is a lot, especially for something considered a preventable death.' How to reduce nicotine poisonings in kids Kids are curious by nature. Babies and toddlers in particular explore their worlds by putting things in their mouth. And they're masters at breaking into drawers and cabinets to find new 'toys.' Canisters of nicotine pouches are not equipped with child-resistant packaging. They taste good, too. Mint and fruit flavors are almost always added. O'Shea said it's critical that all nicotine products are placed far out of reach of children. 'That doesn't mean in your purse, in your back pocket or on the counter,' she said. 'It means locked away.' It's not just parents and other adult caregivers who must be mindful of their nicotine products. An April study from the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California found the use of nicotine pouches among high school students nearly doubled between 2023 and 2024. 'It's easy for a teenager to be using this product and have parents be unaware,' O'Shea said. 'It's important for parents to be talking with their teenagers about products like this and having open dialogue in a nonjudgmental way in order to ascertain any risk.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
ADDRESSING ALARMING GLOBAL DROWNING STATISTICS, GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL LAUNCHES 5th ANNUAL SAFER SWIMMER PLEDGE AND FURTHERS MISSION TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO WATER SAFETY EDUCATION WITH DONATIONS TO EVERY CHILD A SWIMMER
Annual Campaign Set to Make a Splash Around North America, Beginning May 1 in Honor of National Water Safety Month Goldfish Swim School, North America's premier swim school, announces the 5th year of their annual Safer Swimmer Pledge, celebrating nearly 60,000 pledges to date with a goal to double for 2025 The annual program will launch May 1, in honor of National Water Safety Month, bringing on family-focused water safety partner Great Wolf Lodge and child development partner Big Life Journal Drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1-4 and second leading cause of injury death for children ages 5-14, making the Safer Swimmer Pledge a critical tool in promoting water safety TROY, Mich., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldfish Swim School, the premier swim school franchise in North America, is thrilled to announce its 5th Annual Safer Swimmer Pledge, in honor of National Water Safety Month this May. A commitment to observing five essential rules of water safety, the Safer Swimmer Pledge has garnered nearly 60,000 pledges since its inception in 2021. With drowning remaining the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1-4 and second leading cause of injury death for children ages 5-14, this pledge becomes a critical tool in promoting water safety. "Recent data shows drowning rates are at their highest since 2017," said Dr. Molly O'Shea, official pediatrician for Goldfish Swim School Franchising. "Swimming and water play offer remarkable benefits for children of all ages, but water safety education is critical. Studies show formal swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. I urge all families to take the Safer Swimmer Pledge as an important tool to learn and recall water safety reminders that are so critical all year long, and especially as we head into the warmer summer months when drowning deaths rise." Making the 5th anniversary of the Safer Swimmer Pledge even more swimsational, Goldfish Swim School is thrilled to partner with Great Wolf Lodge. As leaders in the water safety space, both Goldfish Swim School and Great Wolf Lodge share a commitment to elevating aquatic safety by leveraging innovation and the latest training and development practices throughout their facilities. Both brands partner with Ellis & Associates, the industry-leading aquatic risk management company focused solely on water safety, prioritizing top-tier lifeguard standards, ongoing training, and innovative water policies to protect every guest in and around their facilities. A premiere family destination, like Goldfish Swim School, Great Wolf Lodge is a golden partner for the Safer Swimmer Pledge, joining forces to raise awareness, encourage families to commit to water safety, give back, and for the chance to win finomenal prizes! The exciting prize packages include swim lessons, special Safer Swimmer swag bags, the opportunity to be a Goldfish Golden Ambassador featured in future Safer Swimmer Pledge materials, and subscriptions to GrowthMinded parenting platform from Big Life Journal. With a focus on holistic approaches to child development, the GrowthMinded subscription provides parents and caregivers with the tools to help accentuate the benefits swim lessons can have both in and out of the pool including goal setting, socialization, emotion cognizance and more. Families taking the pledge will also be entered to win the GRAND PRIZE of a two nights stay in a Family Suite (for up to 4) at any of the 22 Great Wolf Lodge resorts in the U.S., one year of complimentary swim lessons, and additional swag and prizes. Additionally, the Goldfish Swim School locations with the most pledges have the chance to win custom merchandise, donations to charity on their behalf, cash prizes for team building events, and more. Continuing its commitment to extend the reach of swimming lessons to underserved