Shakespeare first warned to beware the ides of March. . .Now, the Council on Family Health has issued a warning to beware of unintentional poisoning accidents during the month of March.   With us today is Mr. Bob Donovan, President of the Council on Family Health.  Bob, what is Poison Prevention Month?

"This event was signed into law by President Kennedy as a means for local communities to raise awareness of the dangers of unintentional poisonings.  The basic theme is, children act fast. . .so do poisons."

Most parents know how fast kids can act, especially toddlers!  But it's hard to think fast, especially in an emergency.  How can the Council help with this?

The Council is offering free telephone stickers with spaces to fill in telephone numbers for a family doctor, a local pharmacy and the poison control center.  In a situation where every moment counts, having those emergency telephone numbers immediately available could be a real life saver". 

With poisonings or other accidents, an ounce of prevention is certainly worth a pound of cure.  The Council on Family Health recommends using child resistant packaging on all medicines.  Keep medicines stored safely out of children's sight and reach.  And of course, always read the labels before using any product [to check warnings, dosage instructions, and the expiration date].

Click here for related information.

Created: 3/26/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.