Accidental ingestion of medication is a leading cause of child poisoning. Here are tips on how to safely store medicines and keep them away from kids.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Chances are you have some sort of medication in your home. Many of us depend on them to keep us well or to fight illness.
But did you know that one of the biggest reasons children go to the ER every year is for accidental ingestion of these?
Many people store their medications in easy to reach locations like pantries or a medicine cabinet by the sink. Keeping them handy makes them easy to remember and easy to grab. But what makes it easy for you, also makes it easy for kids.
Even the places you think are private, like a purse, briefcase, or nightstand, are no match for a curious kid.
And one of the problems is that many of the pills look like the candy the kids are eating anyway.
Check this out. The pills on the right are pain killers. On the left is a popular kids candy. The similarities may seem obvious to an adult, but to a kid, it’s all candy to them.
One of the most important steps you can take to prevent accidental poisoning from these every-day items is to be aware of what all you have that could be poisonous.
Pill bottles like these are obviously meds. We’ve seen them all our lives and we know to keep them locked up.
But these over-the-counter medications can also be dangerous if kids get too much. Their bottles and packages aren’t quite so obvious, but it’s important to consider them when thinking about potential poisoning.
And don’t overlook these: mouthwashes, liquid medications, and even eye drops. All potentially toxic.
Locking your medicine cabinet is the best way to ensure that only you can access your medications. This can be done several ways, and don’t forget these.
These childproofing locks can be very handy.
Put the medications up and out, that means up high and out of sight.
Be sure to put your medications away each time you use them.
Be sure you track your prescription meds closely. Monitor how many are left and be aware if some are missing.
Talk about medicine safety with your kids. Be sure they understand that pills are not candy and never ever suggest that a pill tastes like candy in an effort to get your child to take it.
Keep the poison control center number where you can find it. Inside the medicine cabinet, near the telephone, and programmed into your mobile device under poison. And don’t forget to teach your kids about the number.
Making your home safer by reducing the risk of poisoning is a big deal, but let’s face it kids aren’t at home 100% of the time. Aadults who live alone, especially older ones, may have a tray full of medications sitting on the table. It reminds them to take them.
That’s why it’s important to talk to grandparents, caregivers, neighbors, and even guests about how to securely put away their medications.
With tips for a healthier home, I’m Jay Baker.