PHOTO CREDIT PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES 32 This Just In NEWS, RESEARCH AND TIPS THAT CAN MAKE YOU HEALTHIER STARTING TODAY BY MONIQUE CURET Security Detail Think of prescription pain medicine like valuables and secure it accordingly: Store in a locked container Keep in original packaging Keep out of children's reach Do not share it Safely dispose of unused pills Source: American Medical Association Manage Medications to Keep Children Safe NEW GUIDANCE FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS on giving children opioid pain medications after surgery includes educating parents on the safe use of the powerful drugs. It's common to prescribe pain medication to children and adolescents after surgery, and kids who take it appropriately are at low risk for abuse or dependence. But misuse is associated with high-risk behavior in youths, according to the guidelines in the journal FALL 2021 VIM & VIGOR JAMA Surgery, which draw on 217 articles published between 1988 and 2019. Misuse occurs when medications are either taken in ways other than as prescribed or taken without a prescription. One of the main takeaways of the new guidelines is that careful supervision by parents is needed, including controlling access to medication. That means opioids should be stored securely by the parent, not left in the child's possession.