children across North America, for every virtual pledge, Goldfish Swim School Franchising will donate $1 to Every Child a Swimmer. Every dollar donated will go back to the pledge-referring school as swim scholarship funding to help bring additional resources directly to local communities. Joining in this important mission, Great Wolf Lodge will also provide a special promo code, giving Safer Swimmer Pledge families special discounts, with room rates including a donation to Every Child A Swimmer. "We are ecstatic to celebrate our 5th anniversary of the Safer Swimmer Pledge and so proud to partner with Great Wolf Lodge to honor National Water Safety Month," said Jenny McCuiston, Co-Founder of Goldfish Swim School. "Water safety education is crucial, and this campaign is an exciting way to get families engaged while offering some amazing prizes, all in support of our ongoing mission to provide parents, caregivers, and children with the knowledge and skills they need." "Water safety is our top priority at Great Wolf Lodge, and we're thrilled to join forces with Goldfish Swim School for the Safer Swimmer Pledge," said Catie Christner, Vice President of Water Parks for Great Wolf Resorts. "Our indoor water park resorts bring joy to hundreds of thousands of families annually, and providing tools, education and awareness so families can enjoy our water slides and pools safely is extremely important, so to highlight our commitment to water safety, we are encouraging members of the Great Wolf pack to take the pledge this May." The Safer Swimmer Pledge comprises a set of commitments designed to instill smart water practices in children and adults alike: "Whether I'm at home, the beach or pool, I will play it cool and follow the rules." "When it comes to swimming, water safety is key, that's why I will always have an adult with me!" "When I'm around water or on a boat, I can wear a life jacket to help me float." "No matter how deep the water may be, I'll always jump in with my feet." "If I see a swimmer in need, I know how to help them indeed! First, I'll throw them something to float, and then I'll go and get an adult." "We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Goldfish Swim School," said Casey McGovern, Executive Director of Every Child a Swimmer. "Their commitment to water safety and drowning prevention aligns perfectly with Every Child a Swimmer's mission. Together, we are making a lasting impact by providing children with the life-saving skill of swimming." More information on water safety is available on the Goldfish Swim School website at *See contest landing page for official rules and restrictions. Press Assets Ryan Murphy Headshot Casey McGovern Headshot Dr. Molly O'Shea Headshot Jenny McCuiston Headshot 2025 Safer Swimmer Pledge About Goldfish Swim SchoolFounded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Troy, Michigan-based Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged 4 months to 12 years. Classes are led by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly environment using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay®. Since opening its first franchised location in 2009, the brand has grown to more than 188 schools in over 35 states and Canada, with an additional 160+ in development. Goldfish is ranked No. 74 overall in Entrepreneur's 2024 Franchise 500® and has been recognized as the No. 1 swimming lessons franchise for eight consecutive years, was named to Franchise Times' Top Brand to Buy in 2024 and is rated as a Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review for 2024. About Every Child a SwimmerEvery Child A Swimmer is the philanthropic arm of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to life-saving swim lessons, regardless of financial barriers. Led by Executive Director Casey McGovern - a mom on a mission after tragically losing her own daughter to drowning - the initiative is driven by a deep passion for water safety education. Through advocacy, scholarships, and partnerships with swim schools and community organizations, Every Child A Swimmer strives to break down barriers to swim instruction, reduce childhood drownings, and create a future where every child has the skills and confidence to be safer in and around water. About Great Wolf LodgeGreat Wolf Resorts, Inc. owns and operates North America's largest family of indoor water park resorts. Great Wolf Lodge offers a fully integrated resort experience designed specifically for families, with an expansive indoor water park, family-friendly attractions, fun-filled entertainment, delectable eateries and more, all under one roof. The company has locations in: Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Williamsburg, Va.; Pocono Mountains, Pa.; Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada; Mason, Ohio; Grapevine, Texas; Grand Mound, Wash., Fitchburg, Mass., Charlotte, N.C.; Garden Grove, Calif., Colorado Springs, Colo., Bloomington, Minn., LaGrange, Ga., Gurnee, Ill.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Manteca, Calif. and Perryville, Md. The company celebrated the grand opening of new resorts in Webster, Texas in August 2024 and Naples, Fla. in Sept, 2024, and Mashantucket, Conn. in May 2025. Media Contact:Triple 7 Public RelationsAshley Sandberg, ashley@ Shannon Leigh Keenan, shannonleigh@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Goldfish Swim School
