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Politics : PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: jlallen who wrote (207563)	12/6/2001 10:54:39 AM
From: goldworldnet	Respond to of 769670

Stand Under But Don't Eat the Mistletoe It's a great idea to stand under a mistletoe and give your spouse a smooch, but don't reach up and grab a leaf or berry and take a bite. It could be the last nibble you take. All parts of the *American mistletoe* are poisonous. They contain two amines and phoratoxin and in combination these may cause toxic reactions which include gastroenteritis, cardiac arrest and, in some cases, death. Keep mistletoe away from children, pets, and adults who had too many cups of eggnog. Some other plants that can cause you some serious discomfort are *American holly* and *English holly. The red berries of these ornamental shrubs with glossy green leaves may give you a bad case of diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting if eaten. And in case you or the cat decides to eat several flowering amaryllis bulbs, be prepared to make the same frequent trip to the bathroom or the litter box. A couple of other plants that can cause problems are as follows: Crown-of-thorns-plant* sap contains caustic and irritating chemicals, which will cause skin irritation, especially to mouth if eaten, and a sore tummy. It can also cause eye irritation if rubbed near the eyes. *Jerusalem Cherry* is an ornamental pepper plant grown for its ornamental fruit. The alkaloid found in the fruit and leaves can cause abdominal pains, mild gastroenteritis or vomiting if eaten by a family pet or small child. What about the *poinsettia? Are they poisonous? No, but one study done by the Society of American Florists show that 66 percent* of you still believe they are toxic. This consumer plant has been tested for years and show that even eating large amounts has no toxic effect. Experts estimate a 50-pound child would have to eat 500 *poinsettia* leaves to exceed the experimental dosage. While the plant is not toxic, eating 500 leaves may cause you to vomit. So could eating 500 apples. Some tips of prevention: Teach kids not to eat plants Keep them out of reach just in case Keep the phone number of the POISON CONTROL CENTER (1-800-942-5969) handy, plus your physician and veterinarian's number If Uncle Henry eats the mistletoe plant, call poison control or your physician and take Henry to the emergency room. Don't stick your fingers down his throat or give him raw eggs, salt and vinegar to make him vomit. Listen to your physician and follow their instructions. urbanext.uiuc.edu * * *