Monday, March 18: Children Act Fast … So Do Poisons

• Children younger than 6 account for about half of the calls placed to poison centers about poison exposures.
• When it comes to poison prevention, child-resistant is not child-proof. Layer the protection: re-seal and lock up, out of sight and reach.
• Tell children what medicine is and why you must be the one to give it to them. Never call medicine “candy” to get them to take it.

Tuesday, March 19: Poison Centers: Saving You Time and Money

• Poison centers offer some of the best health value around: free, fast, confidential, expert medical advice 24 hours a day, every day of the year with just one phone call.
• More than 90 percent of cases from the general public can be managed without referral to the ER, avoiding the hospital. How’s that for a time-saver?
• U.S. poison centers answer millions of calls each year. Most calls come from the public, but did you know that doctors and nurses also call us for treatment advice?
• The poison center system saves the nation $1.8 billion each year by keeping people out of the hospitals, getting them back to work sooner, and by encouraging safety and prevention.

Wednesday, March 20: Poisonings Span a Lifetime

• Poison prevention is for everyone, from babies to seniors and everyone in between.
• Poisoning is a big deal! Poisoning is the leading cause of injury death in Connecticut, surpassing motor vehicle crashes.
• Most calls to poison centers are about children, but most people who die from poisons are adults. Poisoning is a danger for all of us.

Thursday, March 21: Home, Safe Home

• More than 90 percent of poisonings happen in people’s homes, mainly in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.
• Never store household and garden chemicals in food containers like cups or bottles.
• Are your carbon monoxide detectors working? Test them every six months and put in fresh batteries.
• Swallowing a button battery can be deadly for a child. Call your local poison center right away if a battery is missing from a toy or other household item.

Friday, March 22: Spotlight on Prescription Painkillers

• The FDA is calling prescription drug abuse an “epidemic.” Prescription painkillers are responsible for a lot of the addiction and abuse.
• Be aware of the dangers these drugs can pose. Never change your dose without talking to your doctor first.
• Using these drugs without a doctor’s prescription can be deadly, even the first time using them.
• Prescription painkiller abuse does not draw boundaries. This epidemic hits the young and old, men and women, and all income levels. Learn more here.

Source: American Association of Poison Control Centers